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Pyrophosphite

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Formula:
K
 
2
Ca(P
 
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:Hypothetical Mineral
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.
Dana 8th edition ID:38.5.8.

38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
5 : Miscellaneous
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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
Ca(P
 
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.15UM1999-17:O:PbV
Pb
 
4
(VO
 
4
)
 
2
O
8.FA.20Pyrocoproite
(K,Na)
 
2
Mg(P
 
2
O
 
7
)
8.FA.25Petewilliamsite
(Ni,Co)
 
30
(As
 
2
O
 
7
)
 
15

Other Names for Pyrophosphite

Other Languages:
German:Pyrophosphit
Spanish:Pirofosfita

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]

Internet Links for Pyrophosphite

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    • Localities for Pyrophosphite

    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.
    Namibia
     
    • Khomas Region
      • Windhoek District
    		[Bull. South African Speleological Assoc.(1994) 33, 66-69; AmMin 84:193]
    Saudi Arabia
     
    • Mintaqah Makkah
    		Saudi Geological Survey Open-File Report SGS-OF-2004-12, 68 p.
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