Fersmite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Fersmite
Formula:
(Ca,Ce,Na)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2(O,OH,F)6
Colour:
Black, dark brown, lemon-yellow to yellow-brown
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Sub-Metallic
Hardness:
4 - 4½
Specific Gravity:
4.78 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1946 by Elsa Maximilianovna Bohnstedt-Kupletskaya and T. A. Burova in honour of academic Aleksandr Evgenievich Fersman (November 8, 1883 St. Petersburg, Russia - May 20, 1945 Sochi, Georgia), mineralogist, founder of the Fersman Mineralogical Museum in Moscow, Russia. The mineral fersmanite is also named after him.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1539
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1539:0
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
f8e6caed-9603-49e3-af1f-17935f1360a2
IMA Classification of Fersmite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
CaNb2O6
Classification of Fersmite
4.DG.05
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
D : Metal: Oxygen = 1:2 and similar
G : With large (+- medium-sized) cations; chains of edge-sharing octahedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
D : Metal: Oxygen = 1:2 and similar
G : With large (+- medium-sized) cations; chains of edge-sharing octahedra
8.3.3.1
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
3 : AB2O6
8 : MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM
3 : AB2O6
18.2.12
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
2 : Niobates and tantalates containing rare earths but not U
18 : Niobates and Tantalates
2 : Niobates and tantalates containing rare earths but not U
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Symbol | Source | Reference |
---|---|---|
Fsm | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Fersmite
Pronunciation:
Play | Recorded by | Country |
---|---|---|
Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Fersmite
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Sub-Metallic
Transparency:
Translucent, Opaque
Colour:
Black, dark brown, lemon-yellow to yellow-brown
Streak:
Grayish brown
Hardness:
4 - 4½ on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=572 - 593 - Vickers
Tenacity:
Very brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
{100}
{100}
Parting:
present
Fracture:
Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
4.78 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Fersmite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 2.070 nβ = 2.080 nγ = 2.190
2V:
Measured: 20° to 25°, Calculated: 36°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.120
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Very High
Dispersion:
r < v strong
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X = Y = pale greenish yellow to colorless; Z = dark greenish yellow to olive-yellow
Chemistry of Fersmite
Mindat Formula:
(Ca,Ce,Na)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2(O,OH,F)6
Crystallography of Fersmite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pbcn
Cell Parameters:
a = 14.926(4) Å, b = 5.752(4) Å, c = 5.204(4) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.595 : 1 : 0.905
Unit Cell V:
446.79 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
prismatic crystals
Comment:
commonly metamict
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0000196 | Fersmite | Cummings J P, Simonsen S H (1970) The crystal structure of calcium niobate (CaNb2O6) American Mineralogist 55 90-97 | 1970 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
0012371 | Fersmite | Gurbanova O A, Rastsvetaeva R K, Kashaev A A, Smolin A S (2001) Refined crystal structure of TR-fersmite (TR = Ce) Crystallography Reports 46 194-195 | 2001 | Ust'-Biran deposit | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacing | Intensity |
---|---|
3.049 Å | (100) |
3.762 Å | (21) |
1.527 Å | (15) |
2.493 Å | (14) |
1.183 Å | (13) |
1.211 Å | (11) |
1.967 Å | (10) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
---|---|
Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks | |
36 : Carbonatites, kimberlites, and related igneous rocks |
Geological Setting:
accessory mineral in nepheline syenites and carbonatites.
Type Occurrence of Fersmite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 44383, 44384
Other Language Names for Fersmite
Relationship of Fersmite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
Euxenite-(Y) | (Y,Ca,Ce,U,Th)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbcn |
Kobeite-(Y) | (Y,U)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 (?) | Iso. |
Loranskite-(Y) | (Y,Ce,Ca)ZrTaO6 (?) | |
Tanteuxenite-(Y) | Y(Ta,Nb,Ti)2(O,OH)6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbcn |
Uranopolycrase | (U4+,Y)(Ti,Nb)2O6 | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbcn |
Yttrocrasite-(Y) | (Y,Th,Ca,U)(Ti,Fe)2(O,OH)6 | Amor. |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
5 photos of Fersmite associated with Microlite Group | A2-mTa2X6-wZ-n |
4 photos of Fersmite associated with Uranmicrolite (of Hogarth 1977) | (Ca,U,Na)2-x(Ta,Nb)2(O,OH)7 |
3 photos of Fersmite associated with Albite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
3 photos of Fersmite associated with Cassiterite | SnO2 |
3 photos of Fersmite associated with Svanbergite | SrAl3(PO4)(SO4)(OH)6 |
2 photos of Fersmite associated with Dolomite | CaMg(CO3)2 |
2 photos of Fersmite associated with Lueshite | NaNbO3 |
1 photo of Fersmite associated with Hydroxylbastnäsite-(Ce) | Ce(CO3)(OH) |
1 photo of Fersmite associated with Ancylite-(Ce) | CeSr(CO3)2(OH) · H2O |
1 photo of Fersmite associated with Hydroxycalciopyrochlore | (Ca,Na,U,◻)2(Nb,Ti)2O6(OH) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
4.DG.05 | Euxenite-(Y) | (Y,Ca,Ce,U,Th)(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6 |
4.DG.05 | Kobeite-(Y) | (Y,U)(Ti,Nb)2(O,OH)6 (?) |
4.DG.05 | Loranskite-(Y) | (Y,Ce,Ca)ZrTaO6 (?) |
4.DG.05 | Tanteuxenite-(Y) | Y(Ta,Nb,Ti)2(O,OH)6 |
4.DG.05 | Uranopolycrase | (U4+,Y)(Ti,Nb)2O6 |
4.DG.05 | Yttrocrasite-(Y) | (Y,Th,Ca,U)(Ti,Fe)2(O,OH)6 |
4.DG.10 | Clinofergusonite-(Y) | YNbO4 |
4.DG.10 | Clinofergusonite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ce)NbO4 |
4.DG.10 | Clinofergusonite-(Ce) | CeNbO4 |
4.DG.10 | Yttrotantalite-(Y) | (Y,U,Fe2+)(Ta,Nb)(O,OH)4 |
4.DG.15 | Foordite | Sn2+Nb2O6 |
4.DG.15 | Thoreaulite | Sn2+Ta2O6 |
4.DG.20 | Raspite | Pb(WO4) |
Fluorescence of Fersmite
Fluoresces yellow-green to bluish green under SW and LW UV; light blue cathodoluminescence
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Fersmite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1539.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Fersmite
Reference List:
Localities for Fersmite
Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality.
Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Fetherston (2004) |
Austria | |
| Postl et al. (1987) |
| Mali (2004) |
Mali (2004) | |
Brazil | |
| Beurlen et al. (2008) |
| Beurlen +4 other references |
| Comin-Chiaramonti et al. (2008) |
Canada | |
| GJ Simandl (1991) |
| Chudy T et al. (2014) |
| Blue River Carbonatites et al. (http://www.commerceresources.com/i/pdf/05-BCGOVRREPORT.pdf) |
| George J. Simandl (2001) |
Berger et al. (2009) | |
| Jennifer Pell (1994) +2 other references |
| Bannatyne (1985) |
| Camacho et al. (2014) |
| Papoutsa et al. (2013) |
| McLaughlin (1990) |
| Savard (2019) |
| in International Workshop on the ... +1 other reference |
China | |
| Shi Li (1980) +4 other references |
| Liu +1 other reference |
Zhang Peishan et al. (1996) | |
| Wu et al. (2023) |
| Xue et al. (2021) |
Xue et al. (2021) | |
| Lin et al. (1995) |
Czech Republic | |
| Novak et al. (2010) +2 other references |
| Ddolníček Z et al. (2020) |
Novák | |
Sejkora +2 other references | |
| Sejkora et al. (2020) |
| Novak et al. (1996) |
| Výravský et al. (2017) |
DR Congo | |
| www.handbookofmineralogy.com (2012) +1 other reference |
| Voloshin A.V. (1988) |
France | |
| MONCHOUX P. et al. (2006) |
Germany | |
| Hentschel |
Hentschel | |
| Hentschel |
| Hentschel |
Greenland | |
| Petersen (2001) |
Bohse et al. (2001) | |
India | |
| Acharya et al. (1982) |
| Chakrabarty et al. (2018) |
Italy | |
| Guastoni et al. (2010) |
| Grill (1935) |
Sergio Varvello collection | |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| |
| Mattioli (1979 a) +8 other references |
Piccoli et al. (2007) +1 other reference | |
Callegari A. et al. (4) | |
Albertini (2011) | |
| Gamboni et al. (2001) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Stepanov et al. (2012) |
Madagascar | |
| Pezzotta (1999) |
De Vito et al. (2006) | |
Mongolia | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Kartashov P.M. et al. (Mongolian Altai) |
Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
Mozambique | |
| Moiana (2010) |
North Korea | |
| Kim et al. (2023) |
Norway | |
| Larsen (2001) |
| Nordrum (2008) +1 other reference |
| Husdal (2023) |
| Pršek et al. (2010) |
| Raade (1993) |
| Neumann (1985) |
| Larsen (2021) |
Poland | |
| PIECZKA et al. 2010: Nb-Ta minerals in ... |
Szuszkiewicz et al. (2013) +1 other reference | |
| Evans et al. (2018) |
| Pieczka et al. (2023) |
Pieczka et al. (2023) | |
| Pieczka A. 2006: An unusual manganoan apatite from the Szklary pegmatite (Lower Silesia, Poland) +3 other references |
Romania | |
| Pál Molnár (2000) |
| Hirtopanu et al. (2013) |
| Săbău (2010) |
Russia | |
| Makagonov et al. (2017) |
| Sorokina et al. (2019) |
Chakhmouradian et al. (2015) | |
Nedosekova (2007) +1 other reference | |
Popova et al. (2018) | |
| Pekov (1998) |
webmineral.ru (2016) | |
| Chakhmouradian et al. (2015) |
| Chakhmouradian et al. (1999) |
| Vital'Evna (2021) |
| Igor.V. Pekov (2008) |
| Chakhmouradian et al. (2015) |
Slovakia | |
| Uher |
| Huraiová et al. (2019) |
| Uher P. et al. (2018) |
| Uher et al. (Považský Inovec) |
Uher P. +1 other reference | |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
| VERWOERD (1986) |
South Korea | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Spain | |
| Ковальчук et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
Casillas et al. (2011) | |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
Sri Lanka | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data (2011) |
Sweden | |
| Sandström et al. (2010) |
Sandström et al. (2010) | |
Sandström et al. (2010) | |
Tajikistan | |
| Pautov et al. (2022) |
Tanzania | |
| Chakhmouradian et al. (2015) |
UK | |
| von Knorring et al. (1984) |
USA | |
| Philpotts et al. (1998) |
| Philpotts et al. (1998) |
| Howard (1987) |
| Rocks and Minerals (1989) |
Min News (2000) | |
| Rocks and Mineral: 1998: 168 & 178 |
Foord et al. (1978) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
USGS Prof Paper 649 +1 other reference | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Chunzeng Wang +2 other references |
| Buchholz et al. (2014) |
| Am Min (1959) +1 other reference |
American Mineralogist (1961) | |
| Nashua Min. Soc. Display Cat. |
| Chris O'Neill and Travis Olds |
| Rocks and Minerals +2 other references |
| a classic locality revisited. The Canadian Mineralogist (2) +1 other reference |
Quick NavTopAbout FersmiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPronunciation Physical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Alpe Rosso, Orcesco, Druogno, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Province, Piedmont, Italy