Magnesiochlorophoenicite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Magnesiochlorophoenicite
Formula:
(Mg,Mn)3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6
Colour:
Colorless, white, pale yellow; colorless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Silky
Hardness:
3 - 3½
Specific Gravity:
3.37
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named magnesium-chlorophoenicite in 1935 by Charles Palache in allusion to the dominance of Mg over Mn in the composition and its relationship to chlorophoenicite. Name was changed by the IMA to magnesiochlorophoenicite.
Type Locality:
Isostructural with:
Magnesium (or rather Mg3) analogue of chlorophoenicite and peterchinite. To date only a few specimens are known with Mg>Mn. Formerly, magnesiochlorophoenicite was a name commonly given to specimens of this series and hundreds of specimens in old collections are so labeled, but recent quantitative chemical surveys have failed to find more than a few verified specimens, all but three of which are from Franklin. The remaining verified specimens are from Ogdensburg. In general, specimens formerly labeled magnesium chlorophoenicite or magnesiochlorophoenicite have been proven to be misidentified and the specimens are almost always Mn-dominant chlorophoenicite, the very abundant end-member. There is no identification value relating to the apparent thickness of crystals as has been attributed by folklore. Chemical analysis is the only definitive method of validation. Note: Bayliss and Warne (1987) indicated that a complete set of d-values could distinguish between the end-members.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2499
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2499:6
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
c6d2b425-3db5-4b52-b89c-0328a3329ab6
IMA Classification of Magnesiochlorophoenicite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA status notes:
Redefined by the IMA, Renamed by the IMA
IMA Formula:
Mg3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6
First published:
1935
Approval history:
Redefined: Dunn (1981).
Renamed: From magnesium-chlorophoenicite = to magnesiochlorophoenicite. Burke (2008).
Renamed: From magnesium-chlorophoenicite = to magnesiochlorophoenicite. Burke (2008).
Classification of Magnesiochlorophoenicite
8.BE.35
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 > 2:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 > 2:1
41.1.1.2
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
1 : (AB)m(XO4)pZq, where m:p > 4:1
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
1 : (AB)m(XO4)pZq, where m:p > 4:1
20.8.19
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
8 : Arsenates of Mn
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
8 : Arsenates of Mn
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mcpo | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Magnesiochlorophoenicite
Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Silky
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Colorless, white, pale yellow; colorless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3 - 3½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
Lengthwise to fibers, perfect.
Lengthwise to fibers, perfect.
Fracture:
Splintery
Density:
3.37 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.18 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Density discrepancy probably due to acicular crystals, small size, and surface tension leading to error.
Optical Data of Magnesiochlorophoenicite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.669 nβ = 1.672 nγ = 1.677
2V:
Measured: large°
Birefringence:
0.008
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.008
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:
High
Dispersion:
generally r < v strong, also r > v
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Magnesiochlorophoenicite
Mindat Formula:
(Mg,Mn)3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6
Crystallography of Magnesiochlorophoenicite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 23.02 Å, b = 3.303 Å, c = 7.346 Å
β = 106.22°
β = 106.22°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 6.969 : 1 : 2.224
Unit Cell V:
536.32 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Occurs as acicular crystals randomly arranged or in radial aggregates of fibrous crystals.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.075 Å | (25) |
| 6.897 Å | (50) |
| 5.534 Å | (4) |
| 5.319 Å | (20) |
| 3.867 Å | (20) |
| 3.723 Å | (100) |
| 3.691 Å | (5) |
| 3.520 Å | (10) |
| 3.438 Å | (40) |
| 3.269 Å | (3) |
| 3.123 Å | (100) |
| 3.004 Å | (60) |
| 2.937 Å | (10) |
| 2.850 Å | (60) |
| 2.761 Å | (1) |
| 2.641 Å | (80) |
| 2.443 Å | (15) |
| 2.425 Å | (15) |
| 2.360 Å | (10) |
| 2.351 Å | (10) |
| 2.307 Å | (2) |
| 2.298 Å | (1) |
| 2.252 Å | (3) |
| 2.211 Å | (20) |
| 2.182 Å | (20) |
| 2.160 Å | (1) |
| 2.052 Å | (2) |
| 1.9729 Å | (3) |
| 1.9481 Å | (1) |
| 1.8956 Å | (5) |
| 1.8616 Å | (1) |
| 1.8369 Å | (40) |
| 1.8215 Å | (5) |
| 1.7987 Å | (2) |
| 1.7739 Å | (3) |
| 1.7095 Å | (2) |
| 1.6987 Å | (5) |
| 1.6757 Å | (2) |
| 1.6535 Å | (3) |
| 1.6440 Å | (3) |
| 1.6027 Å | (1) |
| 1.5968 Å | (1) |
| 1.5793 Å | (3) |
| 1.5576 Å | (30) |
| 1.5539 Å | (15) |
| 1.5261 Å | (1) |
| 1.5227 Å | (3) |
| 1.5185 Å | (1) |
Comments:
ICDD 34-190, also 38-1438, also Journal of Powder Diffraction 2:225 (1987).
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-𝑇 alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits |
Type Occurrence of Magnesiochlorophoenicite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Fibers, grouped in radial aggregates implanted on the surface of a narrow open vein composed of zincite and carbonates. Some of the rosettes have a diameter of 1 cm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard Mineralogical Museum, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, number 92803 (holotype).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In secondary veinlets in massive ore in a metamorphosed Pre-cambrian sedimentary Zn-Fe-Mn deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Magnesiochlorophoenicite
Other Language Names for Magnesiochlorophoenicite
German:Magnesium-Chlorophönizit
Relationship of Magnesiochlorophoenicite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
| Chlorophoenicite | (Mn,Mg)3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Jarosewichite | Mn2+3Mn3+(AsO4)(OH)6 | Orth. 2 2 2 |
| Mineral E (of Dunn, et. al., 1982) | Bright translucent black needles showing typical chlorophoenicite habit. | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Peterchinite | Zn3Zn2(OH)6As[O3(OH)3] | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 2 photos of Magnesiochlorophoenicite associated with Hodgkinsonite | Mn2+Zn2(SiO4)(OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Magnesiochlorophoenicite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 2 photos of Magnesiochlorophoenicite associated with Baryte | BaSO4 |
| 2 photos of Magnesiochlorophoenicite associated with Franklinite | Zn2+Fe3+2O4 |
| 2 photos of Magnesiochlorophoenicite associated with Willemite | Zn2SiO4 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BE.05 | Augelite | Al2(PO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.10 | Grattarolaite | Fe3+3(PO4)O3 |
| 8.BE.15 | Cornetite | Cu3(PO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.20 | Clinoclase | Cu3(AsO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.25 | Arhbarite | Cu2Mg(AsO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.25 | Gilmarite | Cu3(AsO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.30 | Allactite | Mn2+7(AsO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.30 | Flinkite | Mn2+2Mn3+(AsO4)(OH)4 |
| 8.BE.30 | Raadeite | Mg7(PO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.30 | Argandite | Mn7(VO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.35 | Chlorophoenicite | (Mn,Mg)3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6 |
| 8.BE.35 | Mineral E (of Dunn, et. al., 1982) | |
| 8.BE.40 | Gerdtremmelite | (Zn,Fe)(Al,Fe)2(AsO4)(OH)5 |
| 8.BE.45 | Dixenite | CuMn2+14Fe2+(SiO4)2(As5+O4)(As3+O3)5(OH)6 |
| 8.BE.45 | Hematolite | (Mn,Mg,Al,Fe3+)15(As5+O4)2(As3+O3)(OH)23 |
| 8.BE.45 | Kraisslite | Zn3(Mn,Mg)25(Fe3+,Al)(As3+O3)2[(Si,As5+)O4]10(OH)16 |
| 8.BE.45 | Mcgovernite | Mn19Zn3(AsO4)3(AsO3)(SiO4)3(OH)21 |
| 8.BE.45 | Arakiite | (Zn,Mn2+)(Mn2+,Mg)12(Fe3+,Al)2(As5+O4)2(As3+O3)(OH)23 |
| 8.BE.45 | Turtmannite | (Mn,Mg)22.5Mg3-3x((V5+,As5+)O4)3(As3+O3)x(SiO4)3O5-5x(OH)20+x |
| 8.BE.45 | Carlfrancisite | Mn2+3(Mn2+,Mg,Fe3+,Al)42[As3+O3]2(As5+O4)4[(Si,As5+)O4]6[(As5+,Si)O4]2(OH)42 |
| 8.BE.50 | Synadelphite | Mn2+9(As5+O4)2(As3+O3)(OH)9 · 2H2O |
| 8.BE.55 | Holdenite | (Mn2+,Mg)6Zn3(AsO4)2(SiO4)(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.60 | Kolicite | Mn2+7Zn4(AsO4)2(SiO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.65 | Sabelliite | (Cu,Zn)2Zn(AsO4,SbO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.70 | Jarosewichite | Mn2+3Mn3+(AsO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BE.75 | Theisite | Cu5Zn5(AsO4,SbO4)2(OH)14 |
| 8.BE.80 | Coparsite | Cu4(AsO4,VO4)O2Cl |
| 8.BE.85 | Waterhouseite | Mn2+7(PO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.90 | Vasilseverginite | Cu9O4(AsO4)2(SO4)2 |
Fluorescence of Magnesiochlorophoenicite
Not fluorescent in UV.
Other Information
Magnetism:
Non-Magnetic
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 Magnesiochlorophoenicite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2499.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
References for Magnesiochlorophoenicite
Reference List:
Palache, Charles (1935) The minerals of Franklin and Sterling Hill, Sussex County, New Jersey. Professional Paper 180. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/pp180 pp.123-124
Moore, Paul B. (1968) The crystal structure of chlorophoenicite. American Mineralogist, 53 (7-8) 1110-1119
Dunn, Pete J. (1981) Magnesium-chlorophoenicite redefined and new data on chlorophoenicite. The Canadian Mineralogist, 19 (2) 333-336
Localities for Magnesiochlorophoenicite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The 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).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
USA (TL) | |
| Palache (1935) +2 other references |
| Verified by Bayliss and Warne (1987) |
| Pete Dunn |
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Sterling Mine, Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA