Stichtite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Stichtite
Formula:
Mg6Cr3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O
Colour:
Rose-pink to purple
Lustre:
Waxy, Greasy, Pearly
Hardness:
1½ - 2
Specific Gravity:
2.16
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
Named after Robert Carl Sticht (Oct. 8, 1856 Hoboken, Hudson County, New Jersey, USA - Apr. 30, 1922 Launceston, Tasmania, Australia), formerly General Manager of the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company, Queenstown (Tasmania).
Hydrotalcite Group.
See also the related, visually similar woodallite. It has a polymorph Stichtite-2H (previously known as barbertonite).
See also the related, visually similar woodallite. It has a polymorph Stichtite-2H (previously known as barbertonite).
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Stichtite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3784
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3784:2
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
3a775569-3c01-4946-a2cd-e76e9f5a0c11
IMA Classification of Stichtite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Mg6Cr2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O
First published:
1910
Classification of Stichtite
5.DA.50
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
D : Carbonates with additional anions, with H2O
A : With medium-sized cations
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
D : Carbonates with additional anions, with H2O
A : With medium-sized cations
16b.6.2.2
16b : HYDRATED CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : AmBn(XO3)pZqxH2O & with (m+n):p = 8:1
16b : HYDRATED CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : AmBn(XO3)pZq
11.11.1
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and U
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and U
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Symbol | Source | Reference |
---|---|---|
Stt | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Stt | Warr (2020) | Warr, L.N. (2020) Recommended abbreviations for the names of clay minerals and associated phases. Clay Minerals, 55, 261–264 doi:10.1180/clm.2020.30 |
Physical Properties of Stichtite
Waxy, Greasy, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Rose-pink to purple
Streak:
White to light lilac
Hardness:
1½ - 2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Flexible
Cleavage:
Perfect
{0001}
{0001}
Density:
2.16 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.11 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Stichtite
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.516 nε = 1.542
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.026
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:
Low
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
O = dark rose-pink to lilac
E = light rose-pink to lilac
E = light rose-pink to lilac
Chemistry of Stichtite
Mindat Formula:
Mg6Cr3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O
Common Impurities:
Fe
Crystallography of Stichtite
Polytype:
Formula:
Crystal System:
Class (H-M)
Space Group:
Space Group Setting:
Cell Parameters:
Ratio:
Unit Cell Volume (calc):
Z:
Stichtite-2H | Stichtite-3R |
---|---|
Mg6(Cr,Al)2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O | |
Hexagonal | Trigonal |
6/mmm (6/m 2/m 2/m) - Dihexagonal Dipyramidal | 3m (3 2/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral |
P63/mmc | R3m |
R3m | |
a = 6.09689(6) Å, c = 15.6193(8) Å | a = 3.09573(3) Å, c = 23.5069(6) Å |
a:c = 1 : 2.562 | a:c = 1 : 7.593 |
V 502.82 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell) | V 195.099 ų |
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Image Loading
Radiation - Copper Kα
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacing | Intensity |
---|---|
7.8 Å | (100) |
3.91 Å | (90) |
2.60 Å | (40) |
2.32 Å | (30) |
1.97 Å | (30) |
1.54 Å | (20) |
1.51 Å | (20) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
---|---|
Stage 3b: Earth’s earliest hydrosphere | >4.45 |
13 : Hadean serpentinization |
Type Occurrence of Stichtite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Irregularly-shaped masses veins and blebs in serpentine.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National School of Mines, Paris, France.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Serpentinites
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Stichtite
Other Language Names for Stichtite
Varieties of Stichtite
Bouazzerite (of Cailleres) | A local mining term used to describe a ferroan Stichtite. |
Relationship of Stichtite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
Desautelsite | Mg6Mn3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) |
Droninoite | Ni6Fe3+2(OH)16Cl2 · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m |
Hydrotalcite | Mg6Al2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m |
Hydrotalcite-3R | Mg6Al2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m |
Iowaite | Mg6Fe3+2(OH)16Cl2 · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m |
Kaznakhtite | Ni6Co3+2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O | Trig. 3 : R3 |
Meixnerite | Mg6Al2(OH)16(OH)2 · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m |
Pyroaurite | Mg6Fe3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m |
Reevesite | Ni6Fe3+2(OH)16(CO3) · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m |
Takovite | Ni6Al2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m |
UM2002-02-COH:FeNi | (Fe2+,Ni)6Fe3+2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O | |
Woodallite | Mg6Cr2(OH)16Cl2 · 4H2O | Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
36 photos of Stichtite associated with Serpentine Subgroup | D3[Si2O5](OH)4 |
15 photos of Stichtite associated with Chromite | Fe2+Cr3+2O4 |
10 photos of Stichtite associated with Lizardite | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
9 photos of Stichtite associated with Serpentinite | |
8 photos of Stichtite associated with Chrysotile | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
5 photos of Stichtite associated with Magnesiochromite | MgCr2O4 |
4 photos of Stichtite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
4 photos of Stichtite associated with Magnetite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
4 photos of Stichtite associated with Stichtite-2H | Mg6(Cr,Al)2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O |
4 photos of Stichtite associated with Aragonite | CaCO3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
5.DA. | Alexkhomyakovite | K6(Ca2Na)(CO3)5Cl · 6H2O |
5.DA. | Amoraite | Ca12Al6(OH)36(CO3)2(SO3) · 15H2O |
5.DA.05 | Dypingite | Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 5H2O |
5.DA.05 | Giorgiosite | Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 5-6H2O |
5.DA.05 | Hydromagnesite | Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 4H2O |
5.DA.05 | Widgiemoolthalite | Ni5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 5H2O |
5.DA.05 | UM1986-10-CO:ClHMgMnZn (also called Mineral F, Dunn, 1995) | Mg5(Zn,Mn)3(CO3)2(OH,Cl)12 · H2O |
5.DA.05 | UM1987-01-CO:HMgS | Mg4(CO3)2(OH)4 · 6H2O ? |
5.DA.10 | Artinite | Mg2(CO3)(OH)2 · 3H2O |
5.DA.10 | Indigirite | Mg2Al2(CO3)4(OH)2 · 15H2O |
5.DA.10 | Chlorartinite | Mg2(CO3)(OH)Cl · 2H2O |
5.DA.15 | Otwayite | Ni2(CO3)(OH)2 · H2O |
5.DA.15 | Zaratite | Ni3(CO3)(OH)4 · 4H2O ? |
5.DA.20 | Kambaldaite | NaNi4(CO3)3(OH)3 · 3H2O |
5.DA.25 | Callaghanite | Cu2Mg2(CO3)(OH)6 · 2H2O |
5.DA.30 | Claraite | (Cu,Zn)15(CO3)4(AsO4)2(SO4)(OH)14 · 7H2O |
5.DA.35 | Hydroscarbroite | Al14(CO3)3(OH)36 · nH2O |
5.DA.35 | Scarbroite | Al5(CO3)(OH)13 · 5H2O |
5.DA.40 | Caresite | Fe2+4Al2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
5.DA.40 | Quintinite | Mg4Al2(OH)12(CO3) · 3H2O |
5.DA.40 | Charmarite | Mn2+4Al2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
5.DA.40 | Karchevskyite | Mg18Al9(OH)54Sr2(CO3)9(H2O)6 (H3O)5 |
5.DA.40 | UM1987-05-OH:AlCMg | Mg4Al2(OH)12(CO3,SO4) · 3H2O |
5.DA.45 | Stichtite-2H | Mg6(Cr,Al)2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O |
5.DA.45 | Brugnatellite | Mg6Fe3+(CO3)(OH)13 · 4H2O |
5.DA.45 | Chlormagaluminite | Mg4Al2(OH)12Cl2 · 3H2O |
5.DA.45 | Hydrotalcite-2H | Mg6Al2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O |
5.DA.45 | Pyroaurite-2H | Mg6Fe3+2(OH)16(CO3) · 4H2O |
5.DA.45 | Zaccagnaite | Zn4Al2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
5.DA.45 | Liudongshengite | Zn4Cr2(OH)12(CO3) · 3H2O |
5.DA.50 | Comblainite | Ni4Co2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
5.DA.50 | Desautelsite | Mg6Mn3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O |
5.DA.50 | Hydrotalcite | Mg6Al2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O |
5.DA.50 | Pyroaurite | Mg6Fe3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O |
5.DA.50 | Reevesite | Ni6Fe3+2(OH)16(CO3) · 4H2O |
5.DA.50 | Takovite | Ni6Al2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O |
5.DA.50 | Kaznakhtite | Ni6Co3+2(CO3)(OH)16 · 4H2O |
5.DA.55 | Coalingite | Mg10Fe3+2(OH)24[CO3] · 2H2O |
5.DA.55 | Akopovaite | Al4Li2(OH)12(CO3)(H2O)3 |
5.DA.60 | Šlikite | Zn2Mg(CO3)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
5.DA.65 | Marklite | Cu5(CO3)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Stichtite in petrology
An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.
Internet Links for Stichtite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3784.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Stichtite
Reference List:
Read, H. H., Dixon, B. E. (1933) On stichtite from Cunningsburgh, Shetland Islands. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 23 (140) 309-316 doi:10.1180/minmag.1933.023.140.03
Frondel, Clifford (1941) Constitution and polymorphism of the pyroaurite and sjögrenite groups. American Mineralogist, 26 (5) 295-315
Bookin, A. S., Cherkashin, V. I., Drits, V. A. (1993) Polytype Diversity of the Hydrotalcite-Like Minerals II. Determination of the Polytypes of Experimentally Studied Varieties. Clays and Clay Minerals, 41 (5) 558-564 doi:10.1346/ccmn.1993.0410505
Mondal, S. K., Baidya, T. K. (1996) Stichtite [Mg6Cr2(OH)16CO3·4H2O] in Nausahi ultramafites, Orissa, India - its transformation at elevated temperatures. Mineralogical Magazine, 60 (402) 836-840 doi:10.1180/minmag.1996.060.402.16
Ashwal, Lewis D., Cairncross, Bruce (1997) Mineralogy and origin of stichtite in chromite-bearing serpentinites. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 127 (1) 75-86 doi:10.1007/s004100050266
Mills, S. J., Whitfield, P. S., Wilson, S. A., Woodhouse, J. N., Dipple, G. M., Raudsepp, M., Francis, C. A. (2011) The crystal structure of stichtite, re-examination of barbertonite, and the nature of polytypism in MgCr hydrotalcites. American Mineralogist, 96 (1) 179-187 doi:10.2138/am.2011.3531
Mills, S. J., Christy, A. G., Génin, J.-M. R., Kameda, T., Colombo, F. (2012) Nomenclature of the hydrotalcite supergroup: natural layered double hydroxides. Mineralogical Magazine, 76 (5) 1289-1336 doi:10.1180/minmag.2012.076.5.10
Theiss, F. L., Ayoko, G. A., Frost, R. L. (2013) Stichtite: a review. Clay Minerals, 48 (1) 143-148 doi:10.1180/claymin.2013.048.4.10
Localities for Stichtite
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).
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.
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Australian Journal of Mineralogy (2006) |
| Anthony (1997) |
Australian Journal of Mineralogy (2006) | |
Bottrill et al. (2008) +1 other reference | |
| Australian Journal of Mineralogy (2006) +1 other reference |
Bottrill et al. (2008) | |
| [Stichtite-2H] R Bottrill |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
| Disseminated and Massive Nickel ... +2 other references |
Gole et al. (2000) | |
Grguric et al. (2013) | |
Wilson et al. (2014) | |
Nickel Mineralisation in Western ... | |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2010) |
Brazil | |
| Boukili et al. (1983) +1 other reference |
| King (n.d.) |
Canada | |
| Sabina (2000) |
Mandarino (1966) | |
| Sabina (2003) |
| Mineral Record (1976) |
| Dana 7:I:656. |
Czech Republic | |
| [Stichtite-2H] Ulrych |
Eswatini | |
| Ashwal et al. (1997) |
India | |
| Varadarajan (1966) |
| Mondal et al. (1996) |
Kazakhstan | |
Mexico | |
| 1.Proenza +3 other references |
Ortega-Gutierrez +2 other references | |
Middle East | |
Vapnik et al. (2006) | |
Morocco | |
| Favreau et al. (2007) |
| Favreau et al. (2006) |
Favreau et al. (2006) | |
Favreau et al. (2006) | |
Favreau et al. (2006) | |
Favreau et al. (2006) | |
New Zealand | |
| [Stichtite-2H] Railton et al. (1990) |
| D. Coombs in Micro-Scope |
Russia | |
| Tatarinov et al. (1985) |
| Zhitova et al. (2020) |
Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data 2021 | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
South Africa | |
| McCreesh et al. (2018) |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Cairncross et al. (1995) | |
| [Stichtite-2H] Am Min 26 (1941) |
Cairncross et al. (1995) | |
[Stichtite-2H] www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com (2021) +2 other references | |
[Stichtite-2H] Rocks & Min.: 21:275. | |
Ashwal et al. (1997) +1 other reference | |
PMPB Meulenbeld collection photo ID ... | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Cairncross et al. (1995) | |
Cairncross et al. (1995) | |
UK | |
| [Stichtite-2H] Anthony (1997) |
USA | |
| Collected by Steve Okulewicz |
Zimbabwe | |
| Laubscher (1986) |
Quick NavTopAbout StichtiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesVarietiesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationStichtite in petrologyInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Tunnel Hill Quarry, Serpentine Hill, North Dundas, Zeehan mining district, West Coast municipality, Tasmania, Australia