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Foitite

Big Photo

Erongo Mountain, Usakos and Omaruru Districts, Erongo Region, Namibia
© minresco

Show Foitite Photos (20)
Formula:
[ ][Fe
2+
2
(Al,Fe
3+
 
)][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
System:TrigonalColour:Dark indigo with purple ...
Lustre:VitreousHardness:7
Name:Named for Franklin F. Foit, Jr. (b. 1942), mineralogist at Washington State University
This page provides mineralogical data about Foitite.

Classification of Foitite

IMA status:Approved
Strunz 8th edition ID:8/E.19-55
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:9.CK.05

9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
K : [Si6O18]12- 6-membered single rings, with insular complex anions
Dana 7th edition ID:61.3.1.1
Dana 8th edition ID:61.3.1.1

61 : CYCLOSILICATES Six-Membered Rings
3 : Six-Membered Rings with borate groups
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Type Occurrence of Foitite

Type Locality:California, USA
Year of Discovery:1993

Physical Properties of Foitite

Lustre:Vitreous
Colour:Dark indigo with purple tints to bluish-black.
Streak:Greyish-white.
Hardness (Mohs):7

Crystallography of Foitite

Crystal System:Trigonal
Cell Parameters:a = 15.96Å, c = 7.12Å
Ratio:a:c = 1 : 0.446
Unit Cell Volume:V 1,570.64 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
Image Loading

Radiation - Copper Kα
Data Set:
Horizontal Axis: ° to ° Vertical Axis: % Source Data: Filtered Data: Peaks:
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.

Optical Data of Foitite

Type:Uniaxial (-)
RI values: nω = 1.664 nε = 1.642
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.022

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Moderate

Chemical Properties of Foitite

Formula:
[ ][Fe
2+
2
(Al,Fe
3+
 
)][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
Essential elements:Al, B, Fe, H, O, Si
All elements listed in formula:Al, B, Fe, H, O, Si
Common Impurities:Mn,Mg,Ca,Na,Li,B,H2O

Relationship of Foitite to other Species

Member of:Tourmaline
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
9.CK.05Buergerite
[Na][Fe
3+
3
][Al
 
6
][O
 
3
|F|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Chromdravite
[Na][Mg
 
3
][(Cr
3+
 
,Fe
3+
 
)
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Dravite
[Na][Mg
 
3
][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Elbaite
[Na][(Li,Al)
 
3
][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Feruvite
[Ca][(Fe
2+
 
 ,Mg)
 
3
][MgAl
 
5
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Liddicoatite
[Ca][Li
 
2
Al][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|F|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Olenite
(Na,[ ])[(Al,Li)
 
3
][Al
 
6
][(O,OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Povondraite
[Na][Fe
3+
3
][Fe
3+
4
Mg
 
2
][(OH)
 
3
|F|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Schorl
[Na][Fe
2+
3
][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Uvite
[Ca][(Mg,Fe
2+
 
)
 
3
][MgAl
 
5
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Magnesiofoitite
[ ][Mg
 
2
(Al,Fe
3+
 
 )][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Rossmanite
[ ][LiAl
 
2
][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Vanadiumdravite
[Na][Mg
 
3
][V
3+
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.05Oxy-Dravite
Na (MgAl
 
2
)(MgAl
 
5
)Si
 
6
O
 
18
(BO
 
3
)
 
3
(OH)
 
3
O
9.CK.05Oxy-rossmanite
[ ][LiAl
 
2
]Al
 
6
(BO
 
3
)
 
3
[Si
 
6
O
 
18
](OH)
 
3
(O)
9.CK.10Abenakiite-(Ce)
Na
 
26
Ce
 
6
[O|SO
 
2
|(CO
 
3
)
 
6
|(PO
 
4
)
 
6
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
9.CK.15Scawtite
Ca
 
7
Si
 
6
(CO
 
3
)O
 
18
·2H
 
2
O
9.CK.20Steenstrupine-(Ce)
Na
 
14
Mn
2+
2
(Fe
3+
 
,Mn
3+
 
)
 
2
Ce
 
6
(Zr,Th)[(OH)
 
2
|HPO
 
4
|(PO
 
4
)
 
6
|(Si
 
6
O
 
18
)
 
2
]·2H
 
2
O
9.CK.20Thorosteenstrupine
CaMnThSi
 
4
O
 
11
(OH)F·6H
 
2
O
Related Minerals - Dana Grouping):

- +
61.3.1.2Magnesiofoitite
[ ][Mg
 
2
(Al,Fe
3+
 
 )][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.3Rossmanite
[ ][LiAl
 
2
][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.4Liddicoatite
[Ca][Li
 
2
Al][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|F|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.5Uvite
[Ca][(Mg,Fe
2+
 
)
 
3
][MgAl
 
5
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.6Feruvite
[Ca][(Fe
2+
 
 ,Mg)
 
3
][MgAl
 
5
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.7Buergerite
[Na][Fe
3+
3
][Al
 
6
][O
 
3
|F|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.8Povondraite
[Na][Fe
3+
3
][Fe
3+
4
Mg
 
2
][(OH)
 
3
|F|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.9Olenite
(Na,[ ])[(Al,Li)
 
3
][Al
 
6
][(O,OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.10Elbaite
[Na][(Li,Al)
 
3
][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.11Dravite
[Na][Mg
 
3
][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.12Schorl
[Na][Fe
2+
3
][Al
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.13Chromdravite
[Na][Mg
 
3
][(Cr
3+
 
,Fe
3+
 
)
 
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]
61.3.1.14Vanadiumdravite
[Na][Mg
 
3
][V
3+
6
][(OH)
 
3
|OH|(BO
 
3
)
 
3
|Si
 
6
O
 
18
]

Other Names for Foitite

Synonyms:
IMA1992-034
Other Languages:
German:Foitit
Japanese:フォイト電気石
Russian:Фойтит
Spanish:Foitita

Other Information

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 Foitite

Reference List:MacDonald, D.J., Hawthorne, F.C., and Grice, J.D. (1993) Foitite Fe2 2+(Al,Fe 3+)]Al6Si6O18(BO3)3(OH)4, a new alkali-deficient tourmaline: Description and crystal structure. American Mineralogist: 78: 1299-1303.

New Minerals (1997), New Minerals 1990-1994.

Aurisicchio, C., Ottolini, L., and Pezzotta, F. (1999) Electron- and on-microprobe analyses, and genetic interferences of tourmalines of the foitite-schorl solid solution, Elba Island (Italy). Eurpean Journal of Mineralogy: 11: 217-225.

Francis, C.A., Dyar, M.D., Williams, M.L., and Hughes, J.M. (1999) The occurrence and crystal structure of foitite from a tungsten-bearing vein at Copper Mountain, Taos County, New Mexico. Canadian Mineralogist: 37: 1431-1438.

Kahlenberg, V. and Velickov, B. (2000) Structural investigations on a synthetic alkali-free hydrogen-deficient Fe-tourmaline (foitite). European Journal of Mineralogy: 12: 947-953.

Grew, E.S., and Anovitz, L.M. (1996) BORON: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, second edition, as revised (2002).

Medaris, L.G., Jr., Fournelle, J.H., and Henry, D.J. (2003) Tourmaline-bearing quatz veins in the Baraboo quartzite, Wisconsin: occurrence and significance of foitite and "oxy-foitite". Canadian Mineralogist: 41: 749-758.

Internet Links for Foitite

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  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Search for Foitite in the Natural History Museum (London) online catalogue
  • Foitite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    Localities for Foitite

    Hide Locality List
    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.
    (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.
    Afghanistan
     
    • Nuristan Province (Nurestan; Nooristan)
    		Rob Lavinsky photo; Natkaniec-Nowak, L., Dumańska-Słowik, M. & Ertl, A. (2009): “Watermelon” tourmaline from the Paprok mine (Nuristan, Afghanistan). Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie - Abhandlungen, 186, 185-193.
    Australia
     
    • Tasmania
      • Waratah district
        • Waratah
    		Bottrill
    Brazil
     
    • Southeast Region
      • Minas Gerais
        • Doce valley
          • São José da Safira
    		CanMin 38: 1399-1408 (2000); Dutrow, B. and Henry, D. J. (2000) Complexly zoned fibrous tourmaline: A record of evolving magmatic and hydrothermal fluids. Canadian Mineralogist, 38, 131-143.
    Canada
     
    • Manitoba
      • Lac-du-Bonnet area
        • Bernic Lake
    		Can Min.38:877-891; Selway, J. B.; Cerny, P.; Hawthorne, F. C.; Novak, M. (2000): The Tanco pegmatite at Bernic lake, Manitoba. XIV. Internal tourmaline. Canadian Mineralogist 38, 877-891.
    China
     
    • Xinjiang (Xinjiang-Uygur) Autonomous Region
      • Yili Hasake (Ili Kazakh) Autonomous Prefecture
        • Aletai (Altay) Prefecture
          • Fuyun Co.
            • Koktokay (Keketuohai) Pegmatite field
              • Altay Mine
    		Zhang AC, Wang Ru, Hu H, Chen XM (2004) Occurrences of foitite and rossmanite from the Koktokay No. 3 pegmatite dyke, Altai, Northwestern China: A record of hydrothermal fluids. Canadian Mineralogist, 42, 873-883.
    Czech Republic
     
    • Moravia (Mähren; Maehren)
      • Vysočina Region
        • Velké Meziříčí
    		Novák, M., Staněk, J.: Lepidolitový pegmatit od Dobré Vody u Velkého Meziříčí, západní Morava. Acta Musei Moraviae, Scientiae geologicae, 1999, roč. 84, s. 3 - 44.
        • Žďár nad Sázavou
    Novák, M., Houzar, S., Pfeiferová, A.: Přehled mineralogie, petrografie a historie klasické lokality lepidolitového pegmatitu v Rožné u Bystřice nad Pernštejnem, západní Morava. Acta Musei Moraviae, Sci. geol., 83:3-48.
    P. Pauliš (2001): Nejzajímavější naleziště Moravy a Slezska. Kuttna, Kutná Hora.
    P. Pauliš (2001): Nejzajímavější naleziště Moravy a Slezska. Kuttna, Kutná Hora.
    Germany
     
    • Saxony
      • Oberlausitz
        • Löbau
          • Czorneboh
            • Wuischke
    		Witzke, T., Giesler, T. (2008): Neufunde und Neubestimmungen aus der Lausitz, Der Aufschluss, Vol. 59, 245-252
    Italy
     
    • Tuscany
      • Livorno Province
        • Elba Island
          • Campo nell'Elba
            • San Piero in Campo
    		F. Pezzotta, F.C. Hawthorne, M.A. Cooper, D.K. Teerstra (1996) - Fibrous foitite from S. Piero in Campo, Elba, Italy. - Canad. Min., 34: 741-744.
    Barsotti, G., & Nannoni, R. (2006). Rocce, minerali e miniere delle isole dell'Arcipelago Toscano. Pacini editore, 152 pp.
    F. Pezzotta, F.C. Hawthorne, M.A. Cooper, D.K. Teerstra (1996) - Fibrous foitite from S. Piero in Campo, Elba, Italy. - Canad. Min., 34: 741-744.
            • Sant'Ilario in Campo
              • Catri
                • Fosso Marcianella Pegmatite
    		Field Trip Excursion Programm IMA, May 29, 2005 (M.E. Ciriotti).
    Japan
     
    • Honshu Island
      • Tohoku Region
        • Fukushima Prefecture
          • Koriyama
    		Kato et al (1994) Koubutsu-Gakkai Kou'en-Youshi, 177; Alfredo Petrov collection
    • Kyushu Island
      • Miyazaki prefecture
        • Hinokage-cho
    		Alfredo Petrov specimen
        • Kijoh-cho
    		Minakawa & Adachi (1995) Chigaku Kenkyu, 44, 99-103.
    • Shikoku Island
      • Kochi Prefecture
    		Minakawa& Adachi (1995) Chigaku Kenkyu, 44, 99-103.
    Namibia
     
    • Erongo Region
      • Karibib District
        • Usakos
    		No reference listed
      • Usakos and Omaruru Districts
    		www.prodg.cc/johnston/erongo.htm
    Poland
     
    • Lower Silesia (Dolnośląskie)
      • Świeradów Zdrój area
        • Garby Izerskie Mts.
    		Długoszewska A. 2005: Minerals from pegmatoids of the northern part of the Karkonosze Massif cover. Mineralogical Society of Poland - Special Papers, vol. 26, 153-156
    Portugal
     
    • Castelo Branco District
      • Covilhã
    		www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/gold2001/pdf/3116.pdf.
    Slovakia
     
    • Košice Region
      • Eastern Slovenské Rudohorie Mts
        • Hnilec
    		Koděra, M. et al., 1986 a 1990 : Topografická mineralógia Slovenska, diel 1- 3, Veda – Vydavateľstvo SAV, Bratislava, 1990, 1 – 1590k
    Pauliš P., Ďuďa R., 2002: Nejzajimavejší mineralogická nalezište Slovenska. Kuttna, Kutná Hora, 134p.
    Sweden
     
    • Södermanland
      • Stockholm
        • Haninge
    Turkey
     
    • Black Sea Region
      • Giresun Province
        • Şebinkarahisar
    		Canadian Mineralogist 37: 155-161.; Mineral. Petrol. 94 (2008) 195-208.
    USA
     
    Am.Min. (1993): 78: 1299.
      • Riverside Co.
        • Cahuilla District
          • Little Cahuilla Mountain
    		Caltech, Phys Chem Minerals 14, p. 163.
      • San Diego Co.
    		Jahns, R.H. and Wright, L.A. (1951) Gem and lithium bearing pegmatites of the Pala District, San Diego County, California. California Division of Mines Special Report 7A, 72 p.
          • Hiriart Mountain (Heriart; Heriot; Hiriat Hill)
    		Rocks & Minerals: May, 1999
    Osborn, P. 2007. Description of the Naylor Rock location and Foitite discovery on Hiriart Mountain by Phil Osborn of Hemet, Riverside Co., California. Personal communication with S. L. Ritchie; 7/27.
    Fisher, J., 2002, Mineralogical Record 33(5), 363-407
    • Maine
      • Oxford Co.
        • Albany
    		King, V., 2009, Maine Feldspar, Families, and Feuds
    King, V. (ed.), 2009, Maine feldspar, Families, and Feuds
        • Buckfield
    		Van King
        • Greenwood
          • Uncle Tom Mt
    		Falster, A.U., Simmons, W.B., Sprague, R. (2006) 33rd Rochester Mineralogical Symposium, abstracts, 14-15.
        • Newry
    		King, V. and Foord, E., 1994, Mineralogy of Maine, V. 1; King, V. (ed.), 2000, Mineralogy of Maine, V. 2, with updates by Van King
    King, V. T., 2006, Minerals of Halls Ridge and Plumbago-Puzzle Mountain, Newry, ... Maine, Mineral News, v. 22(6): p. 1-3.
    Van King, unpublished property evaluation
        • Paris
    		http://minerals.gps.caltech.edu/rossmanite/USA_Maine_Mt_Mica/Mt-Mica-index.htm
      • Sagadahoc Co.
        • Topsham
    		King and Foord, 2000, Addenda to Volume 1, Mineralogy of Maine, v. 2.
    • New Mexico
      • Taos Co.
        • Picuris District
          • Copper Mountain
    		Francis, C.A., Dyar, M.D., Williams, M.L., and Hughes, J.M. (1999), Canadian Mineralogist: 37: 1431-1438.
    • Wisconsin
    		CanMin 41:749-758.
    Medaris, L.G., Jr., The Canadian Mineralogist: 41(3): 749-758.
        • North Freedom
    Mineral and/or Locality
    Google
     
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