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Sicklerite

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Stewart Mine (MS 6162; Stewart Lithia), Tourmaline Queen Mountain (Pala; Queen), Pala District, San Diego Co., California, USA
© 2006 SLR

Formula:
(LiMn
2+
 
,Fe
3+
 
)[PO
 
4
]
System:OrthorhombicColour:Dark brown to ...
Hardness:4
Name:Named after the Sickler family, mineral collectors of Pala, San Diego County, California (USA).


Triphylite Group Ferrisicklerite-Sicklerite Series

Occurs only as an alteration product of Triphylite and Lithiophilite, commonly as rims around partly altered masses or crystals of the latter species.

Classification of Sicklerite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:7/A.02-40
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:8.AB.10

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
A : Phosphates, etc. without additional anions, without H2O
B : With medium-sized cations
Dana 7th edition ID:38.1.4.2
Dana 8th edition ID:38.1.4.2

38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
1 : ABXO4
Hey's CIM Ref.:19.1.11

19 : Phosphates
1 : Phosphates of the alkali metals
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Type Occurrence of Sicklerite

Type Locality:Stewart Mine (MS 6162; Stewart Lithia), Tourmaline Queen Mountain (Pala; Queen), Pala District, San Diego Co., California, USA
Year of Discovery:1912
Geological Setting of type material:Lithium-bearing pegmatite.
Associated Minerals at type locality:
StewartiteSalmonsitePhosphosideriteHureaulite

Physical Properties of Sicklerite

Lustre:Dull
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Opaque
Colour:Dark brown to yellow-brown
Streak:Light yellow-brown, brown, reddish brown
Hardness (Mohs):4
Cleavage:Distinct/Good
On {100}, good.
Density (measured):3.2 - 3.4 g/cm3

Crystallography of Sicklerite

Crystal System:Orthorhombic
Cell Parameters:a = 5.94Å, b = 10.06Å, c = 4.79Å
Ratio:a:b:c = 0.59 : 1 : 0.476
Unit Cell Volume:V 286.23 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)

Optical Data of Sicklerite

Type:Biaxial (-)
RI values: nα = 1.715 - 1.740 nβ = 1.735 - 1.770 nγ = 1.745 - 1.830
2V:Measured: 60° to 90°, Calculated: 68° to 74°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.030 - 0.090

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:High
Dispersion:relatively strong
Pleochroism:Visible
Comments:X = a = Dark reddish
Y = Lighter reddish
Z = Very light reddish

Chemical Properties of Sicklerite

Formula:
(LiMn
2+
 
,Fe
3+
 
)[PO
 
4
]
Essential elements:Li, Mn, O, P
All elements listed in formula:Fe, Li, Mn, O, P

Relationship of Sicklerite to other Species

Series:Forms a series with Ferrisicklerite (see here)
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
8.AB.05Farringtonite
Mg
 
3
[PO
 
4
]
 
2
8.AB.10Ferrisicklerite
(Fe
3+
 
,LiMn
2+
 
)[PO
 
4
]
8.AB.10Heterosite
(Fe
3+
 
,Mn
3+
 
)[PO
 
4
]
8.AB.10Lithiophilite
LiMn
2+
 
[PO
 
4
]
8.AB.10Natrophilite
NaMn
2+
 
[PO
 
4
]
8.AB.10Purpurite
(Mn
3+
 
,Fe
3+
 
)[PO
 
4
]
8.AB.10Simferite
Li(Mg,Fe
2+
 
,Mn
2+
 
)[PO
 
4
]
8.AB.10Triphylite
LiFe
2+
 
[PO
 
4
]
8.AB.15Sarcopside
(Fe
2+
 
,Mn
2+
 
,Mg)
 
3
[PO
 
4
]
 
2
8.AB.15Chopinite
(Mg,Fe
2+
 
)
 
3
[PO
 
4
]
 
2
8.AB.20Beusite
(Mn
2+
 
,Fe
2+
 
,Ca,Mg)
 
3
[PO
 
4
]
 
2
8.AB.20Graftonite
(Fe
2+
 
,Mn
2+
 
,Ca)
 
3
[PO
 
4
]
 
2
8.AB.25Xanthiosite
Ni
 
3
[AsO
 
4
]
 
2
8.AB.30Lammerite
Cu
 
3
[AsO
 
4
]
 
2
8.AB.35Mcbirneyite
Cu
 
3
(VO
 
4
)
 
2
8.AB.35Stranskiite
(Zn,Cu)
 
3
[AsO
 
4
]
 
2
8.AB.40Lyonsite
Cu
 
3
Fe
 
4
(VO
 
4
)
 
6
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
19.1.1Lithiophosphate
Li
 
3
[PO
 
4
]
19.1.2Olympite
Na
 
5
Li[PO
 
4
]
 
2
19.1.3Nahpoite
Na
 
2
HPO
 
4
19.1.4Dorfmanite
Na
 
2
(PO
 
3
OH)·2H
 
2
O
19.1.5Nalipoite
NaLi
 
2
[PO
 
4
]
19.1.6Stercorite
NaNH
 
4
HPO
 
4
·4H
 
2
O
19.1.7Archerite
(K,NH
 
4
)[H
 
2
PO
 
4
]
19.1.8Biphosphammite
(NH
 
4
,K)H
 
2
PO
 
4
19.1.9Phosphammite
(NH
 
4
)
 
2
HPO
 
4
19.1.10Lithiophilite
LiMn
2+
 
[PO
 
4
]
19.1.12Ferrisicklerite
(Fe
3+
 
,LiMn
2+
 
)[PO
 
4
]
19.1.13Triphylite
LiFe
2+
 
[PO
 
4
]
19.1.14Tavorite
LiFe
3+
 
[OH|PO
 
4
]
19.1.15Marićite
NaFe
2+
 
[PO
 
4
]
Related Minerals - Dana Grouping):

- +
38.1.4.1Ferrisicklerite
(Fe
3+
 
,LiMn
2+
 
)[PO
 
4
]
38.1.4.3Simferite
Li(Mg,Fe
2+
 
,Mn
2+
 
)[PO
 
4
]

Other Names for Sicklerite

Synonyms:
MangansickleriteMn-Sicklerite
Other Languages:
French:Pseudohétérosite
German:Sicklerit
Spanish:Sicklerita

Other Information

Other Information:Soluble in acids.

Alters to the Heterosite-Purpurite Series by oxidation of the Mn'' and leaching of the Li.
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 Sicklerite

Reference List:Lacroix, A. (1910) Minéralogie de la France et des ses colonies, Paris. 5 volumes: vol. 4: 469 (as Pseudohétérosite).

Schaller (1912) Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences: 2: 143.

Berggren analysis in: Mason (1941) Geologiska Föeningens I Stockholm. Förhandlinger, Stockholm: 63: 117.

American Mineralogist (1941): 26: 681.

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.: 672-673.

Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie et de Cristallographie (1976): 99: 274.

Internet Links for Sicklerite

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

    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.
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    (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
     
    • Western Australia
      • Pilbara Region
    		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: 673.
    China
     
    • Xinjiang (Xinjiang-Uygur) Autonomous Region
      • Yili Hasake (Ili Kazakh) Autonomous Prefecture
        • Aletai (Altay) Prefecture
          • Fuyun Co.
    		Zhang Rubo (1981): Chinese Science Bulletin 26(4).
          • Qinghe (Qinggil; Chinggil) Co.
    		Ma Zhesheng, Shi Nicheng, and Ye Danian (2005): Science in China, Series D (Earth Sciences), 48(5), 635-646.
    Finland
     
    • Etelä-Suomen Lääni
      • Orivesi
        • Eräjärvi area
    		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: 673.
    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: 673.
    Namibia
     
    • Erongo Region
      • Karibib District
        • Okongava-Ost farm
    		Keller, P. (1991): The occurrence of Li-Fe-Mn phosphate minerals in granitic pegmatites of Namibia. Communs. Geol. Surv. Namibia, 7, 21-34.
    Norway
     
    • Nordland
      • Meløy
        • Holandsfjord
    		R. Kristiansen (1971, pers. com.); Neumann (1985, p. 115).
    Portugal
     
    • Guarda District
      • Sabugal
    		Schnorrer-Köhler (1991), Mineral Occurrences.
    • Viana do Castelo District
      • Ponte da Barca
    		Self-find by Nuno Afonso; optical and XRD analysed
    • Viseu District
      • Mangualde
    Sweden
     
    • Västerbotten
      • Skellefteå
    		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: 673.
    USA
     
    • Arizona
      • Yavapai Co.
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 253, 370; Jahns, Richard H. (1952), Pegmatite Deposits of the White Picacho District, Maricopa and Yavapai Counties, Arizona, Arizona Bureau of Mines Bull. 162.
    Am Min 67:97-113
    • California
    		San Diego Natural History Museum
    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: 673.
          • Chief Mountain
    		Mineralogical Record (2002): 33(5): 388.
          • Hiriart Mountain (Heriart; Heriot; Hiriat Hill)
    		Dana 6:A3:72.
          • Tourmaline Queen Mountain (Pala; Queen)
    		Journal of the Washington Academy of Science (1912): 2: 145.
    • Colorado
      • Larimer Co.
        • Crystal Mountain Pegmatite District (Storm Mountain District)
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    • Connecticut
      • Fairfield Co.
        • Redding
          • Branchville
    		Januzzi, 1976. Mineral Localities of CT and Southeastern NY State
    • New Hampshire
      • Cheshire Co.
        • Marlow
    		Fred E. Davis collection 2007
      • Grafton Co.
        • Alexandria
    		Rocks & Min.: 17:250. Morrill, P., 1960, New Hampshire Mines and Mineral Localities.
      • Rockingham Co.
        • Raymond
    		Francis, C. A. (1985): Minerals of the Chandler Mine, A Zoned Lithium Rich Pegmatite (Rocks and Minerals, 60:263-264)
    • South Dakota
      • Custer Co.
        • Custer District
          • Berne
    		Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
          • Custer
    		Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    SDSMT Bull 18 Roberts and Rapp "Mineralogy of the Black Hills"
    SDSMT Bull 18 Roberts and Rapp "Mineralogy of the Black Hills"
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
          • Fourmile
    		Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    No reference listed
          • Pringle
            • Cicero Peak
    		Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
      • Pennington Co.
        • Hill City District
    		Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
        • Keystone District
    		SDSMT Bull 18 Roberts and Rapp "Mineralogy of the Black Hills"
          • Glendale
    		SDSMT Bull 18 Roberts and Rapp "Mineralogy of the Black Hills"
          • Keystone
    		Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    Rocks & Minerals: 75(3): 156-169.
    • Utah
      • Juab Co.
        • East Tintic Mts
    		UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    • Wisconsin
      • Florence Co.
        • Fern
    		The Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Animikie Red Ace Pegmatite, Florence County, Wisconsin. Alexander U. Falster, Wm. B. Simmons, and Karen L. Webber, Recent Research Developments in Mineralogy, 1(1996)
    Mineral and/or Locality
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