Larderellite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Larderellite
François (Francesco) de Larderel
Formula:
(NH4)B5O7(OH)2 · H2O
Colour:
White, yellowish due to impurities; colourless in transmitted light
Specific Gravity:
1.905
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in 1853 by E. Bechi in honor of François Jacques (Francesco Giacomo) de Larderel (5 August 1790, Vienne, Isère, France - 15 June 1858, Florence, Italy), an engineer and entrepreneur who promoted the industrial exploitation of geothermal vents in Tuscany, producing boric acid. He became the principal operator of the Tuscan borax works.
Type Locality:
Dimorph of:
This page provides mineralogical data about Larderellite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2332
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2332:6
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
abadbad4-53f0-46a2-a61c-4861ef4496e2
IMA Classification of Larderellite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
Classification of Larderellite
6.EB.05
6 : BORATES
E : Pentaborates
B : Ino-pentaborates
6 : BORATES
E : Pentaborates
B : Ino-pentaborates
26.5.4.1
26 : HYDRATED BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : Pentaborates
26 : HYDRATED BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : Pentaborates
9.1.14
9 : Borates
1 : Borates of the alkalis and boric acid
9 : Borates
1 : Borates of the alkalis and boric acid
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ldr | 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 Larderellite
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
White, yellowish due to impurities; colourless in transmitted light
Streak:
White
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {001} (?) and {010} (?).
On {001} (?) and {010} (?).
Density:
1.905(4) g/cm3 (Measured) 1.887 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Larderellite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.493(1) nβ = 1.509(1) nγ = 1.561(1)
2V:
Measured: 58° , Calculated: 56°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.068
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
Dispersion:
none
Chemistry of Larderellite
Mindat Formula:
(NH4)B5O7(OH)2 · H2O
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Larderellite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/a
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.64(1) Å, b = 7.62(1) Å, c = 9.45(1) Å
β = 96.75°
β = 96.75°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.528 : 1 : 1.24
Unit Cell V:
832.37 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Microscopic rhomboidal tablets flattened {100}. The acute plane angle of the rhombs is ~ 68°.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009364 | Larderellite | Merlino S, Sartori F (1969) The crystal structure of lardellite, NH4B5O7(OH)2*H2O Acta Crystallographica B25 2264-2270 |  | 1969 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.45 Å | (50) |
| 5.44 Å | (71) |
| 5.12 Å | (50) |
| 4.70 Å | (100) |
| 2.960 Å | (71) |
| 2.921 Å | (100) |
| 2.887 Å | (100) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45b : [Other oxidized fumarolic minerals] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals | |
| 57 : Other minerals formed by human processes |
Type Occurrence of Larderellite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, Paris, France, 100.1384, 100.1386, 100.1388.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Boric acid fumaroles in a volcanic region.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Bechi, E. (1854) Analysis of several native borates: larderellite, (new species). American Journal of Science: 67: 129-130.
Synonyms of Larderellite
Borocalcite (in part)
Hydrous borate of lime (in part)
Other Language Names for Larderellite
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 6.EB.05 | Yarzhemskiite | K[B5O7(OH)2] · H2O |
| 6.EB.10 | Ezcurrite | Na4B10O17 · 7H2O |
| 6.EB.15 | Probertite | NaCa[B5O7(OH)4] · 3H2O |
| 6.EB.20 | Tertschite | Ca4B10O19 · 20H2O |
| 6.EB.25 | Priceite | Ca2B5O7(OH)5 · H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Decomposed by hot 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 Larderellite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2332.html
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References for Larderellite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin Vol. 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.98
Localities for Larderellite
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.
Italy | |
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Larderello, Pomarance, Pisa Province, Tuscany, Italy