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Pyrophosphite

Formula:
K
 
2
CaP
 
2
O
 
7
System:MonoclinicLustre:Vitreous
Name:Named after the Greek pyros, meaning fire and the element name - Phosphorus.


A pyrophospate originated from bat guano combustion in Arnhem Cave, Namibia, about 2000 years ago. Cause of combustion unknown.

Originally described from Arnhem Cave, Windhoek District, Khomas Region, Namibia.

Classification of Pyrophosphite

IMA status:Published without Approval
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:8.FA.20

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
F : Polyphosphates, Polyarsenates, [4]-Polyvanadates
A : Polyphosphates, etc., without OH and H2O; dimers of corner-sharing RO4 tetrahedra.
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Physical Properties of Pyrophosphite

Lustre:Vitreous

Crystallography of Pyrophosphite

Crystal System:Monoclinic

Optical Data of Pyrophosphite

Type:Biaxial
RI values: nα = 1.543 nγ = 1.549
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.006

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Moderate
Dispersion:weak

Chemical Properties of Pyrophosphite

Formula:
K
 
2
CaP
 
2
O
 
7
Essential elements:Ca, K, O, P
All elements listed in formula:Ca, K, O, P

Relationship of Pyrophosphite to other Species

Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
8.FA.05Blossite
α-Cu
 
2
[V
 
2
O
 
7
]
8.FA.10Ziesite
β-Cu
 
2
[V
 
2
O
 
7
]
8.FA.15Chervetite
Pb
 
2
[V
 
2
O
 
7
]
8.FA.20Pyrocoproite
Mg(K,Na)
 
2
P
 
2
O
 
7
8.FA.25Petewilliamsite
(Ni,Co)
 
30
[As
 
2
O
 
7
]
 
15

Other Names for Pyrophosphite

Other Languages:
German:Pyrophosphit
Spanish:Pyrophosphita

Other Information

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 Pyrophosphite

Reference List:Martini, J. E. (1994): Two new minerals originated from bat guano combustion in Arnhem Cave, Namibia. South African Speleological Assoc. Bull. 33, 66-69. [Abstract in Am. Mineral. 84, 193]

Articles/Blogs about Pyrophosphite

Internet Links for Pyrophosphite

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    Localities for Pyrophosphite

    (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.
    Namibia
     
    • Khomas Region
      • Windhoek District
    		[Bull. South African Speleological Assoc.(1994) 33, 66-69; AmMin 84:193]
    Mineral and/or Locality
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