Leonite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Leonite
Formula:
K2Mg(SO4)2 · 4H2O
Colour:
Colourless, pale yellow; colourless (transmitted light)
Lustre:
Vitreous, Waxy
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Specific Gravity:
2.20
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in honor of Leo Balthasar Leberecht Strippelmann (26 July 1826, Kassel, Germany - 17 June 1892, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany), Director of the salt works at Westeregeln, Germany.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2377
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2377:7
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
e5465015-90d2-423e-96d1-4ce1c3e14cef
IMA Classification of Leonite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1896
Classification of Leonite
7.CC.55
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
29.3.3.3
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
3 : A2B(XO4)2·xH2O
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
3 : A2B(XO4)2·xH2O
25.3.14
25 : Sulphates
3 : Sulphates of Mg
25 : Sulphates
3 : Sulphates of Mg
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 |
---|---|---|
Leo | 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 Leonite
Vitreous, Waxy
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, pale yellow; colourless (transmitted light)
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
2.20 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.20 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Leonite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.479 - 1.480 nβ = 1.482 - 1.483 nγ = 1.486 - 1.487
2V:
Measured: 90° , Calculated: 76°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.007
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:
none
Optical Extinction:
Y = b; Z ∧ a = small.
Chemistry of Leonite
Mindat Formula:
K2Mg(SO4)2 · 4H2O
Crystallography of Leonite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.769(2) Å, b = 9.539(3) Å, c = 9.889(3) Å
β = 95.31(2)°
β = 95.31(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.234 : 1 : 1.037
Unit Cell V:
1,105.42 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals tabular {100} and elongated [001]. Usually anhedral.
Twinning:
On {100} - artificial crystals. Lamellar twinning observable under magnification.
Crystal Structure
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2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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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) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0002727 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | 2001 | 0 | 100 | ||
0002728 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | 2001 | 0 | 170 | ||
0002729 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | 2001 | 0 | 293 | ||
0002730 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | 2001 | 0 | 110 | ||
0002731 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | 2001 | 0 | 185 | ||
0002732 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | 2001 | 0 | 293 | ||
0017943 | Leonite | Anspach H (1939) Die Struktur des Mn-Leonit _cod_database_code 1011041 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 101 39-77 | 1939 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacing | Intensity |
---|---|
3.42 Å | (100) |
3.04 Å | (48) |
2.38 Å | (47) |
3.49 Å | (41) |
3.31 Å | (36) |
2.88 Å | (27) |
5.88 Å | (22) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
---|---|
Near-surface Processes | |
25 : Evaporites (prebiotic) | |
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] |
Geological Setting:
Oceanic potash deposits.
Type Occurrence of Leonite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
No designated type specimen.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Rock salt deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Tenne, C.A. (1896) Ueber die krystallform des leonit aus den steinsalzlagern von Leopoldshall. Zeitschrift der Deutschen Geologischen Gesellschaft, 48, 632-637.
Synonyms of Leonite
Other Language Names for Leonite
Relationship of Leonite to other Species
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
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.10 | Tamarugite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
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 | 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
Thermal Behaviour:
Dehydration occurs at 410-420 K and leads to langeinite and arcanite.
Notes:
Soluble in H2O, taste slightly bitter. Turns white upon alteration/dehydration to picromerite if left exposed.
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 Leonite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2377.html
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References for Leonite
Localities for Leonite
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 | |
| Snow et al. (2014) |
Austria | |
| Exel (1993) |
Chile | |
| De Waele et al. (2017) |
De Waele et al. (2017) | |
China | |
| Mily Wang et al. (1993) |
| Xiaohong Sun et al. (2010) |
| Bingxiao Li (1992) |
Germany | |
| Krah et al. (1988) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Bode "Mineralien und Fundstellen BRD" ... |
| according information from old germany ... |
| |
| Wittern (2001) |
| |
Palache et al. (1951) | |
Palache et al. (1951) | |
... | |
| W.I. Borrisenkow (1968) |
Iran | |
| Khorasanipour (2015) |
Italy | |
| Russo et al. (2004) |
| Mariani et al. (1978) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Pekov et al. (1993) |
Namibia | |
| Bowell et al. (2017) |
Pakistan | |
| M. Qasim Jan et al. (1985) |
Romania | |
| Mineralogical Magazine: 65 (1) |
Russia | |
| Shablinskii et al. (2022) |
Ukraine | |
| BILONIZHKA (2003) |
USA | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Hawley +5 other references |
SIMMONS (2013) | |
Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
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Neuhof-Ellers Potash Works, Neuhof, Fulda, Kassel Region, Hesse, Germany