Symplesite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Symplesite
Formula:
Fe2+3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
Colour:
Light green, greenish black, light blue, indigo blue
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Greasy, Pearly
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
2.96 - 3.01
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named by Johan Friedrich August Breithaupt in 1837 from the Greek 'ουν' and 'πλησιαζειν' meaning 'to bring together' because of its relationship with other minerals.
Dimorph of:
Isostructural with:
Symplesite Group.
May be intergrown with its dimorph parasymplesite.
The Fe2+ may oxidise to a significant degree to Fe3+ (see ferrisymplesite) with an accompanying change in colour and optical properties analogous to vivianite.
May be intergrown with its dimorph parasymplesite.
The Fe2+ may oxidise to a significant degree to Fe3+ (see ferrisymplesite) with an accompanying change in colour and optical properties analogous to vivianite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3851
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3851:1
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
9b59d119-e76b-43a8-a64d-f2e49f9b4cc5
IMA Classification of Symplesite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
Classification of Symplesite
8.CE.45
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O about 1:2.5
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O about 1:2.5
40.3.8.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
3 : A3(XO4)2·xH2O
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
3 : A3(XO4)2·xH2O
20.9.6
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
9 : Arsenates of Fe
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
9 : Arsenates of Fe
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sym | 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 Symplesite
Sub-Vitreous, Greasy, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Pearly lustre on cleavage planes.
Colour:
Light green, greenish black, light blue, indigo blue
Streak:
White, bluish white.
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Flexible
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {110}, perfect.
On {110}, perfect.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Translation gliding:
T {1_10}, t[001].
Density:
2.96 - 3.01 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.02 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Measured value on Lobenstien material.
Optical Data of Symplesite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.635 nβ = 1.668 nγ = 1.702
2V:
Measured: 87° , Calculated: 88°
Birefringence:
0.067
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.067
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:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v strong
Optical Extinction:
Z^c = 31.5° increasing to 50° as oxidised, X perpendicular to {1-10
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X = ┴ (110) = Deep blue
Y = Nearly colourless
Z = ^ c 31½° = Pale Yellow
Y = Nearly colourless
Z = ^ c 31½° = Pale Yellow
Chemistry of Symplesite
Mindat Formula:
Fe2+3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Symplesite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Setting:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 4.7505(2) Å, b = 7.7893(5) Å, c = 9.2567(5) Å
α = 106.372(3)°, β = 93.046(4)°, γ = 98.152(4)°
α = 106.372(3)°, β = 93.046(4)°, γ = 98.152(4)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.61 : 1 : 1.188
Unit Cell V:
323.75 ų
Z:
1
Morphology:
Crystals small and imperfect, elongated [001]; flattened {110} at times. Spherical aggregates with a coarsely fibrous, radial structure.
Twinning:
On {110}
Comment:
Runčevski et al. (2015)
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.971 Å | (16) |
| 7.499 Å | (16) |
| 6.785 Å | (100) |
| 5.027 Å | (8) |
| 4.069 Å | (8) |
| 4.007 Å | (8) |
| 3.743 Å | (8) |
| 3.401 Å | (8) |
| 3.177 Å | (8) |
| 3.131 Å | (6) |
| 3.095 Å | (6) |
| 2.970 Å | (8) |
| 2.838 Å | (8) |
| 2.578 Å | (6) |
| 2.493 Å | (2) |
| 2.468 Å | (2) |
| 2.375 Å | (2) |
| 2.355 Å | (4) |
| 2.282 Å | (2) |
| 1.929 Å | (2) |
| 1.860 Å | (2) |
| 1.854 Å | (2) |
| 1.709 Å | (2) |
| 1.683 Å | (2) |
Comments:
ICDD 8-172; very similar to the data for metaköttigite. Data calculated from Runčevski et al. (2015) are more reliable.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Type Occurrence of Symplesite
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidised zone of arsenic-bearing hydrothermal deposits.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Symplesite
Relationship of Symplesite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
| Ferrisymplesite | Fe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O | Mon. |
| Metaköttigite | (Zn,Fe,Fe)3(AsO4)2 · 8(H2O,OH) | Tric. 1 : P1 |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 9 photos of Symplesite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 9 photos of Symplesite associated with Scorodite | Fe3+AsO4 · 2H2O |
| 7 photos of Symplesite associated with Stibarsen | AsSb |
| 7 photos of Symplesite associated with Pyrargyrite | Ag3SbS3 |
| 5 photos of Symplesite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 5 photos of Symplesite associated with Parasymplesite | Fe2+3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 3 photos of Symplesite associated with Arsenolite | As2O3 |
| 2 photos of Symplesite associated with Arsenic | As |
| 2 photos of Symplesite associated with Pharmacosiderite Group | |
| 2 photos of Symplesite associated with Phosgenite | Pb2CO3Cl2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CE.X | Babánekite | Cu3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE. | Monteneroite | Cu2+Mn2+2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.05 | Chudobaite | (Mg,Zn)5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.CE.05 | Geigerite | Mn2+5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.CE.10 | Newberyite | Mg(PO3OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.CE.15 | Brassite | Mg(HAsO4) · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.20 | Phosphorrösslerite | Mg(PO3OH) · 7H2O |
| 8.CE.20 | Rösslerite | Mg(HAsO4) · 7H2O |
| 8.CE.25 | Metaswitzerite | Mn2+3(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.25 | Switzerite | Mn2+3(PO4)2 · 7H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Lindackerite | CuCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Ondrušite | CaCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Veselovskýite | ZnCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Pradetite | CoCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Klajite | MnCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9-10H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Hloušekite | (Ni,Co)Cu4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CE.35 | Bobierrite | Mg3(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Annabergite | Ni3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Arupite | Ni3(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Barićite | (Mg,Fe)3(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Erythrite | Co3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Ferrisymplesite | Fe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Hörnesite | Mg3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Köttigite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Manganohörnesite | Mn2+3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Parasymplesite | Fe2+3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Vivianite | Fe2+Fe2+2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Pakhomovskyite | Co3(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.50 | Cattiite | Mg3(PO4)2 · 22H2O |
| 8.CE.55 | Koninckite | Fe3+PO4 · 3H2O |
| 8.CE.60 | Kaňkite | FeAsO4 · 3.5H2O |
| 8.CE.60 | Hilarionite | Fe3+2(SO4)(AsO4)(OH) · 6H2O |
| 8.CE.65 | Steigerite | Al(VO4) · 3H2O |
| 8.CE.70 | Metaschoderite | Al2(PO4)(VO4) · 6H2O |
| 8.CE.70 | Schoderite | Al2(PO4)(VO4) · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.75 | Malhmoodite | FeZr(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.75 | Zigrasite | MgZr(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.75 | UM2009-11-PO:CaHZr | CaZr[PO4]2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.80 | Santabarbaraite | Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.CE.85 | Metaköttigite | (Zn,Fe,Fe)3(AsO4)2 · 8(H2O,OH) |
| 8.CE.90 | Slavkovite | Cu13(AsO4)6(AsO3OH)4 · 23H2O |
Fluorescence of Symplesite
Not fluorescent
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in acids. Turns reddish brown in strong KOH solution or in 30% H2O2.
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 Symplesite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3851.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Symplesite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin Vol. 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.140
Wolfe, C. W. (1940) Classification of minerals of the type A3(XO4)2·nH2O (concluded) American Mineralogist, 25 (12) 787-809 p.801
Localities for Symplesite
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.
Australia | |
| Sorrell (n.d.) |
| Noble et al |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
| Ralph Bottrill EDS-analyses +1 other reference |
| Simpson (1948) |
| Western Mail Newspaper (Perth) +1 other reference |
Austria | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| H. Meixner: Der Karinthin 1:2-6 (1948) |
| A. Brunlechner: Carinthia II 84:152-153 (1894) |
| Meixner (1953) |
| M. Puttner: Carinthia II 192./112.:255-260 (2002) |
| Puttner (1987) | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) | |
| Collection of NHM |
| Taucher (1998) |
| MEIXNER (1964) +1 other reference |
| Sigmund (1911) |
| Pribitzer (1956) +1 other reference |
| Schachinger et al. (2015) |
| Postl et al. (1987) +1 other reference |
Brazil | |
| Sergio Varvello collection |
Canada | |
| Ontario Geological Survey Miscellaneous ... +2 other references |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Tyrrell & Graham (1913) +1 other reference |
| Sabina (1992) | |
Chile | |
| maurizio dini collection - quantitative ... |
Czech Republic | |
| Kašpar |
| Gramblička R. (2014) |
| Lapis 2002 (7/8) | |
| 86. +1 other reference | |
| Sejkora (1994) |
| Litochleb (jz. Čechy) |
| Tvrdý +1 other reference |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Historic mineral collection National ... | |
| Roman Gramblička collection |
| Roman Gramblička collection |
| Sejkora (1998) | |
| Staně +4 other references |
| Staněk | |
Finland | |
| Lahti +1 other reference |
France | |
| Germain C. et al. (1990) |
| De Ascençao Guedes et al. (2001) |
| P&T N°23-24 et al. (Haut-Rhin) |
| Wittern |
| Kolitsch: Aufschluss 2/1997 +1 other reference |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| Hatert et al. (2020) |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
Germany | |
| Blaß et al. (2000) |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Walenta (1992) |
| |
| |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Bender et al. (1994) |
| Thomas Luehr collection |
| Roman Gramblička collection |
| www.mineralienatlas.de (2016) |
| Hajek (2010) |
| Lapis 30 (7/8) |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| 43-47 +2 other references |
| A. Breithaupt (1837) +1 other reference |
| Wittern (2001) |
Greece | |
| Zeschke (1963) |
| Kolitsch et al. (2014) |
| Fritz Schreiber collection |
| Gelaude et al. (1996) |
| Andrew P. Fornadel et al. (2011) |
Italy | |
| Bedognè et al. (2006) |
| Gentile et al. (2012) |
| Biffi P. et al. (Varese) | |
| Guastoni et al. (2004) +1 other reference |
| Luigi Chiappino data |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
| Stara et al. (1996) |
| Brizzi et al. (1994) |
| Pelloux (1921) | |
| Stara P. (1996) | |
| Stara et al. (1996) | |
| AA. VV. |
| La Valle (1898) +1 other reference |
Japan | |
| Matsubara et al (1992) |
| Sturman (1976) +1 other reference |
| OHNISHI et al. (2013) +1 other reference | |
Mexico | |
| |
Morocco | |
| S. Weiß: Lapis 31 (7/8) |
Norway | |
| Neumann (1985) +2 other references |
Romania | |
| Zajzon et al. (2015) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Russia | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
| Kalinin +2 other references |
Spain | |
| Personal collection. Analyzed by Dr. ... +1 other reference |
| Viñals et al. (1990) |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Ansermet (2012) |
UK | |
| Mason et al. (1997) |
| Cooper et al. (1990) |
| Day (1999) |
| Stanley et al. (1991) | |
USA | |
| |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
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Saubachriss, Muldenberg, Grünbach, Falkenstein, Vogtlandkreis, Saxony, Germany