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Sicklerite

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Big Photo

Stewart Mine (MS 6162; Stewart Lithia mine), Tourmaline Queen Mountain (Pala Mtn; Queen Mtn), Pala, 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 mine), Tourmaline Queen Mountain (Pala Mtn; Queen Mtn), Pala, 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
3+
 
,Mn
3+
 
)
 
2
(PO
 
4
)
 
2
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.30IMA2009-002
Cu
 
3
(AsO
 
4
)
 
2
8.AB.35Mcbirneyite
Cu
 
3
(VO
 
4
)
 
2
8.AB.35Stranskiite
Zn
 
2
Cu(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
HPO
 
4
 · 2H
 
2
O
19.1.5Nalipoite
NaLi
 
2
PO
 
4
19.1.6Stercorite
Na(NH
 
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+
 
(PO
 
4
)(OH)
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
3+
 
,Mn
3+
 
)
 
2
(PO
 
4
)
 
2

Other Names for Sicklerite

Synonyms:
MangansickleriteMn-Sicklerite
Other Languages:
French:Pseudohétérosite
German:Sicklerit
Simplified Chinese:磷锂锰矿
锰磷锂锰矿
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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  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Sicklerite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    • Localities for Sicklerite

    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.
    Argentina
     
    • San Luis
      • Coronel Pringles Department
        • Totoral pegmatitic field
    		OYARZABAL, J. and GALLISKI, M.A.. Hureaulite, Mn+25(H2O)4[PO3(OH)]2[PO4]2, from different deposits of the Totoral pegmatitic field, San Luis. Rev. Asoc. Geol. Argent. [online]. 2007, vol.62, n.2, pp. 210-216.
    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.
    Mason, B. & Dunn, P.J. (1974): An unusual occurrence of Bobierrite at Wodgina, Western Australia. Mineralogical Record 5 (6): 265
    China
     
    • Xinjiang (Xinjiang-Uygur) Autonomous Region
      • Yili Hasake (Ili Kazakh) Autonomous Prefecture
        • Aletai (Altay) Prefecture
          • Fuyun Co. (Koktokay 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
     
    • Southern Finland Province
      • 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
    		Neumann, H. (1985): Norges Mineraler. Norges geologiske Undersøkelse Skrifter 68, 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
    Russia
     
    • Southern Siberia
      • Sayan Mts
        • Eastern Sayan
    		Dmitriy Belakovskiy
    Rwanda
     
    • Western Province
      • Gatumba District
    		Bertossa, A., 1967. Inventaire des minéraux du Rwanda. Bulletin du Service Géologique de Rwanda 4, 25-45.
    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.
          • Pala
            • Chief Mountain
    		Mineralogical Record (2002): 33(5): 388.
            • Hiriart Mountain (Hariat Mtn; Harriot Mtn; Heriart Mtn; Heriot Mtn; Hiriat Hill)
    		Dana 6:A3:72.
            • Tourmaline Queen Mountain (Pala Mtn; Queen Mtn)
    		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
        • Purple Haze and Rainbows End claims
    		Mineralogical Record 22:382
    • Connecticut
      • Fairfield Co.
        • Redding
          • Branchville
    		Januzzi, 1976. Mineral Localities of CT and Southeastern NY State; Januzzi (1994) Mineral Data Book
    • 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.; Rocks & Minerals (2005) 80:242-261 New Hampshire Mineral Locality Index
      • Rockingham Co.
        • Raymond
    		Francis, C. A. (1985): Minerals of the Chandler Mine, A Zoned Lithium Rich Pegmatite (Rocks and Minerals, 60:263-264) ; Rocks & Minerals (2005) 80:242-261 New Hampshire Mineral Locality Index
    • 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.
          • 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)
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