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Portlandite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About PortlanditeHide

Formula:
Ca(OH)2
Colour:
Colorless, white to greenish white
Lustre:
Pearly
Hardness:
2 - 3
Specific Gravity:
2.227 - 2.233
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
In allusion to the occurrence of Ca(OH)2 as a product of hydration of portland cement.
Rare in nature, but an important phase in cement materials and concrete. Indicative of a very high pH value.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
3264
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3264:9
GUID
(UUID V4):
4d9d1c27-74e2-45cb-b661-212340e10456

IMA Classification of PortlanditeHide

Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1933

Classification of PortlanditeHide

4.FE.05

4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
E : Hydroxides with OH, without H2O; sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
6.2.1.4

6 : HYDROXIDES AND OXIDES CONTAINING HYDROXYL
2 : X(OH)2
7.4.12

7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
4 : Oxides of Be, Mg and the alkaline earths

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference
PorIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of PortlanditeHide

Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Pearly on cleavages.
Colour:
Colorless, white to greenish white
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 - 3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Perfect
{0001}
Density:
2.227 - 2.233 g/cm3 (Measured)    2.26 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of PortlanditeHide

Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.575 nε = 1.547
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.028
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Low

Chemistry of PortlanditeHide

Mindat Formula:
Ca(OH)2

Crystallography of PortlanditeHide

Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3m (3 2/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral
Space Group:
P3m1
Setting:
P3m1
Cell Parameters:
a = 3.589(8) Å, c = 4.911(14) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.368
Unit Cell V:
54.78 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1
Morphology:
Minute hexagonal plates. Tabular {0001}, with {1010} as linear faces (artificial material). fibrous, powdery, massive.

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0000116PortlanditeHenderson D M, Gutowsky H S (1962) A nuclear magnetic resonance determination of the hydrogen positions in Ca(OH)2 American Mineralogist 47 1231-12511962083
0000117PortlanditeHenderson D M, Gutowsky H S (1962) A nuclear magnetic resonance determination of the hydrogen positions in Ca(OH)2 American Mineralogist 47 1231-125119620298
0020244PortlanditeIizuka R, Yagi T, Komatsu K, Gotou H, Tsuchiya T, Kusaba K, Kagi H (2013) Crystal structure of the high-pressure phase of calcium hydroxide, portlandite: In situ powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction study American Mineralogist 98 1421-14282013synthetic8.9293
0008414PortlanditeNagai T, Ito T, Hattori T, Yamanaka T (2000) Compression mechanism and amorphization of portlandite, Ca(OH)2: structural refinement under pressure Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 27 462-46620000.5293
0008415PortlanditeNagai T, Ito T, Hattori T, Yamanaka T (2000) Compression mechanism and amorphization of portlandite, Ca(OH)2: structural refinement under pressure Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 27 462-46620002.4293
0008416PortlanditeNagai T, Ito T, Hattori T, Yamanaka T (2000) Compression mechanism and amorphization of portlandite, Ca(OH)2: structural refinement under pressure Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 27 462-46620004.3293
0008417PortlanditeNagai T, Ito T, Hattori T, Yamanaka T (2000) Compression mechanism and amorphization of portlandite, Ca(OH)2: structural refinement under pressure Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 27 462-46620006.3293
0008418PortlanditeNagai T, Ito T, Hattori T, Yamanaka T (2000) Compression mechanism and amorphization of portlandite, Ca(OH)2: structural refinement under pressure Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 27 462-46620008.1293
0008419PortlanditeNagai T, Ito T, Hattori T, Yamanaka T (2000) Compression mechanism and amorphization of portlandite, Ca(OH)2: structural refinement under pressure Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 27 462-46620009.7293
0009069PortlanditeXu H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Hickmott D D, Daemen L L (2007) In situ neutron diffraction study of deuterated portlandite Ca(OD)2 at high pressure and temperature Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 34 223-23220070.07293
0009070PortlanditeXu H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Hickmott D D, Daemen L L (2007) In situ neutron diffraction study of deuterated portlandite Ca(OD)2 at high pressure and temperature Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 34 223-23220070.15293
0009071PortlanditeXu H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Hickmott D D, Daemen L L (2007) In situ neutron diffraction study of deuterated portlandite Ca(OD)2 at high pressure and temperature Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 34 223-23220070.78293
0009072PortlanditeXu H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Hickmott D D, Daemen L L (2007) In situ neutron diffraction study of deuterated portlandite Ca(OD)2 at high pressure and temperature Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 34 223-23220071.61293
0009073PortlanditeXu H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Hickmott D D, Daemen L L (2007) In situ neutron diffraction study of deuterated portlandite Ca(OD)2 at high pressure and temperature Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 34 223-23220072.08293
0009074PortlanditeXu H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Hickmott D D, Daemen L L (2007) In situ neutron diffraction study of deuterated portlandite Ca(OD)2 at high pressure and temperature Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 34 223-23220072.35293
0009075PortlanditeXu H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Hickmott D D, Daemen L L (2007) In situ neutron diffraction study of deuterated portlandite Ca(OD)2 at high pressure and temperature Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 34 223-23220072.44293
0009076PortlanditeXu H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Hickmott D D, Daemen L L (2007) In situ neutron diffraction study of deuterated portlandite Ca(OD)2 at high pressure and temperature Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 34 223-23220073.4293
0009077PortlanditeXu H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Hickmott D D, Daemen L L (2007) In situ neutron diffraction study of deuterated portlandite Ca(OD)2 at high pressure and temperature Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 34 223-23220074.53293
0009874PortlanditeDesgranges L, Grebille D, Calvarin g, Chevrier G, Floquet N, Niepce J (1993) Hydrogen thermal motion in calcium hydroxide: Ca (O H)2 _cod_database_code 1001768 Acta Crystallographica B49 812-81719930293
0009875PortlanditeDesgranges L, Grebille D, Calvarin g, Chevrier G, Floquet N, Niepce J (1993) Hydrogen thermal motion in calcium hydroxide: Ca (O H)2 _cod_database_code 1001769 Acta Crystallographica B49 812-81719930293
0009876PortlanditeDesgranges L, Grebille D, Calvarin g, Chevrier G, Floquet N, Niepce J (1993) Hydrogen thermal motion in calcium hydroxide: Ca (O H)2 _cod_database_code 1001787 Acta Crystallographica B49 812-81719930293
0009877PortlanditeDesgranges L, Grebille D, Calvarin g, Chevrier G, Floquet N, Niepce J (1993) Hydrogen thermal motion in calcium hydroxide: Ca (O H)2 _cod_database_code 1001788 Acta Crystallographica B49 812-81719930293
0011777PortlanditeWyckoff R W G (1963) Second edition. Interscience Publishers, New York, New York Crystal Structures 1 239-44419630293
0012953PortlanditeBusing W, Levy H (1957) Neutron diffraction study of calcium hydroxide _cod_database_code 1000045 Journal of Chemical Physics 26 563-56819570293
0016656PortlanditeBusing W, Levy H (1957) Neutron diffraction study of calcium hydroxide _cod_database_code 1008781 Journal of Chemical Physics 26 563-56819570293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
2.628 Å(100)
4.90 Å(74)
1.927 Å(42)
1.796 Å(36)
3.112 Å(23)
1.687 Å(21)
1.484 Å(13)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Type Occurrence of PortlanditeHide

General Appearance of Type Material:
Microscopic euhedral crystals in cavities.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1933,307.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Alteration product of calcium silicates in larnite-spurrite contact metamorphic rocks.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Tilley C E (1933) Portlandite, a new mineral from Scawt Hill, Co. Antrim. Mineralogical Magazine 23, 419-420

Other Language Names for PortlanditeHide

Relationship of Portlandite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Other Members of this group:
AmakiniteFe2+(OH)2Trig.
BruciteMg(OH)2Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : P3m1
PyrochroiteMn(OH)2Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : P3m1
TheophrastiteNi(OH)2Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : P3m1

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
6 photos of Portlandite associated with AndraditeCa3Fe3+2(SiO4)3
5 photos of Portlandite associated with BentoriteCa6Cr2(SO4)3(OH)12 · 26H2O
5 photos of Portlandite associated with EttringiteCa6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12 · 26H2O
4 photos of Portlandite associated with Oldhamite(Ca,Mg)S
4 photos of Portlandite associated with FluoriteCaF2
4 photos of Portlandite associated with PericlaseMgO
4 photos of Portlandite associated with SpurriteCa5(SiO4)2(CO3)
4 photos of Portlandite associated with QuartzSiO2
3 photos of Portlandite associated with ThaumasiteCa3(SO4)[Si(OH)6](CO3) · 12H2O
3 photos of Portlandite associated with CuspidineCa8(Si2O7)2F4

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

4.FE.05AmakiniteFe2+(OH)2Trig.
4.FE.05BruciteMg(OH)2Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : P3m1
4.FE.05PyrochroiteMn(OH)2Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : P3m1
4.FE.05TheophrastiteNi(OH)2Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : P3m1
4.FE.10BayeriteAl(OH)3Mon. 2/m : P21/m
4.FE.10DoyleiteAl(OH)3Tric. 1 : P1
4.FE.10GibbsiteAl(OH)3Mon. 2/m
4.FE.10NordstranditeAl(OH)3Tric. 1 : P1
4.FE.15BöhmiteAlO(OH)Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m)
4.FE.15LepidocrociteÎł-Fe3+O(OH)Orth. mm2 : Cmc21
4.FE.20GrimaldiiteCrO(OH)Trig. 3m : R3m
4.FE.20HeterogeniteCo3+O(OH)Hex.
4.FE.25FeitknechtiteMn3+O(OH)Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : P3m1
4.FE.25Lithiophorite(Al,Li)MnO2(OH)2Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
4.FE.30QuenselitePbMnO2(OH)Mon. 2/m : P2/b
4.FE.35FerrihydriteFe3+10O14(OH)2Trig.
4.FE.40FeroxyhyteFe3+O(OH)Hex.
4.FE.40Vernadite(Mn4+,Fe3+,Ca,Na)(O,OH)2 · nH2OHex.
4.FE.45QuetzalcoatliteZn6Cu3(TeO6)2(OH)6 · AgxPbyClx+2yTrig. 3m (3 2/m) : P3 1m
4.FE.50FuettereritePb3Cu2+6Te6+O6(OH)7Cl5 Trig. 3 : R3

Other InformationHide

Thermal Behaviour:
In a closed tube it gives off water.
Notes:
Portlandite is slightly water soluble (~1.73 g/L at 20°C), yielding a high pH solution. Portlandite is also soluble in acids and in glycerin; however, it is insoluble in ethanol.

Reacts with clove oil a being gradually stained yellow; the oil itself also develops a yellowish tint. Portlandite is unaffected by mixtures of cedar-wood oil and a-monobromonaphthalene.
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 PortlanditeHide

References for PortlanditeHide

Localities for PortlanditeHide

This 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.

Locality ListHide

- 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.
Angola
 
  • HuĂ­la Province
    • Quilengues
Amores-Casals et al. (2019)
Australia
 
  • Victoria
    • Swan Hill Rural City
      • Lake Boga
Birch (1996)
Belgium
 
  • Wallonia
    • Hainaut
      • Charleroi
        • Montignies-sur-Sambre
Rui Nunes collection
Canada
 
  • British Columbia
    • New Westminster Mining Division
      • Hope
Manor et al. (2014)
  • QuĂ©bec
    • Laurentides
      • Deux-Montagnes RCM
Sokolov S.V. (2010)
    • Nord-du-QuĂ©bec
      • Kativik
Daniel F. Rosa and Robert F. Martin (2010)
China
 
  • Shaanxi
    • Hanzhong
      • Mian County
Zhongtang Yang et al. (2008) +1 other reference
Czech Republic
 
  • South Moravian Region
    • Brno-Country District
      • Oslavany
HrĆĄelovĂĄ et al. (2013)
France
 
  • Auvergne-RhĂŽne-Alpes
    • Loire
      • Roanne
        • Le Crozet
Chollet et al. (2013)
    • Puy-de-DĂŽme
      • Clermont-Ferrand
        • Beaumont
XRD analysis (B. Devouard and E. MĂ©dard, Clermont-Ferrand)
  • Occitanie
    • Aveyron
      • Rodez
        • SĂ©vĂ©rac-d'Aveyron
Eytier J.R. & Ch. et al. (2004)
Germany
 
  • Bavaria
    • Lower Franconia
      • Haßberge District
        • Maroldsweisach
Pöllmann (1991)
  • North Rhine-Westphalia
    • Arnsberg
      • Hochsauerlandkreis
        • Arnsberg
          • HĂŒsten
David Nieto collection
      • MĂ€rkischer Kreis
        • Iserlohn
          • Letmathe
Bender et al. (1994)
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Mayen-Koblenz
      • Mayen
Hentschel (1961)
        • Seekante
in the collection of Christof SchÀfer
      • Vordereifel
        • Ettringen
[Jasmund et al. (Eifel)
Galuskin et al. (2016)
    • Rhein-Lahn-Kreis
      • Lahnstein
        • Friedrichssegen
Wet Chemical by Gerhard Möhn
    • Vulkaneifel
      • Daun
        • Üdersdorf
SchĂŒller et al. (1986)
  • Thuringia
    • Greiz District
      • Kauern
T. Witzke & F. RĂŒger: Lapis 1998 (7/8)
Hungary
 
  • NĂłgrĂĄd County
    • BĂĄtonyterenye
SzakĂĄll-JĂĄnosi: Minerals of Hungary
Israel
 
  • Southern District (HaDarom District)
    • Tamar Regional Council
Galuskin et al. (2015)
Sharygin +7 other references
Italy
 
  • Campania
    • Naples
      • Somma-Vesuvius Complex
Russo et al. (2004)
Russo et al. (2004)
  • Lazio
    • Metropolitan City of Rome Capital
      • Cerveteri
Stoppa et al. (2019)
      • Rome
        • Valleranello
Carlini et al. (2018)
    • Viterbo Province
      • Montalto di Castro
        • Pietra Massa Locality
Passaglia et al. (1982)
  • Liguria
    • Genoa
      • Genoa
        • Varenna Valley
Rivista Mineralogica Italiana (3)
      • Ne
        • Reppia
Ciriotti et al. (2004) +1 other reference
  • Sicily
    • Metropolitan City of Catania
      • Castiglione di Sicilia
Forti et al. (1995) +2 other references
  • Umbria
    • Perugia Province
      • Spoleto
Stoppa F. et al. (2010) +2 other references
Jordan
 
  • Amman Governorate
    • Transjordan Plateau
      • Daba-Siwaqa complex
Pitty et al. (2010)
        • Hashem region
          • Lisdan-Siwaga Fault
            • Siwaga
Sokol et al. (2016)
Sokol +9 other references
  • Irbid Governorate
    • Maqarin area
Khoury et al. (1982) +2 other references
Mexico
 
  • Morelos
    • Cuernavaca
Ward's Natural Science Establishment ...
Middle East
 
Mineralogical Magazine 1963 33 : ... +1 other reference
Norway
 
  • Buskerud
Bancroft et al. (2001)
Oman
 
  • Al Batinah South Governorate
    • Semail Ophiolite
      • Lower Semail Nappe
Neal et al. (1984)
Palestine
 
  • West Bank
    • Quds Governorate
Galuskin et al. (2015)
Shulamit Gross (1977)
Poland
 
  • Lower Silesian Voivodeship
    • KƂodzko County
      • Gmina Nowa Ruda
        • PrzygĂłrze
          • BolesƂaw Mine
Ɓukasz Kruszewski PXRD data
  • Silesian Voivodeship
    • Siemianowice ƚląskie
Kruszewski L. 2006: Oldhamite-periclase-portlandite-fluorite assemblage and coexisting minerals of burnt dump in Siemianowice ƚląskie - Dąbrówka Wielka area (Upper Silesia, Poland)
Romania
 
  • CaraƟ-Severin County
    • Prigor
Marincea et al. (2014, September) +1 other reference
  • Hunedoara County
Marincea +2 other references
Russia
 
  • Buryatia
    • Baunt District
      • Vitim Plateau
Pavel M. Kartashov data (2012)
  • Chelyabinsk Oblast
Cesnokov et al. (1998)
    • Korkinsky District
      • Korkino
Anthony (1997)
  • Murmansk Oblast
    • Kovdorsky District
Sokolov (2014)
    • Northern Karelia
Sokolov (2014)
South Africa
 
  • Limpopo
    • Mopani District Municipality
      • Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality
        • Phalaborwa
Sokolov S.V. (2010)
  • Northern Cape
    • John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality
      • Joe Morolong Local Municipality
        • Black Rock
Cairncross et al. (1995)
        • N'Chwaning Mines
Von Bezing et al. (1991)
Cairncross et al. (1995)
Speziale et al. (2008)
Sweden
 
  • VĂ€sternorrland County
    • Sundsvall
      • Alnö Complex
Sandström et al. (2010)
Tajikistan
 
  • Gorno-Badakhshan
Sokolov S.V. (2010) +1 other reference
Tunisia
 
  • Siliana
    • Siliana
      • Djebel Sekarna
Dill
UK
 
  • Northern Ireland
    • Co. Antrim
      • Larne
        • Glenoe
Henmi et al. (1973) +1 other reference
Tilley (1933) +1 other reference
USA
 
  • Illinois
    • Cook County
      • Chicago
Roadcap et al. (2005)
Dietrich (1990)
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
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