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Grandidierite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About GrandidieriteHide

03504300017058251879911.jpg
Alfred Grandidier
Formula:
(Mg,Fe2+)(Al,Fe3+)3(SiO4)(BO3)O2
Colour:
Bluish green, greenish blue
Lustre:
Vitreous, Pearly
Hardness:
Specific Gravity:
2.98 - 2.99
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named by A. Lacroix in 1902 in honor of Alfred Grandidier (20 December 1836, Paris, France - 13 September 1912, Paris, France), French explorer and naturalist. He visited Madagascar three times between 1865-1870, crossing the island three times. With others, he wrote L'Histoire physique, naturelle et politique de Madagascar, a work spanning 40 volumes.
The Mg analogue of Ominelite. Chemically close to kornerupine.




Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
1737
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1737:0
GUID
(UUID V4):
3a88251c-8344-496f-a90d-f7c6a1454dd7

IMA Classification of GrandidieriteHide

Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
MgAl3O2(BO3)(SiO4)
First published:
1902

Classification of GrandidieriteHide

9.AJ.05

9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
A : Nesosilicates
J : Nesosilicates with BO3 triangles and/or B[4], Be[4] tetrahedra, cornersharing with SiO4
54.1.1.1

54 : NESOSILICATES Borosilicates and Some Beryllosilicates
1 : Borosilicates and Some Beryllosilicates with (BO3)
17.5.49

17 : Silicates Containing other Anions
5 : Borosilicates

Mineral SymbolsHide

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.

SymbolSourceReference
GddIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43
GddWhitney & Evans (2010)Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W. (2010) Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95, 185–187 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3371
GddThe Canadian Mineralogist (2019)The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download

Physical Properties of GrandidieriteHide

Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
Somewhat pearly on cleavage
Colour:
Bluish green, greenish blue
Comment:
Increasingly greener with greater Fe content; colourless to blue or green in thin section
Hardness:
7½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
more perfect {100}, and {010}
Density:
2.98 - 2.99 g/cm3 (Measured)    3.00 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of GrandidieriteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.590 - 1.602 nβ = 1.618 - 1.636 nγ = 1.623 - 1.639
2V:
Measured: 24° to 32°, Calculated: 32°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.033 - 0.037
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
very strong (r < v)
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X= beep blue to blue green
Y= colorless
Z= light greenish blue to deep green
Comments:
Orientation: X=a, Y=b, Z=c; absorption: Z>X>Y

Chemistry of GrandidieriteHide

Mindat Formula:
(Mg,Fe2+)(Al,Fe3+)3(SiO4)(BO3)O2
Common Impurities:
Ti,Mn,Na,K

Chemical AnalysisHide

Crystallography of GrandidieriteHide

Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.335(2) Å, b = 10.978(2) Å, c = 5.760(2) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.941 : 1 : 0.525
Unit Cell V:
653.52 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Anhedral elongated individuals to 8cm; usually strongly corroded
Comment:
Pbnm space group

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0004348GrandidieriteDzikowski T J, Groat L A, Grew E S (2007) The geometric effects of VFe2+ for VMg substitution on the crystal structures of the grandidierite-ominelite series American Mineralogist 92 863-8722007Madagascar0293
0004349GrandidieriteDzikowski T J, Groat L A, Grew E S (2007) The geometric effects of VFe2+ for VMg substitution on the crystal structures of the grandidierite-ominelite series American Mineralogist 92 863-8722007Long Lake, Larsemann Hills, Antarctica0293
0004350GrandidieriteDzikowski T J, Groat L A, Grew E S (2007) The geometric effects of VFe2+ for VMg substitution on the crystal structures of the grandidierite-ominelite series American Mineralogist 92 863-8722007Sahakondra, Ampamatoa, Madagascar0293
0004351GrandidieriteDzikowski T J, Groat L A, Grew E S (2007) The geometric effects of VFe2+ for VMg substitution on the crystal structures of the grandidierite-ominelite series American Mineralogist 92 863-8722007Zimbabwe0293
0004352GrandidieriteDzikowski T J, Groat L A, Grew E S (2007) The geometric effects of VFe2+ for VMg substitution on the crystal structures of the grandidierite-ominelite series American Mineralogist 92 863-8722007Karibe area, Zimbabwe0293
0004353GrandidieriteDzikowski T J, Groat L A, Grew E S (2007) The geometric effects of VFe2+ for VMg substitution on the crystal structures of the grandidierite-ominelite series American Mineralogist 92 863-8722007Andrahomana, Madagascar0293
0009346GrandidieriteStephenson D A, Moore P B (1968) The crystal structure of grandidierite, (Mg,Fe)Al3SiBO9 Acta Crystallographica B24 1518-15221968Fort Dauphin, Madagascar0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

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Radiation - Copper Kα
Data Set:
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
5.17 Å(vvs)
5.04 Å(vvs)
5.482 Å(vs)
2.744 Å(vs)
2.166 Å(s)
3.708 Å(ms)
2.584 Å(ms)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks>3.0
34 : Complex granite pegmatites
Stage 5: Initiation of plate tectonics<3.5-2.5
40 : Regional metamorphism (greenschist, amphibolite, granulite facies)
Geological Setting:
Accessory mineral from aluminous boron rich rocks that underwent thermal and regionally metamorposed (low-pressure conditions); found in aplites, pegmatites; gneisses; xenoliths

Type Occurrence of GrandidieriteHide

General Appearance of Type Material:
Bluish green masses up to several centimeters across, in quartz
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, registration no. 86382
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Pegmatite cross-cuts migmatitic high-grade granulite-facies metapelite gneisses and leptynites
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Lacroix A (1902) Note préliminaire sur une nouvelle espèce minérale. Bulletin de la Société Française de Minéralogie: 25: 85-86

Other Language Names for GrandidieriteHide

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
18 photos of Grandidierite associated with Feldspar Group
10 photos of Grandidierite associated with QuartzSiO2
7 photos of Grandidierite associated with DiopsideCaMgSi2O6
6 photos of Grandidierite associated with Plagioclase(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi2]O8
5 photos of Grandidierite associated with PhlogopiteKMg3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
4 photos of Grandidierite associated with Mica Group
2 photos of Grandidierite associated with SchorlNaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH)
2 photos of Grandidierite associated with Smoky QuartzSiO2
1 photo of Grandidierite associated with MuscoviteKAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

9.AJ.Hingganite-(Nd)Nd2◻Be2Si2O8(OH)2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.AJ.Arrheniusite-(Ce)CaMg[(Ce7Y3)Ca5](SiO4)4(Si2B3AsO18)(BO3)F11Trig. 3m : R3m
9.AJ.05Ominelite(Fe2+,Mg)(Al,Fe3+)3(SiO4)(BO3)O2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m)
9.AJ.10DumortieriteAl(Al2O)(Al2O)2(SiO4)3(BO3)Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m)
9.AJ.10Holtite(Ta0.60.4)Al6BSi3O18(O,OH)2.25Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
9.AJ.10MagnesiodumortieriteMg(Al2OH)(Al2O)2(SiO4)3(BO3)Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m)
9.AJ.10Nioboholtite(Nb0.60.4)Al6BSi3O18Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbcm
9.AJ.10Titanoholtite(Ti0.750.25)Al6BSi3O18Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbcm
9.AJ.15GarrelsiteBa3NaSi2B7O16(OH)4Mon. 2/m : B2/b
9.AJ.20Muromontitenear Be2FeY2Si3O12
9.AJ.20DatoliteCaB(SiO4)(OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.AJ.20Gadolinite-(Ce)(Ce,La,Nd,Y)2Fe2+Be2Si2O10Mon. 2/m
9.AJ.20Gadolinite-(Y)Y2Fe2+Be2Si2O10Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.AJ.20Hingganite-(Ce)(Ce,REE)2(◻,Fe2+)Be2[SiO4]2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.AJ.20Hingganite-(Y)(Y,REE,Ca)2(◻,Fe2+)Be2[SiO4]2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.AJ.20Hingganite-(Yb)(Yb,Y,REE)2◻Be2[SiO4]2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.AJ.20HomiliteCa2(Fe2+,Mg)B2Si2O10Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.AJ.20Melanocerite-(Ce)(Ce,Ca)5(SiO4,BO4)3(OH,0)Hex.
9.AJ.20Minasgeraisite-(Y)(Ca2Y2)◻2(Be2B2)[SiO4]4(OH)4Tric. 1 : P1
9.AJ.20Calcybeborosilite-(Y)(Y,Ca)2(◻,Fe2+)(B,Be)2[SiO4]2(OH,O)2Mon.
9.AJ.20Gadolinite-(Nd)Nd2Fe2+Be2O2(SiO4)2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.AJ.20Unnamed (OH-analogue of Gadolinite-(Y))(Y,Ca)2(Fe,◻)Be2Si2O8(OH,O)2Mon. 2/m
9.AJ.25Stillwellite-(Ce)(Ce,La,Ca)BSiO5Trig. 3 : P31
9.AJ.30Cappelenite-(Y)Ba(Y,Ce)6Si3B6O24F2Trig. 3 : P3
9.AJ.35Okanoganite-(Y)(Na,Ca)3(Y,Ce)12Si6B2O27F14Trig. 3m : R3m
9.AJ.35Vicanite-(Ce)(Ca,Ce,La,Th)15As5+(As3+0.5,Na0.5)Fe3+Si6B4O40F7Trig. 3m : R3m
9.AJ.35Hundholmenite-(Y)(Y,REE,Ca,Na)15(Al,Fe3+)(CaxAs3+1-x)(Si,As5+)Si6B3(O,F)48Trig. 3m : R3m
9.AJ.35Proshchenkoite-(Y)Ca(Y,REE,Ca,Na,Mn)15Fe2+(P,Si)Si6B3O34F14Trig. 3m : R3m
9.AJ.35Laptevite-(Ce)Ca6(Fe2+,Mn2+)Y3REE7(SiO4)3(PO4)(B3Si3O18)(BO3)F11Trig. 3m : R3m
9.AJ.40JadariteLiNaSiB3O7(OH)Mon. 2/m

Other InformationHide

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 GrandidieriteHide

References for GrandidieriteHide

Reference List:

Localities for GrandidieriteHide

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.
Algeria
 
  • Béjaïa Province
    • Amizour District
van Bergen (1980) +1 other reference
Antarctica
 
  • Eastern Antarctica
    • Princess Elizabeth Land
      • Ingrid Christensen Coast
        • Prydz Bay
Maas et al. (2015) +1 other reference
C. J. Carson (1995)
C. J. Carson (1995)
            • Stornes Peninsula
Grew et al. (2006)
    • Queen Maud Land
Hiroi et al. (2023)
Australia
 
  • Northern Territory
    • Central Desert Region
Am Min 93:283-299
Buick et al. (2008)
Canada
 
  • Ontario
    • Leeds and Grenville Counties
Lonker (1980)
Lonker (1980) +1 other reference
Czech Republic
 
  • Vysočina Region
    • Žďár nad Sázavou District
      • Bory
CEMPÍREK
Germany
 
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Mayen-Koblenz
      • Pellenz
        • Nickenich
Hentschel (1987)
      • Vordereifel
        • Ettringen
[Blass et al. (Stuttgart)
Greenland
 
  • Sermersooq
    • Nuuk
Petersen et al. (1993)
India
 
  • Andhra Pradesh
    • Visakhapatnam District
Grew (1983)
Italy
 
  • Lazio
    • Viterbo Province
      • Viterbo
van Bergen (1980) +1 other reference
  • Tuscany
van Bergen (1980) +1 other reference
Madagascar
 
Jason Evans photo & +1 other reference
von Knorring et al. (1969)
      • Behara
Tesseron (2020)
Behier (1960)
      • Esira
Behier (1957)
      • Maromby
        • Belafa area
McKie (1965)
www.musee.ensmp.fr (2001) +1 other reference
McKie (1965) +1 other reference
Vertriest et al. (2015)
www.gia.edu (2016)
Bruyère et al. (2016)
    • Betroka District
      • Mahasoa Est
Vry et al. (1990)
    • Taolagnaro District
      • Ampasy Nahampoana
        • Bezavona Massif (Mount Bezavona)
          • Ampamatoa
Behier (1960)
      • Andranobory
Lacroix (1902)
  • Ihorombe
    • Ihosy District
      • Ihosy Commune
Nicollet (1990)
Malawi
 
  • Central Region
    • Mchinji
Haslam (1980)
Namibia
 
  • Erongo Region
    • Arandis Constituency
      • Cape Cross area
Bonardo et al. (2008)
New Zealand
 
  • Waikato Region
    • Thames-Coromandel District
Black (1970) +1 other reference
Norway
 
  • Agder
    • Froland
Nijland et al. (1998)
  • Nordland
    • Lødingen
      • Vestpolltind
Krogh (1975)
  • Rogaland
    • Lund
      • Flatestøl
Grew et al. (1998)
Slovakia
 
  • Banská Bystrica Region
    • Brezno District
Hlawatsch (1918) +1 other reference
South Africa
 
  • KwaZulu-Natal
    • Ugu District Municipality
      • Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality
De Villiers (1940)
  • Northern Cape
    • Namakwa District Municipality
      • Kamiesberg Local Municipality
Moore et al. (1990) +1 other reference
Hokada et al. (2001)
Suriname
 
  • Sipaliwini District
De Roever et al. (1976)
UK
 
  • Scotland
Gribble (1968) +2 other references
    • Perth and Kinross
      • Comrie
Livingstone et al. (1983) +1 other reference
USA
 
  • New York
    • St. Lawrence County
      • Russell Township
Grew et al. (1990)
    • Warren County
Anthony et al. (2016)
  • Wyoming
    • Albany County
AmMin 87:160
Zimbabwe
 
  • Mashonaland West
    • Karoi District
Grew et al. (1997)
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
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