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Aluminite

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Big Photo

Newhaven, East Sussex, England, UK
© Bill Gordon

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Formula:
Al
 
2
(SO
 
4
)(OH)
 
4
 · 7H
 
2
O
System:MonoclinicColour:White to yellow, grey; ...
Hardness:1 - 2
Member of:Aluminite Group
Name:Named in 1807 for its composition, containing principally aluminium.


Aluminite Group.

Found as earthy reniform or nodular masses composed of tiny fibrous crystals.

Classification of Aluminite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:6/D.06-40
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:7.DC.05

7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations; chains of edge-sharing octahedra
Dana 7th edition ID:31.7.4.1
Dana 8th edition ID:31.7.4.1

31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
Hey's CIM Ref.:25.6.5

25 : Sulphates
6 : Sulphates of Al and Tl
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Type Occurrence of Aluminite

Type Locality:Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
Year of Discovery:1807

Occurrences of Aluminite

Geological Setting:Found as concretionary deposits in Tertiary to Quaternary clays, marls, and lignites, formed by the action of sulfate solutions derived from the decay of pyrite or marcasite on aluminous silicates. Typically in clays or lignites, formed by the reaction of sulfate-bearing solutions from the decomposition of marcasite or pyrite at moderate temperatures with aluminous silicates; as a volcanic sublimate; in sulfur deposits; rarely in caves.

Physical Properties of Aluminite

Lustre:Dull, Earthy
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Translucent, Opaque
Colour:White to yellow, grey; colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:White
Hardness (Mohs):1 - 2
Hardness Data:Measured
Tenacity:Fragile
Cleavage:None Observed
None
Parting:None
Fracture:Irregular/Uneven
Density (measured):1.7 g/cm3
Density (calculated):1.794 g/cm3

Crystallography of Aluminite

Crystal System:Monoclinic
Class (H-M):2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:P21/b {P1 1 21/b} {P21/c} {P1 21/c 1} {P21/a}
Cell Parameters:a = 7.44Å, b = 15.583Å, c = 11.7Å
β = 110.18°
Ratio:a:b:c = 0.477 : 1 : 0.751
Unit Cell Volume:V 1,273.20 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:As needles and fibers, to 0.1 mm, commonly in reniform, nodular, or spherulitic masses, and as veinlets.
Twinning:None noted.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
d-spacingIntensity
8.98(100)
7.79(90)
6.37(40)
5.49(30)
5.01(40)
4.70(50)
3.74(40)
3.71(30)

Optical Data of Aluminite

Type:Biaxial (+)
RI values: nα = 1.459 nβ = 1.464 nγ = 1.470
2V:Measured: 90° , Calculated: 86°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.011

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Moderate
Dispersion:none

Chemical Properties of Aluminite

Formula:
Al
 
2
(SO
 
4
)(OH)
 
4
 · 7H
 
2
O
Essential elements:Al, H, O, S
All elements listed in formula:Al, H, O, S

Relationship of Aluminite to other Species

Member of:Aluminite Group
Other Members of Group:

- +
Mangazeite
Al
 
2
(SO
 
4
)(OH)
 
4
 · 3H
 
2
O
Common Associates:
GypsumGoethiteGibbsiteFelsőbányaiteEpsomite
DolomiteCelestine
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
7.DC.05Meta-aluminite
Al
 
2
(SO
 
4
)(OH)
 
4
 · 5H
 
2
O
7.DC.10Butlerite
Fe
3+
 
(SO
 
4
)(OH) · 2H
 
2
O
7.DC.10Parabutlerite
Fe
3+
 
(SO
 
4
)(OH) · 2H
 
2
O
7.DC.15Fibroferrite
Fe
3+
 
(SO
 
4
)(OH) · 5H
 
2
O
7.DC.20Xitieshanite
Fe
3+
 
(SO
 
4
)Cl · 6H
 
2
O
7.DC.25Botryogen
MgFe
3+
 
(SO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH) · 7H
 
2
O
7.DC.25Zincobotryogen
(Zn,Mg,Mn
2+
 
)Fe
3+
 
(SO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH) · 7H
 
2
O
7.DC.30Chaidamuite
ZnFe
3+
 
(SO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH) · 4H
 
2
O
7.DC.30Guildite
CuFe
3+
 
(SO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH) · 4H
 
2
O
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
25.6.1Rostite
Al(SO
 
4
)(OH) · 5H
 
2
O
25.6.2Jurbanite
Al(SO
 
4
)(OH) · 5H
 
2
O
25.6.3Khademite
Al(SO
 
4
)F · 5H
 
2
O
25.6.4Meta-aluminite
Al
 
2
(SO
 
4
)(OH)
 
4
 · 5H
 
2
O
25.6.6Meta-alunogen
Al
 
2
(SO
 
4
)
 
3
 · 12H
 
2
O
25.6.7Alunogen
Al
 
2
(SO
 
4
)
 
3
 · 17H
 
2
O
25.6.8Felsőbányaite
Al
 
4
(SO
 
4
)(OH)
 
10
 · 4H
 
2
O
25.6.9Basaluminite
25.6.10Hydrobasaluminite
Al
 
4
(SO
 
4
)(OH)
 
10
 · 12-36H
 
2
O
25.6.11Zaherite
Al
 
12
(SO
 
4
)
 
5
(OH)
 
26
 · 20H
 
2
O
25.6.12Tamarugite
NaAl(SO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 6H
 
2
O
25.6.13Mendozite
NaAl(SO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 11H
 
2
O
25.6.14Alum-(Na)
NaAl(SO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 12H
 
2
O
25.6.15Natroalunite
(Na,K)Al
 
3
(SO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH)
 
6
25.6.16Kalinite
KAl(SO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 11H
 
2
O Not confirmed
25.6.17Alum-(K)
KAl(SO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 12H
 
2
O
25.6.18Alunite
KAl
 
3
(SO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH)
 
6
25.6.19Minamiite
(Na,Ca
 
0.5
,K)Al
 
3
(SO
 
4
)
 
2
(OH)
 
6
25.6.20Tschermigite
(NH
 
4
)Al(SO
 
4
)
 
2
 · 12H
 
2
O

Other Names for Aluminite

Synonyms:
Alley stoneHallite (of Delamétherie)Native ArgillWebsterite
Other Languages:
French:Hydrosulfate d'alumine
German:Aluminit
Reine Thonerde
Websterit
Russian:Алюминит
Simplified Chinese:明矾
Spanish:Aluminita
Websterita

Other Information

Other Information:Soluble in acids.
Health Warning:No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

References for Aluminite

Reference List:

- +
Werner, A.G. (1780) Cronstedt’s Versuch einer Mineralogie, Übersetzt und Vermehrt. Vol. 1, part 1, Leipzig: 176 (as Reine Thonerde).

Kirwan, R. (1784) Elements of Mineralogy. First edition, London: 1: 175 (as Native Argill).

Haberle (1807) Das Mineralreich, etc. (as Aluminit)

Karsten, D.L.G. (1808) Mineralogische Tabellen, Berlin. second edition: 48 (as Aluminit).

Delamétherie, J.C. (1812) Leçons de minéralogie. 8vo, volume 2, Paris (as Hallite).

Brongniart in: Haüy (1822): 2: 125 (as Websterite).

Beudant, F.S. (1824), Trailé élémentaire de Minéralogie, 8vo, Paris: 449 (as Websterite).

Fisscher (1880) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 4: 375.

Oldham (1897) Records of the Geological Survey of India: 30: 110.

Lacroix, A. (1910) Minéralogie de la France et des ses colonies, Paris. 5 volumes: vol. 4: 4: 243.

Zahálka (1911) Böhm. Ges., Sitzber., no. 23.

Larsen, E.S. (1921) The Microscopic Determination of the Nonopaque Minerals, First edition, USGS Bulletin 679: 38.

Doelter, C. (1927) Handbuch der Mineral-chemie (in 4 volumes divided into parts): 4[2]: 387.

Pilipenko (1927) Wiss. Schr. Univ. Saratow: 6: 167.

Pilipenko (1928) Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie, Geologie und Paleontologie, Heidelberg, Stuttgart: I: 298.

Hintze, Carl (1929) Handbuch der Mineralogie. Berlin and Leipzig. 6 volumes: 1 [3B]: 4432.

Carobbi (1932) Periodico de Mineralogia-Roma: 3: 204.

Kashkai (1939) Comptes rendus de l’académie des sciences de l’U.R.S.S., n.s.: 24: 931.

Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 7th edition, revised and enlarged, 1124 pp.: 600-601.

Acta Crystallographica: 1334: 2407-2412.

Gaines, Richard V., H. Catherine, W. Skinner, Eugene E. Foord, Brian Mason, Abraham Rosenzweig (1997), Dana's New Mineralogy : The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana: 649.

Internet Links for Aluminite

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    • Localities for Aluminite

    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
    Hide Locality List
    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Australia
     
    • Queensland
      • Rockhampton Region
        • Mount Morgan
    		qld Dept of mines- mines records
    • Western Australia
      • Roebourne Shire
        • Karratha
    		Formation of Platiniferous Sulfide Horizons by Crystal Fractionation and Magma Mixing in the Munni Munni Layered Intrusion, West Pilbara Block, Western Australia; D Hoatson and R Keays, Ecomonic Geology Vol 84 #7 pp1775-1804 Nov 1989
    Austria
     
    • Styria
      • Leoben
    		FREYN, R. (1906): Über einige neue Mineralfunde und Fundorte in Steiermark. Mitteilungen des Naturwissenschaftlichen Vereines für Steiermark 42, 283-317.
    FREYN, R. (1906): Über einige neue Mineralfunde und Fundorte in Steiermark. Mitteilungen des Naturwissenschaftlichen Vereines für Steiermark 42, 283-317.
    Azerbaijan
     
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601.
    Canada
     
    • Yukon Territory
      • Dawson Mining District
    		MinRec 23:4-47
    Robinson, G.W., Van Velthuizen, J., Ansell, H.G. & Sturman, B.D. (1992): Mineralogy of the Rapid Creek and Big Fish River area, Yukon Territory. Mineralogical Record 23, 1-47.
    Chile
     
    • Antofagasta Region
      • El Loa Province
        • Calama
          • Chuquicamata District
    		R.B. Cook: "Famous mineal locality; Chuquicamata, Chile": Mineralogical Record, sept.-oct. 1973
    China
     
    • Fujian Province
      • Fuzhou Prefecture
        • Minhou Co.
    		Lincong Fu (1998): Geology of Fujian 17(4).
    • Yunnan Province
      • Baoshan Prefecture
        • Tengchong Co.
          • Rehai geothermal field
    		Pin'an Wang (2001): Bulletin of the Geological Survey of Japan 52(8).
    Czech Republic
     
    • Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen)
      • Central Bohemia Region
        • Kutná Hora (Kuttenberg)
    		Pauliš, P., Malec, J.: Nové nálezy aluminitu, Al2(SO4)(OH)4.7H2O, v ČSR. Časopis pro mineralogii a geologii, 1989, roč. 34, č. 4, s. 435.
      • Hradec Králové Region
        • Trutnov (Trautenau)
          • Radvanice
    		Jirásek, J.: Thermal Changes of the Rocks in the Dump Pile of the Kateřina Colliery in Radvanice (Eastern Bohemia). Ostrava: VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, Institute of Geological Engineering - 541, 2001. 69 p.
      • Pardubice Region
    		Prachař, I.: Současný stav výskytu nerostů ve Chvaleticích. Acta musei Reginaehradecensis, série A: vědy přírodní, 1981, roč. XVI., s. 99-102.
    • Moravia (Mähren; Maehren)
      • Olomouc Region
    		 Petr Paulis (2001): Die interessanten mineralogische Fundstellen in Mahren und Schlesien; Kuttna, Kutná Hora p69-73
    Pauliš, P.: Die interessanten mineralogische Fundstellen in Mähren und Schlesien. Kutná Hora: Kuttna, 2001.
    France
     
    • Brittany
      • Finistère
        • Huelgoat
    		A. Lacroix : "Minéralogie de la France et de ses colonies", 1913.
    • Champagne-Ardenne
      • Marne
        • Epernay
    		A. Lacroix : "Minéralogie de la France et de ses colonies", 1913; Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601.
    • Ile-de-France
      • Hauts-de-Seine
    		Strübel, Zimmer: "Lexikon der Minerale", 2nd Ed., 1991; Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601.
    A. Lacroix : "Minéralogie de la France et de ses colonies", 1913.
    Germany
     
    • Brandenburg
      • Bad Freienwalde
    		Baumgärtl,U. (2006). Mineralien aus Bad Freienwalde. Aufschluss, Jg.57, Nr.6, S.359-72.
    • Saxony-Anhalt
    		Werner, A.G. (1780) Cronstedt’s Versuch einer Mineralogie, Übersetzt und Vermehrt. Vol. 1, part 1, Leipzig: 176 (as Reine Thonerde); Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601.
    Hungary
     
    • Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Co.
      • Rudabányai Mts.
        • Rudabánya
    		Szakáll: Minerals of Rudabánya, 2001
    • Fejér Co.
      • Bakony Mts.
    		Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
      • Bicske-Zsámbéki Basin
        • Bicske-Csordakút
    		Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
    ACTA MIN. PETR. Suppl. Tomus XXXVIII., 1997
      • Vértes Mts.
        • Gánt
    		Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
    • Komárom-Esztergom Co.
      • Gerecse Mts.
        • Bajna
    		Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
    Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
    • Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg Co.
      • Tarpa
    		No reference listed
    • Veszprém Co.
      • Bakony Mts.
        • Fenyőfő
    		Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
    Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
        • Nyirád
    		Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
        • Sümeg
    		Mineral Species of Hungary, 2005
    ACTA MIN. PETR. Suppl. Tomus XXXVIII., 1997
    Italy
     
    • Campania
      • Naples Province
        • Somma-Vesuvius Complex
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601.; Russo, M., Punzo, I. (2004): I minerali del Somma-Vesuvio, AMI
    • Trentino-Alto Adige
      • Trento Province
        • Valsugana
          • Levico Terme
    		Exel, R. (1987): Guida mineralogica del Trentino e del Sudtirolo. Athesia, Bolzano, 204 pp.
    Japan
     
    • Honshu Island
      • Kinki Region
        • Hyogo Prefecture
          • Asago City
            • Ikuno-cho-ono
    		The Mineral Species of Japan (5th ed) Matsubara; Dr. Yohachiro Okamoto collection (conserved by the Geological Survey of Japan)
    Kazakhstan
     
    • Zhambyl Province (Jambyl Oblysy; Dzhambulskaya Oblast')
      • Talas Alatau Range (Talas Ala-Too Range)
    		Ankinovich, E.A, Bekenova, G.K., Shabanova, T.A., Zazubina, I.S., and Sandomirskaya, S.M. (1997): Mitryaevaite, Al10((PO4)8.7(SO3OH)1.3)10AlF3.3OH2O, a new mineral species from a Cambrian carbonaceous chert formation, Karatau Range and Zhabagly Mountains, Southern Kazakhstan. Canadian Mineralogist 35(6), 1415-1419.
    New Zealand
     
    • Kermadec Islands
    		Muiruru F.G. (1985) Hot spring and rock samples from Curtis Island Volcano, Kermadec Group. Unpub. paper Geothermal Institute, University of Auckland
    Pakistan
     
    • Punjab
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601.
    Romania
     
    • Hunedoara Co.
      • Cerna valley
    		Onac, B. P. (2009): ACTA CARSOLOGICA 38/1, 27-39
    Russia
     
    • Central Region
      • Moscow Oblast' (Moskovskaya Oblast')
    		Pavel M. Kartashov data
    • Far-Eastern Region
      • Sakhalinskaya Oblast'
        • Kuril Islands
          • Iturup Island
    		http://maurice.strahlen.org/kurilles/kurilles.htm
    • Povolzhsky Region
      • Saratov Oblast'
        • Saratov
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601.
    Slovakia
     
    • Banská Bystrica Region
      • Krupina Co.
        • Hontianske Nemce
    		Koděra, M. et al., 1986 a 1990 : Topografická mineralógia Slovenska, diel 1- 3, Veda – Vydavateľstvo SAV, Bratislava, 1990, 1 – 1590k
    • Prešov Region
      • Prešov Co.
    		Duda et. all.,1981:Minerály severnej časti Slanských vrchov. Min.Slovca,Monografia 2,Bratislava, 98 p
    South Africa
     
    • Eastern Cape Province
      • Alfred Nzo District
    		Minerals of South Africa
    • Mpumalanga Province
      • Nelspruit District
    		Martini, J.E.J. et al (1997), "Mbobo Mkulu Cave, South Africa", in "Cave Minerals of the World" (1997)
    UK
     
    • England
      • Devon
        • Okehampton area (Northern Dartmoor)
    		http://www.mineralman.f9.co.uk/quarries/meldon.htm
      • Dorset
        • Lulworth Cove
    		Paul Render
      • East Sussex
    		F. Rutley: "Elements of Mineralogy", 12th Ed. (1900)
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601.
      • Essex
        • Burnham on Crouch
    		Paul Render
      • Greater London
    		F. Rutley: "Elements of Mineralogy", 12th Ed. (1900)
    USA
     
    • Colorado
      • Jefferson Co.
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
      • San Juan Co.
        • Red Mountain District
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    • Missouri
      • Jasper Co.
    		Rocks & Min., March 1998.
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601; Korbel & Novak, 1999. Min. Encylopaedia, p.148
    • New Mexico
      • Eddy Co.
    		Journ. of Cave & Karst Stud., April 1998
    • Tennessee
      • Sevier Co.
        • Great Smoky Mts
    		Coskren, T. D. & Lauf, R. J. (2000): The Minerals of Alum Cave Bluff, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. Mineralogical Record, 31, 168.
    • Utah
      • Emery Co.
        • San Rafael District (San Rafael Swell)
          • Temple Mountain
      • Grand Co.
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 601; UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah.
      • Kane Co.
    		UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    Venezuela
     
    • Miranda
    		Urbani, 1997. Bol. Soc. Venezolana de Espeleología, no.30.
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    Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2013. Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them. Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. Mindat does not offer minerals for sale. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.
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