Mindat Logo
Home Page Log In Messageboard The Mindat Directory
Register Search Pages Mineral Chatroom The Mindat Store

Pimelite

This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
Big Photo

Szklary (Gläsendorf), Ząbkowice (Frankenstein), Ząbkowice District, Lower Silesia (Dolnośląskie), Poland
© Stefan Koch

Show Pimelite Photos (8)



Formula:
Ni
 
3
Si
 
4
O
 
10
(OH)
 
2
·4H
 
2
O
System:HexagonalColour:Bright green, apple ...
Lustre:Waxy, EarthyHardness:2½
Member of:Smectite Group
Name:Named by Dietrich Ludwig Gustav Karsten in 1800 for the Greek word for "fat", in allusion to the mineral's appearance. Pimelite was determined to be a smectite as early as 1938 [also American Mineralogist 51:279 [1966]. Later erroneously ascribed to nickel-rich talc (American Mineralogist 64:615 [1979]). Both nickel-bearing talc, intermediate nickeloan nontronite, and nickel dominant smectite occur at the type locality. A re-validation research project has begun.

A significant literature exists verifying that pimelite is nickel-dominant smectite, although there are studies which misidentified the starting material as "pimelite" and reached erroneous conclusions. Often thought to be a coloring agent in chrysoprase, but probably rarely present in that material.


Dark grass to forest green masses of pimelite are found in color zoned pods (to 1 meter) with yellow green nickeloan nontronite associated with red brown hematite stained nontronite and adjacent to bright white montmorillonite pods in a weathering profile.

Classification of Pimelite

Strunz 8th edition ID:8/H.09-65

8 : Silicates
H : Phyllosilicates (layered), Tetragonal or pseudotetragonal layered structures [Si4O10]4- and others
09 : Talc series
Dana 8th edition ID:71.3.1b.5

71 : PHYLLOSILICATES Sheets of Six-Membered Rings
3 : Sheets of 6-membered rings with 2:1 clays
mindat.org URL:http://www.mindat.org/min-7236.html
Please feel free to link to this page.

Physical Properties of Pimelite

Lustre:Waxy, Earthy
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Translucent
Colour:Bright green, apple green, yellow-green
Streak:White to pale green
Hardness (Mohs):2½
Tenacity:Waxy
Cleavage:Perfect
[0001]
Fracture:Irregular/Uneven
Density (measured):2.23-2.98 g/cm3
Density (calculated):2.68 g/cm3

Crystallography of Pimelite

Crystal System:Hexagonal
Cell Parameters:a = 5.256Å, c = 14.822Å
Ratio:a:c = 1 : 2.82
Unit Cell Volume:V 354.61 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:1
Morphology:Fine-grained
Comment:Expands to 17.35 A using glycol
X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
d-spacingIntensity
15.1 (100)
4.56 (40)
3.34 (20)
2.66 (40)
2.27 (20)
1.72 (10)
1.52 (80)
Comments:ICDD 43-664

Optical Data of Pimelite

Type:Biaxial (-)
RI values: nα = 1.592 nγ = 1.615
2V:Measured: 30° to 80°
Birefringence:0.014-0.025
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.023

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Moderate
Dispersion:none
Optical Extinction:Can appear isotropic
Pleochroism:Visible
Comments:Pale green colorless to light yellow green

Chemical Properties of Pimelite

Formula:
Ni
 
3
Si
 
4
O
 
10
(OH)
 
2
·4H
 
2
O
Essential elements:H, Ni, O, Si
All elements listed in formula:H, Ni, O, Si
Analytical Data:Analysis of magnesian pimelite from the type locality (various studies including The Hydrous Nickel-Magnesium Silicates - The Garnierite Group, George T. Faust, American Mineralogist (1966) v 51, 279-298.)
SiO2 (47.20)
NiO (27.66)
MgO (11.42)
Al2O3 (0.22)
Fe2O3 (0.20)
CaO (0.16)
H2O+ (9.38)
H2O- (3.64)

Relationship of Pimelite to other Species

Member of:Smectite Group
Other Members of Group:

- +
Aliettite
Ca
 
0.2
Mg
 
6
((Si,Al)
 
8
O
 
20
)(OH)
 
4
 · 4H
 
2
O
Beidellite
(Na,Ca
 
0.5
)
 
0.3
Al
 
2
((Si,Al)
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
 · nH
 
2
O
Ferrosaponite
Ca
 
0.3
(Fe
2+
 
,Mg,Fe
3+
 
)
 
3
((Si,Al)
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
 · 4H
 
2
O
Hectorite
Na
 
0.3
(Mg,Li)
 
3
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(F,OH)
 
2
Montmorillonite
(Na,Ca)
 
0.33
(Al,Mg)
 
2
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
 · nH
 
2
O
Nontronite
Na
 
0.3
Fe
 
2
((Si,Al)
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
 · nH
 
2
O
Saliotite
(Li,Na)Al
 
3
(AlSi
 
3
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
5
Saponite
Ca
 
0.25
(Mg,Fe)
 
3
((Si,Al)
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
 · nH
 
2
O
Sauconite
Na
 
0.3
Zn
 
3
((Si,Al)
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
 · 4H
 
2
O
Stevensite
(Ca,Na)
 
x
Mg
 
3-x
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
Swinefordite
Li(Al,Li,Mg)
 
4
((Si,Al)
 
4
O
 
10
)
 
2
(OH,F)
 
4
 · nH
 
2
O
Volkonskoite
Ca
 
0.3
(Cr,Mg,Fe)
 
2
((Si,Al)
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
 · 4H
 
2
O
Yakhontovite
(Ca,Na)
 
0.5
(Cu,Fe,Mg)
 
2
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
 · 3H
 
2
O
Zincsilite
Zn
 
3
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
 · 4H
 
2
O
Common Associates:
StevensiteNépouiteLizarditeKeroliteGarnierite
ClinochloreAntigorite
Related Minerals - Strunz Grouping):

- +
8/H.09-10Pyrophyllite
Al
 
2
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
8/H.09-20Ferripyrophyllite
Fe
3+
2
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
8/H.09-30Macaulayite
(Fe,Al)
 
24
Si
 
4
O
 
43
(OH)
 
2
8/H.09-40Talc
Mg
 
3
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
8/H.09-50Minnesotaite
(Fe,Mg)
 
3
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
8/H.09-60Willemseite
(Ni,Mg)
 
3
(Si
 
4
O
 
10
)(OH)
 
2
8/H.09-70Kegelite
Pb
 
8
Al
 
4
(Si
 
8
O
 
20
)(SO
 
4
)
 
2
(CO
 
3
)
 
4
(OH)
 
8

Other Names for Pimelite

Other Languages:
German:Pimelit
Spanish:Pimelita

Other Information

Fluorescence in UV light:Not fluorescent
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 Pimelite

Reference List:

- +
Spangenberg, Kurt, 1938, Die wasserhaltigen Nickelsilicate, Cent. Mineral. Abt. A., p. 360-364.

George T. Faust,, 1966, The Hydrous Nickel-Magnesium Silicates - The Garnierite Group, American Mineralogist, v 51, 279-298.

Manceau, Alain and Calas, Georges, 1985, Heterogeneous Distribution of Nickel in Hydrous Silicates from New Caledonia Ore Deposits, American Mineralogist (1985): 70: 549-558. [Studies not performed on "pimelite".]

Clays and Clay Minerals (1987): 35: 1.

Burke, Ernest A.J. (2007) A Mass Discreditation of GQN Minerals. Canadian Mineralogist: 44(6): 1557-1560.

Internet Links for Pimelite

Search Engines:
  • Look for Pimelite on Google
  • Look for Pimelite images on Google
    • Mineral Dealers:
  • Find Pimelite on www.crystalclassics.co.uk
  • Pimelite specimens for sale - minfind.com
  • Fine Minerals from Weinrich Minerals, Inc.
  • rare and unusual minerals mainly crystallized
  • The Arkenstone - Fine Minerals
  • Buy fine minerals and gemstones from Pala International
  • Fine and rare minerals from mintreasure.com
  • DAKOTA MATRIX offers Cabinet and Rare Species from Worldwide Localities.
  • Buy from David K Joyce minerals
  • Wilensky Fine Minerals
  • Buy RARE Minerals from Rocks of Africa
  • Search for Pimelite on Well-Arranged Molecules
    • Jobs:
  • Mining & Geology Jobs

    • Localities for Pimelite

    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.
    Colombia
     
    • Córdoba Department
      • Mun. de Montelíbano
    		Econ Geol (2004) 99:1197-1213
    Czech Republic
     
    • Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen)
      • South Bohemia Region
        • České Budějovice (Budweis)
    		Čech, V., Koutek, J.: Geologické a genetické poměry ložisek železné a niklové rudy u Křemže v jižních Čechách. Sborník St. geol. úst. ČSR, 1946, sv. 13,
    • Moravia (Mähren; Maehren)
      • Vysočina Region
        • Bystřice nad Pernštejnem
    		Pelíšek, J.: Ni-nerosty v serpentinitu západní Moravy. Časopis pro mineralogii a geologii, 1987, roč. 32, č. 2, s. 207.
    Kazakhstan
     
    • Karagandy Province (Qaragandy Oblysy; Karaganda Oblast')
      • Karkaralinsk Rayon
        • Karkaralinsk (Qarqaraly; Karsakpaj; Qarsaqpaj; Kaskelen)
    		Gaines et al. 1997, Dana's System of Mineralogy
    Morocco
     
    • Souss-Massa-Draâ Region
      • Ouarzazate Province
        • Tazenakht
          • Bou Azer District (Bou Azzer District)
    		Eur. J. Mineral. , 1993, 5, pp. 1205-1215.
    New Caledonia
     
    • Northern Province
      • Nouméa Commune
    		Gaines et al. 1997, Dana's System of Mineralogy
    • Southern Province
      • Yaté Commune
    		Wells, Martin A.; Ramanaidou, Erick R.; Verrall, Michael; Tessarolo, Christian (2009): Mineralogy and crystal chemistry of "garnierites" in the Goro lateritic nickel deposit, New Caledonia. European Journal of Mineralogy 21, 467-483. ; Wells, M. A., Ramanaidou, E. R., Verrall, M., & Tessarolo, C. (2009). Mineralogy and crystal chemistry of “garnierites” in the Goro lateritic nickel deposit, New Caledonia. European Journal of Mineralogy, 21(2), 467-483.
    Poland
     
    • Lower Silesia (Dolnośląskie)
      • Gogołów-Jordanów Massif
        • Wiry
    		Czeslaw Haranczyk and Karol Prchazka (1974) Hydrous magnesium-nickel silicates from Wiry, Lower Silesia. Prace Muzeum Ziemi, 22, 3-64 (in Polish, with English summary, p.56-62)
      • Ząbkowice District
        • Ząbkowice (Frankenstein)
    		Spangenberg, K., and Müller, M. (1949): Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 1(5/6), 560-572.
    www.webmineral.com/data/Pimelite.shtml
    Spangenberg, K., and Müller, M. (1949): Die lateritische Zersetzung des Peridotits bei der Bildung der Nickelerzlagerstätte von Frankenstein in Schlesien. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 1(5/6), 560-572
    USA
     
    • New Jersey
      • Sussex Co.
        • Franklin Mining District
          • Franklin
            • Franklin Mine
    		Dunn(1995):Pt4:504.
    Leonard S.Wiener and Sigrid Ballew,1995, Updated by Kenny Gay,2006, A Listing Of North Carolina Minerals,Geologic Note No.4
      • Jackson Co.
        • Webster-Balsam
    		Wilson,W.F and McKenzie,B.J,1978,Mineral Collecting Sites in North Carolina,pg35
      • Yancey Co.
        • Day Book
    		Wilson,W.F,and McKenzie,B.J,1978,Mineral Collecting Sites in North Carolina
    • Oregon
      • Douglas Co.
    		Gaines et al. 1997, Dana's System of Mineralogy
    • Pennsylvania
      • Lancaster Co.
        • State Line Chromite District
          • Little Britain Township
            • Texas
    		Gaines et al. 1997, Dana's System of Mineralogy
    • Vermont
      • Windham Co.
    		Morrill & Chaffee, 1957. VT Mines & Mineral Localities.
    Rocks & Min. Vol. 71, (1996)
    Mineral and/or Locality
    Search Google
     
    Copyright © Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau 1993-2013. Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them. Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. Mindat does not offer minerals for sale. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.
    Current server date and time: 2nd May 2013 15:17:23
    Mineral and Locality Search
    Mineral:
    and/or Locality:
    Options
    Fade toolbar when not in focusFix toolbar to bottom of page
    Hide Social Media Links
    Slideshow frame delay seconds