Tamarugite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Tamarugite
Formula:
NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O
Colour:
Colourless; colourless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3
Specific Gravity:
2.06
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after its discovery locality, Cerro Pintados, Tamarugal Pampa, Tarapaca, Chile.
Type Locality:
This page provides mineralogical data about Tamarugite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3878
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3878:8
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
937f8e6d-dcb6-4865-acc4-96c2ef343218
IMA Classification of Tamarugite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
Classification of Tamarugite
7.CC.10
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
C : With medium-sized and large cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
C : With medium-sized and large cations
29.5.3.1
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
5 : AB(XO4)2·xH2O
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
5 : AB(XO4)2·xH2O
25.6.12
25 : Sulphates
6 : Sulphates of Al and Tl
25 : Sulphates
6 : Sulphates of Al and Tl
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Tmr | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Tamarugite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless; colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {010}, perfect; not easy.
On {010}, perfect; not easy.
Density:
2.06(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.066 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Tamarugite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.484(1) nβ = 1.486(1) nγ = 1.497(1)
2V:
Measured: 60° , Calculated: 48°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.013
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:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v to r < v strong
Chemistry of Tamarugite
Mindat Formula:
NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O
Crystallography of Tamarugite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/a
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.353(2) Å, b = 25.225(5) Å, c = 6.097(2) Å
β = 95.2(1)°
β = 95.2(1)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.291 : 1 : 0.242
Unit Cell V:
1,126.21 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals short tabular {010} or short prismatic [001]. Fibrous or fine-grained massive.
A characteristic of the crystals is that the forms all fall in four principal zones (prisms, positive pyramids, positive domes, and negative pyramids), (Gordon 1940).
{110}, {120}, {010}
{111}, {121}, {131}, {141}, {151}, {161}
{011}, {021}, {031}, {041}
{111}, {121}, {131}, {141}
A characteristic of the crystals is that the forms all fall in four principal zones (prisms, positive pyramids, positive domes, and negative pyramids), (Gordon 1940).
{110}, {120}, {010}
{111}, {121}, {131}, {141}, {151}, {161}
{011}, {021}, {031}, {041}
{111}, {121}, {131}, {141}
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000186 | Tamarugite | Robinson P D, Fang J H (1969) Crystal structures and mineral chemistry of double-salt hydrates: I. Direct determination of the crystal structure of tamarugite American Mineralogist 54 19-30 |  | 1969 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0020636 | Tamarugite | Mereiter K (2013) Redetermination of tamarugite, NaAl(SO4)2*6H2O Acta Crystallographica E69 i63-i64 |  | 2013 | Mina Alcaparossa, southwest of Calama, Chile | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.223 Å | (100) |
| 4.207 Å | (80) |
| 3.647 Å | (59) |
| 3.964 Å | (32) |
| 2.899 Å | (23) |
| 3.153 Å | (21) |
| 12.54 Å | (16) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] | |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] |
Geological Setting:
Occurs under arid conditions by the oxidation of sulphides in aluminous and alkali-rich environments.
Type Occurrence of Tamarugite
Reference:
Schulze, H. (1889) Mineralogisches aus Tarapacá. Verhandlungen des Deutschen Wissenschaftlichen Vereines zu Santiago: 2: 49-60 (56).
Other Language Names for Tamarugite
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 11 photos of Tamarugite associated with Metavoltine | K2Na6Fe2+Fe3+6O2(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 5 photos of Tamarugite associated with Pickeringite | MgAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 4 photos of Tamarugite associated with Halotrichite | FeAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 4 photos of Tamarugite associated with Sideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · 3H2O |
| 2 photos of Tamarugite associated with Metasideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 2 photos of Tamarugite associated with Magnesiovoltaite | K2Mg5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 2 photos of Tamarugite associated with Glauberite | Na2Ca(SO4)2 |
| 2 photos of Tamarugite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 2 photos of Tamarugite associated with Torrecillasite | Na(As,Sb)3+4O6Cl |
| 2 photos of Tamarugite associated with Magnesiokoritnigite | Mg(AsO3OH) · H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.CC. | Cobaltoblödite | Na2Co(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC. | Andychristyite | PbCu2+Te6+O5(H2O) |
| 7.CC. | Ammoniovoltaite | (NH4)2Fe2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12(H2O)18 |
| 7.CC.05 | Krausite | KFe(SO4)2 · H2O |
| 7.CC.15 | Kalinite | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.CC.15 | Mendozite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Lonecreekite | (NH4)Fe3+(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Alum-(K) | KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Alum-(Na) | NaAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Tschermigite | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Lanmuchangite | Tl+Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Voltaite | K2Fe2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Zincovoltaite | K2Zn5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Pertlikite | K2(Fe2+,Mg)2Mg4Fe3+2Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Ammoniomagnesiovoltaite | (NH4)2Mg2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Magnesiovoltaite | K2Mg5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.30 | Kröhnkite | Na2Cu(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.CC.35 | Ferrinatrite | Na3Fe(SO4)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.CC.40 | Goldichite | KFe(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.45 | Löweite | Na12Mg7(SO4)13 · 15H2O |
| 7.CC.50 | Blödite | Na2Mg(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.50 | Nickelblödite | Na2(Ni,Mg)(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.50 | Changoite | Na2Zn(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.55 | Leonite | K2Mg(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.55 | Mereiterite | K2Fe(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Boussingaultite | (NH4)2Mg(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Cyanochroite | K2Cu(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Mohrite | (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Nickelboussingaultite | (NH4)2Ni(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Picromerite | K2Mg(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Nickelpicromerite | K2Ni(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Katerinopoulosite | (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.65 | Polyhalite | K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CC.70 | Leightonite | K2Ca2Cu(SO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CC.75 | Amarillite | NaFe(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.80 | Konyaite | Na2Mg(SO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 7.CC.85 | Wattevilleite | Na2Ca(SO4)2 · 4H2O (?) |
| 7.CC.85 | Xocolatlite | Ca2Mn4+2(Te6+O6)2 · H2O |
| 7.CC.90 | Eckhardite | (Ca,Pb)Cu2+Te6+O5(H2O) |
Other Information
Notes:
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 Tamarugite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3878.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Tamarugite
Reference List:
Ungemach, Henri (1935) Sur certains minéraux sulfatés du Chili. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 58 (3) 97-221 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1935.4369pp.209-213 - as Lapparentite
Bandy, Mark C. (1938) Mineralogy of three sulphate deposits of northern Chile. American Mineralogist, 23 (11) 669-760 pp.723-740 - (as lapparentite)
Localities for Tamarugite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The 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).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Antarctica | |
| Kammerer (2011) |
| Barczuk A. & Tatur A. 2003: BIOGENIC ... |
| Barczuk et al. (2003) | |
Australia | |
| Harris et al. (2003) |
| Mark Raven |
| Rob Fitzpatrick | |
| Rob Fitzpatrick |
| Segnit (1976) |
Belgium | |
| Van Tassel (1973) +2 other references |
Canada | |
| Zodrow et al. (1979) |
Cape Verde | |
| Silva et al. (2019) |
Chile | |
| Raman Spectroscopy by Joy Desor |
| SEM-EDS by Joy Desor | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +2 other references |
| Samples analysed by Dr. Jochen Schluter | |
| Maurizio Dini collection +1 other reference | |
| Malcherek et al. (2010) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Dana 7:II:457. | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Samples analysed by Anthony Kampf |
| Peter G. Seroka collection +1 other reference |
China | |
| Zhaoxin Han et al. (2004) +1 other reference |
| Luo et al. (2019) |
Costa Rica | |
| Ulloa et al. (2018) |
Cyprus | |
| Dana 7:II: 465 |
Czech Republic | |
| Scharm +7 other references |
| Matýsek D. |
| Matýsek D. |
| Matýsek D. |
| Matýsek D. |
| Matýsek D. |
| Hršelová et al. (2013) |
France | |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
Germany | |
| |
| Witzke et al. (2015) |
| Ingendahl (2016) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Thalheim +1 other reference |
| Thalheim +1 other reference |
Greece | |
| Hanke (1994) +1 other reference |
| Branko Rieck collection | |
| Branko Rieck collection |
| Lazaridis G. et al. (2011) |
| Baltatzis et al. (2001) |
| Balić-Žunić et al. (2016) |
Guatemala | |
| Stoiber et al. (1974) |
Hungary | |
| |
| ACTA MIN. PETR. Suppl. Tomus XXXVIII. |
| HOM Collection |
Iceland | |
| Balić-Žunić et al. (2016) |
| |
Iran | |
| Khorasanipour (2015) |
| Bariand et al. (1977) |
Italy | |
| D’Angeli et al. (2017) +1 other reference |
| Zambonini F. (1907) +2 other references |
| Russo et al. (2017) |
| Russo et al. (2017) | |
| Russo et al. (2017) |
| Da Pelo et al. (2000) |
| LOMBARDI G. (1981) |
| LOMBARDI G. (1981) +1 other reference | |
| LOMBARDI G. (1981) | |
| LOMBARDI G. (1981) | |
| Mineralogical Record (1) +1 other reference |
Japan | |
| Matsubara (2002) |
| Minakawa (1994) |
| Minakawa (1994) | |
Lebanon | |
| Kruszewski et al. (South Lebanon) |
New Zealand | |
| Mackenzie et al. (1995) |
| de Ronde +16 other references |
| Rod Martin et al. (NZ) |
Peru | |
| Diaby et al. (2006) |
Poland | |
| Ciesielczukk |
| Stepisiewicz (1983) |
| Kruszewski (2013) |
| Kruszewski (2013) | |
| Łukasz Kruszewski (2012) |
Portugal | |
| Oliveira et al. (2024) |
Romania | |
| Pušcaš +4 other references |
| Onac (2009) |
Russia | |
| Kudrin et al. (2021) |
| Bortnikova et al. (2005) |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | |
| Hutton (1970) |
Senegal | |
| Montoroi (1995) |
Spain | |
| Calvo Rebollar et al. (2022) |
| Calvo et al. (2007) |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
UK | |
| King (1998) |
| Mineralogical Magazine 1959 32 : ... |
| Livingstone et al. (1983) |
Ukraine | |
| A. Tischenko. Minerals of the Crimea - ... |
| Dobrovolskaya T.I. (2004) |
USA | |
| Adams et al. (2014) |
| Adams et al. (2014) |
| Hon |
| Keller (1935) | |
| Rocks & Min. |
| Rocks & Minerals: 73 (2) +1 other reference |
| Richards et al. (2017) |
| Plášil et al. (2013) +1 other reference |
Uzbekistan | |
| Uklonskiy et al. (1964) +2 other references |
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