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Stercorite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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07054540014963218023523.jpg
Stercorite

Punta Patache, Puerta Patillos, Iquique, Iquique Province, Tarapacá, Chile
02328190016315224054625.jpg
Stercorite, etc.

Punta Patache, Puerta Patillos, Iquique, Iquique Province, Tarapacá, Chile
07054540014963218023523.jpg
Stercorite

Punta Patache, Puerta Patillos, Iquique, Iquique Province, Tarapacá, Chile
02328190016315224054625.jpg
Stercorite, etc.

Punta Patache, Puerta Patillos, Iquique, Iquique Province, Tarapacá, Chile
07054540014963218023523.jpg
Stercorite

Punta Patache, Puerta Patillos, Iquique, Iquique Province, Tarapacá, Chile
00393600016315224046606.jpg
Stercorite, etc.

Punta Patache, Puerta Patillos, Iquique, Iquique Province, Tarapacá, Chile
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About StercoriteHide

Formula:
(NH4)Na(PO3OH) · 4H2O
Colour:
Colourless (artificial material); white, pale yellow, brownish; colourless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
1.574
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
From Latin "stercus", "dung", alluding to its discovery in guano.
This page provides mineralogical data about Stercorite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
3765
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3765:1
GUID
(UUID V4):
2993bae9-8326-4b1c-8a1b-523bc1835d6b

IMA Classification of StercoriteHide

IMA status:
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1850
Type description reference:
Herapath, T.J. (1850) On some newly discovered substances from the African guano deposits. Quarterly Journal of the Chemical Society: 2: 70-74.

Classification of StercoriteHide

Strunz-mindat (2023):
8.CJ.05

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
J : With only large cations
Dana 8th ed.:
39.3.1.1

39 : HYDRATED ACID PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
3 : Miscellaneous
Hey's CIM Ref.:
19.1.6

19 : Phosphates
1 : Phosphates of the alkali metals

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference
StcIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of StercoriteHide

Lustre:
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless (artificial material); white, pale yellow, brownish; colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
None Observed
Density:
1.574 g/cm3 (Measured)    1.570 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
1.574 (artificial material).

Optical Data of StercoriteHide

Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.439 nβ = 1.442 nγ = 1.469
2V:
Measured: 35° , Calculated: 38°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.030
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
dispersion not observed
Optical Extinction:
Z ≃ ⊥ {001}; OAP ≃ ⊥ {010}.

Chemistry of StercoriteHide

Mindat Formula:
(NH4)Na(PO3OH) · 4H2O
Elements listed:
H, N, Na, O, P - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of StercoriteHide

Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.636(2) Å, b = 6.9187(14) Å, c = 6.4359(13) Å
α = 90.46(3)°, β = 97.87(3)°, γ = 7109.20(3)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.537 : 1 : 0.93
Unit Cell V:
469.07 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals short prismatic (artificial); Pseudo-monoclinic. Crystalline masses and nodules (natural).
Twinning:
Repeated twinning of triclinic individuals on {010} simulates monoclinic symmetry. Reentrant angles are usually lacking.

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0009501StercoriteFerraris G, Franchini-Angela M (1974) Hydrogen bonding in the crystalline state. Crystal structure and twinning of NaNH4HPO4*4H2O (Stercorite) Acta Crystallographica B30 504-5101974guano deposits0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
6.53 Å(100)
9.93 Å(95)
4.24 Å(55)
2.911 Å(50)
2.884 Å(50)
4.77 Å(40)
3.658 Å(40)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere<0.6
52 : Guano- and urine-derived minerals<0.4

Type Occurrence of StercoriteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Ichaboe Island, ǃNamiǂNûs Constituency, ǁKaras Region, Namibia
General Appearance of Type Material:
Transparent crystals.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
No designated type material.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Guano deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Struvite
Reference:
Herapath, T.J. (1850) On some newly discovered substances from the African guano deposits. Quarterly Journal of the Chemical Society: 2: 70-74.

Synonyms of StercoriteHide

Other Language Names for StercoriteHide

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
1 photo of Stercorite associated with HaliteNaCl

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.CJ.SainfelditeCa5(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.CJ.CaesiumpharmacosideriteCsFe4[(AsO4)3(OH)4] · 4H2OIso. 4 3m : P4 3m
8.CJ.JeankempiteCa5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 7H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CJ.AirditeSr(V4+O)2(PO4)2 · 4H2OMon. m : Bb
8.CJ.DobšináiteCa2Ca(AsO4)2 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.CJ.10Mundrabillaite(NH4)2Ca(PO3OH)2 · H2OMon. m : Pm
8.CJ.10Swaknoite(NH4)2Ca(PO3OH)2 · H2OOrth.
8.CJ.15NabaphiteNaBaPO4 · 9H2OIso. 2 3 : P21 3
8.CJ.15NastrophiteNa(Sr,Ba)PO4 · 9H2OIso. 2 3 : P21 3
8.CJ.20HaidingeriteCaHAsO4 · H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbcn
8.CJ.25VladimiriteCa4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH) · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.CJ.25Rhabdophane-(Y)YPO4 · H2OHex. 6 2 2 : P62 2 2
8.CJ.27Churchite-(Dy)(Dy,Sm,Gd,Nd)PO4 · 2H2OMon.
8.CJ.30FerrarisiteCa5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CJ.35Machatschkiite(Ca,Na)6(AsO4)(HAsO4)3(PO4,SO4) · 15H2OTrig. 3m : R3c
8.CJ.35FulbrightiteCa(VO)2(AsO4)2 · 4H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CJ.40PhaunouxiteCa3(AsO4)2 · 11H2OTric.
8.CJ.40RauenthaliteCa3(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CJ.45Brockite(Ca,Th,Ce)PO4 · H2OHex. 6 2 2 : P62 2 2
8.CJ.45Grayite(Th,Pb,Ca)(PO4) · H2OHex. 6 2 2 : P62 2 2
8.CJ.45Rhabdophane-(Ce)Ce(PO4) · 0.6H2OTrig. 3 2 : P31 2 1
8.CJ.45Rhabdophane-(La)La(PO4) · H2OHex. 6 2 2 : P62 2 2
8.CJ.45Rhabdophane-(Nd)Nd(PO4) · H2OHex. 6 2 2 : P62 2 2
8.CJ.45Tristramite(Ca,U,Fe)(PO4,SO4) · 2H2OHex. 6 2 2 : P62 2 2
8.CJ.45Smirnovskite(Th,Ca)PO4 · nH2OHex. 6 2 2 : P62 2 2
8.CJ.45ŠtěpiteU(AsO3OH)2 · 4H2O Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I41/acd
8.CJ.47VysokýiteU4+[AsO2(OH)2]4 · 4H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.CJ.50ArdealiteCa2(PO3OH)(SO4) · 4H2OMon. m : Bb
8.CJ.50BrushiteCa(PO3OH) · 2H2OMon. m : Bb
8.CJ.50Churchite-(Y)Y(PO4) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.CJ.50PharmacoliteCa(HAsO4) · 2H2OMon. m
8.CJ.50Churchite-(Nd)Nd(PO4) · 2H2OMon.
8.CJ.55McneariteNaCa5(AsO4)(HAsO4)4 · 4H2OTric.
8.CJ.60DorfmaniteNa2(PO3OH) · 2H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.CJ.65SincositeCa(VO)2(PO4)2 · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P42/nnm
8.CJ.65BariosincositeBa(VO)2(PO4)2 · 4H2OTet.
8.CJ.70CatalanoiteNa2(PO3OH) · 8H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Ibca
8.CJ.75GuériniteCa6(HAsO4)3(AsO4)2 · 10.5H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.CJ.85Ningyoite(U,Ca,Ce)2(PO4)2 · 1-2H2OOrth.

Other InformationHide

Notes:
Melting point 79°. Soluble in water.
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 StercoriteHide

References for StercoriteHide

Reference List:
Herapath, T.J. (1850) On some newly discovered substances from the African guano deposits. Quarterly Journal of the Chemical Society: 2: 70-74.
Herapath, T.J. (1850) On some newly discovered substances from the African guano deposits. Quarterly Journal of the Chemical Society: 2: 70-74.
Schaschek (1914) Mineralogische und petrographische Mitteilungen, Vienna: 32: 402.
Palache, Charles, Berman, Harry, Frondel, Clifford (1951) The System of Mineralogy (7th ed.) Vol. 2 - Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Ect. John Wiley and Sons, New York.pp.698-699
Ferraris, G., Franchini-Angela, M. (1974) New data on stercorite (NaNH4HPO4.4H2O) and on its isostructural arsenate. Rendiconti Società Italiana Mineralogia Petrologia: 30: 101-109.
Ferraris, G., Franchini-Angela, M. (1974) Hydrogen bonding in the crystalline state. Crystal structure and twinning of NaNH4HPO4·4H2O (Stercorite). Acta Crystallographica: B30: 504-510.
Frost, R.L., Palmer, S.J. (2011) Raman spectroscopy of stercorite H(NH4)Na(PO4)·4H2O – A cave mineral from Petrogale Cave, Madura, Eucla, Western Australia. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy: 79(5): 1215-1219.
Frost, R.L., Xi, Y., Palmer, S.J., Millar, G.J., Tan, K., Pogson, R.E. (2011) Vibrational spectroscopy of synthetic stercorite H(NH4)Na(PO4)·4H2O — A comparison with the natural cave mineral. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy: 84(1): 269-274.
Frost, R.L., Palmer, S.J. (2012) Thermal stability of stercorite H(NH4)Na(PO4)·4H2O: A cave mineral from Petrogale Cave, Madura, Eucla, Western Australia. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry: 107(3): 901-903.

Localities for StercoriteHide

This 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.

Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Antarctica
 
Australia
 
  • Victoria
    • Corangamite Shire
      • Skipton
        • Mt. Widderin
  • Western Australia
    • Dundas Shire
      • Madura Roadhouse
Bridge, P.J. (1977) Archerite, (K,NH4)H2PO4, a New Mineral from Madura, Western Australia. Mineralogical Magazine: 41: 33-35.
Chile
 
  • Tarapacá
    • Iquique Province
      • Iquique
        • Puerta Patillos
forum.amiminerals.org (2016) http://forum.amiminerals.org/viewtopic.php?t=3756&highlight=patache
Kenya
 
  • Trans-Nzoia County
    • Mount Elgon
Bowell, R. J., Warren, A., & Redmond, I. (1996). Formation of cave salts and utilization by elephants in the Mount Elgon region, Kenya. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 113(1), 63-79.
Namibia (TL)
 
  • ǁKaras Region
    • ǃNamiǂNûs Constituency
Palache, Charles, Berman, Harry, Frondel, Clifford (1951) The System of Mineralogy (7th ed.) Vol. 2 - Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Ect. John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Anthony, John Williams, Bideaux, Richard A., Bladh, Kenneth W., Nichols, Monte C. (2000) Handbook of Mineralogy Vol. 4 - Arsenates, phosphates, vanadates. Mineral Data Publishing, Tucson, Arizona.
Peru
 
  • La Libertad
    • Virù Province
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: 699.
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