Tschernichite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page kindly sponsored by Douglas Merson
About Tschernichite
Formula:
(Ca,Na2)[Al2Si4O12] · 4-8H2O
Colour:
Colourless to white
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
4½
Specific Gravity:
2.02
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Member of:
Name:
Named in honor of Rudy Warren Tschernich (1945, Snohomish, Washington (USA) – December 26, 2017), geologist, curator, and an expert on zeolitic minerals who found the first specimens. He wrote the book 'Zeolites of the World' and was curator at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro. Pronounced cher-nich-ite.
Type Locality:
Zeolite Group. Faujasite Subgroup.
A possible Mg analogue of a tetragonal polymorph of tschernichite is known as UM2002-40-SiO:AlCaHKMgNa.
A possible Mg analogue of a tetragonal polymorph of tschernichite is known as UM2002-40-SiO:AlCaHKMgNa.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4037
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4037:8
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
3baff79d-607d-47f6-98a4-6c7955475bdc
IMA Classification of Tschernichite
Approved
IMA Formula:
CaAl2Si6O16 · 8H2O
Approval year:
1989
First published:
1991
Approval history:
IMA1989-037
Classification of Tschernichite
9.GF.30
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
G : Tektosilicates with zeolitic H2O; zeolite family
F : Other Rare Zeolites
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
G : Tektosilicates with zeolitic H2O; zeolite family
F : Other Rare Zeolites
Dana 7th ed.:
77.1.8.2
77.1.8.2
77 : TECTOSILICATES Zeolites
1 : Zeolite group - True zeolites
77 : TECTOSILICATES Zeolites
1 : Zeolite group - True zeolites
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 |
---|---|---|
Tni | 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 Tschernichite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Colourless to white
Streak:
White
Hardness:
4½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
2.02(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.12 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Measured value is probably low due to fluid inclusions.
Optical Data of Tschernichite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.484 nε = 1.483
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.001
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
Optical Extinction:
Crystals are in part biaxial (-), and show somewhat wavy extinction.
Thin sections cut perpendicular to (100) show areas of parallel extinction, as well as apparent twin lamellae perpendicular to (001), which show inclined extinction.
Thin sections cut perpendicular to (100) show areas of parallel extinction, as well as apparent twin lamellae perpendicular to (001), which show inclined extinction.
Chemistry of Tschernichite
Mindat Formula:
(Ca,Na2)[Al2Si4O12] · 4-8H2O
Common Impurities:
Fe
Crystallography of Tschernichite
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) - Ditetragonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P4/mmm
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.88 Å, c = 25.02 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.943
Unit Cell V:
4150.68 ų
Z:
8
Morphology:
Type material: Steep dipyramids {302}, terminated by {001}, striated parallel to {001}. Three other minor dipyramids, {104}, {101}, and {502}, are rarely observed.
Twinning:
Common contact twins on {302}, {304}, and {101}. Multiple twinning involving both twin planes often occurs, resulting in complex ball-like groups.
Crystallographic forms of Tschernichite
Crystal Atlas:
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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) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0013153 | Tschernichite | Alberti A, Cruciani G, Galli E, Merlino S, Millini R, Quartieri S, Vezzalini G, Zanardi S (2002) Crystal structure of tetragonal and monoclinic polytypes of tschernichite, the natural counterpart of synthetic zeolite beta Journal of Physical Chemistry B106 10277-10284 | 2002 | Mt. Adamson, Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica | 0 | 293 | |
0013154 | Tschernichite | Alberti A, Cruciani G, Galli E, Merlino S, Millini R, Quartieri S, Vezzalini G, Zanardi S (2002) Crystal structure of tetragonal and monoclinic polytypes of tschernichite, the natural counterpart of synthetic zeolite beta Journal of Physical Chemistry B106 10277-10284 | 2002 | Mt. Adamson, Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacing | Intensity |
---|---|
4.03 Å | (100) |
11.6 Å | (32) |
3.156 Å | (16) |
2.114 Å | (16) |
3.062 Å | (15) |
4.22 Å | (14) |
12.5 Å | (10) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
---|---|
Stage 3a: Earth’s earliest Hadean crust | >4.50 |
10 : Basalt-hosted zeolite minerals |
Type Occurrence of Tschernichite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Steep tetragonal dipyramids to 0.1-10 mm as drusy linings, radiating hemispherical groups, and single and twinned crystals.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In small vesicles in dense Eocene basalt. Formed through local hydrothermal activity.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Smith, J.V., Pluth, J.J., Boggs, R.C., Howard, D.G. (1991) Tschernichite, the mineral analogue of zeolite beta. Journal of the Chemical Society, Chemical Communications: 1991: 363-364.
Synonyms of Tschernichite
Other Language Names for Tschernichite
Relationship of Tschernichite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
Alflarsenite | NaCa2Be3Si4O13(OH) · 2H2O | Mon. 2 : P21 |
Amicite | K2Na2Al4Si4O16 · 5H2O | Mon. 2 |
Ammonioleucite | (NH4)(AlSi2O6) | Tet. 4/m : I41/a |
Analcime | Na(AlSi2O6) · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
Bellbergite | (K,Ba,Sr)2Sr2Ca2(Ca,Na)4[Al3Si3O12]6 · 30H2O | Hex. |
Bikitaite | LiAlSi2O6 · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
Boggsite | Ca8Na3(Si,Al)96O192 · 70H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Imma |
Brewsterite Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
Chabazite-Levyne Subgroup | M[Al2Si4O12] · 6H2O | |
Chiavennite | CaMnBe2Si5O13(OH)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Clinoptilolite Subgroup | M3-6(Si30Al6)O72 · 20H2O | |
Cowlesite | CaAl2Si3O10 · 6H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
Dachiardite Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
Direnzoite | NaK6MgCa2(Al13Si47O120) · 36H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmmn |
Edingtonite | Ba[Al2Si3O10] · 4H2O | Orth. 2 2 2 : P21 21 21 |
Epistilbite | CaAl2Si6O16 · 5H2O | Mon. |
Erionite Subgroup | M2[Al4Si14O36] · 15H2O | |
Faujasite Subgroup | M3.5[Al7Si17O48] · 32H2O | |
Ferrierite Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
Ferrochiavennite | Ca1-2Fe[(Si,Al,Be)5Be2O13(OH)2] · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Flörkeite | (K3Ca2Na)[Al8Si8O32] · 12H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
Garronite Subgroup | ||
Gaultite | Na4Zn2Si7O18 · 5H2O | Orth. mm2 : Fdd2 |
Gismondine Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
Gmelinite Subgroup | In 1997, gmelinite was split into Gmelinite-Ca, Gmelinite-Na and Gmelinite-K. | |
Gobbinsite | Na5(Si11Al5)O32 · 11H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma |
Goosecreekite | Ca[Al2Si6O16] · 5H2O | Mon. 2 : P21 |
Gottardiite | Na3Mg3Ca5Al19Si117O272 · 93H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Cmca |
Heulandite Subgroup | (Na/Ca/K)5-6[Al8-9 Si27-28 O72] · nH2O | |
Hsianghualite | Ca3Li2(Be3Si3O12)F2 | Iso. 4 3 2 : I41 3 2 |
Kirchhoffite | Cs(BSi2O6) | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I41/acd |
Laumontite | CaAl2Si4O12 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
Loomisite | Ba[Be2P2O8] · H2O | Mon. m |
Lovdarite | K2Na6Be4Si14O36 · 9H2O | Orth. mm2 |
Maricopaite | Pb7Ca2(Si,Al)48O100 · 32H2O | Orth. |
Martinandresite | Ba2(Al4Si12O32) · 10H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmmn |
Mazzite Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
Merlinoite | (K,Na)5(Ca,Ba)2Al9Si23O64 · 23H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Immm |
Montesommaite | (K,Na)9Al9Si23O64 · 10H2O | Orth. mm2 : Fdd2 |
Mordenite | (Na2,Ca,K2)4(Al8Si40)O96 · 28H2O | Orth. |
Mutinaite | Na3Ca4Si85Al11O192 · 60H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma |
Nabesite | Na2BeSi4O10 · 4H2O | Orth. 2 2 2 : P21 21 21 |
Natrolite Subgroup | A subgroup of the Zeolite Group. | |
Offretite | KCaMg(Si13Al5)O36 · 15H2O | Hex. 6 m2 : P6m2 |
Pahasapaite | Li8(Ca,Li,K)10.5Be24(PO4)24 · 38H2O | Iso. 2 3 : I2 3 |
Parthéite | Ca2(Si4Al4) O15 (OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Paulingite Subgroup | Paulingite was originally described in 1960. | |
Perlialite | K9Na(Ca,Sr)[Al2Si4O12]6 · 15H2O | Hex. 6/mmm (6/m 2/m 2/m) : P6/mmm |
Phillipsite Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
Pollucite | (Cs,Na)2(Al2Si4O12) · 2H2O | Iso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Ia3d |
Roggianite | Ca2Be(OH)2Al2Si4O13 · 2.5H2O | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mcm |
Stilbite Subgroup | M6-7[Al8-9Si27-28O72] · nH2O | |
Terranovaite | (Na,Ca)8(Si68Al12)O160 · 29H2O | Orth. |
Thomsonite Subgroup | The large majority of "thomsonite" is thomsonite-Ca. | |
Tschörtnerite | Ca4(Ca,Sr,K,Ba)3Cu3[Al3Si3O12]4(OH)8 · nH2O | Iso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Fm3m |
UM1996-38-SiO:AlCaHNa | Na-Ca-Al-Si-O-H | |
UM1999-33-SiO:AlHKNa | K7Na5Al12Si20O64 · 24H2O | |
UM2002-40-SiO:AlCaHKMgNa | (Mg,Ca,Na,K)7.5(Al12.8Si51.2)O128 · 65H2O | Tet. 4 2 2 : P41 2 2 |
Unnamed (Ca analogue of Merlinoite) | (Ca,K,Na)5(Ca,Ba)2Al9Si23O64 · 23H2O ? | |
Wairakite | Ca(Al2Si4O12) · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
Weinebeneite | CaBe3(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. m : Bb |
Wenkite | (Ba,K)4(Ca,Na)6[(Si,Al)20O39(OH)2](SO4)3 · 0.5H2O | Hex. 6 m2 : P62m |
Willhendersonite | KCa[Al3Si3O12] · 5H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
Yugawaralite | CaAl2Si6O16 · 4H2O | Mon. m : Pb |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
28 photos of Tschernichite associated with Boggsite | Ca8Na3(Si,Al)96O192 · 70H2O |
19 photos of Tschernichite associated with Analcime | Na(AlSi2O6) · H2O |
16 photos of Tschernichite associated with Erionite-K | (K2,Ca,Na2)2[Al4Si14O36] · 15H2O |
13 photos of Tschernichite associated with Smectite Group | A0.3D2-3[T4O10]Z2 · nH2O |
11 photos of Tschernichite associated with Heulandite Subgroup | (Na/Ca/K)5-6[Al8-9 Si27-28 O72] · nH2O |
7 photos of Tschernichite associated with Lévyne | |
4 photos of Tschernichite associated with Cowlesite | CaAl2Si3O10 · 6H2O |
4 photos of Tschernichite associated with Chalcedony | SiO2 |
4 photos of Tschernichite associated with Fluorapophyllite-(K) | KCa4(Si8O20)(F,OH) · 8H2O |
4 photos of Tschernichite associated with Copper | Cu |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
9.GF.05 | Terranovaite | (Na,Ca)8(Si68Al12)O160 · 29H2O |
9.GF.10 | Gottardiite | Na3Mg3Ca5Al19Si117O272 · 93H2O |
9.GF.15 | Lovdarite | K2Na6Be4Si14O36 · 9H2O |
9.GF.20 | Gaultite | Na4Zn2Si7O18 · 5H2O |
9.GF.25 | Chiavennite | CaMnBe2Si5O13(OH)2 · 2H2O |
9.GF.25 | Ferrochiavennite | Ca1-2Fe[(Si,Al,Be)5Be2O13(OH)2] · 2H2O |
9.GF.35 | Mutinaite | Na3Ca4Si85Al11O192 · 60H2O |
9.GF.40 | Tschörtnerite | Ca4(Ca,Sr,K,Ba)3Cu3[Al3Si3O12]4(OH)8 · nH2O |
9.GF.50 | Thornasite | (Na,K)12Th3[Si8O19]4 · 18H2O |
9.GF.55 | Direnzoite | NaK6MgCa2(Al13Si47O120) · 36H2O |
9.GF.60 | Meierite | Ba44Si66Al30O192Cl25(OH)33 |
9.GF.65 | Rongibbsite | Pb2(Si4Al)O11(OH) |
Fluorescence of Tschernichite
May show pale yellow fluorescence under SW and LW UV.
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.
Internet Links for Tschernichite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4037.html
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References for Tschernichite
Reference List:
Boggs, Russell C., Howard, Donald G., Smith, Joseph V., Klein, Gerald L. (1993) Tschernichite, a new zeolite from Goble, Columbia County, Oregon. American Mineralogist, 78 (7-8) 822-826
Galli, Ermanno, Quartieri, Simona, Vezzalini, Giovanna, Alberti, Alberto (1995) Boggsite and tschernichite-type zeolites from Mt. Adamson, Northern Victoria Land (Antarctica) European Journal of Mineralogy, 7 (4) 1029-1032 doi:10.1127/ejm/7/4/1029
Coombs, Douglas S., Alberti, Alberto, Armbruster, Thomas, Artioli, Gilberto, Colella, Carmine, Galli, Ermanno, Grice, Joel D., Liebau, Friedrich, Mandarino, Joseph A., Minato, Hideo, Nickel, Ernest H., Passaglia, Elio, Peacor, Donald R., Quartieri, Simona, Rinaldi, Romano, Ross, Malcolm I., Sheppard, Richard A., Tillmanns, Ekkehart, Vezzalini, Giovanna (1997) Recommended nomenclature for zeolite minerals; report of the Subcommittee on Zeolites of the International Mineralogical Association, Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. The Canadian Mineralogist, 35 (6) 1571-1606
Localities for Tschernichite
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.
Antarctica | |
| Valange et al. (1996) +2 other references |
Costa Rica | |
| Micro Probe Volume VII Number 7 Spring ... +1 other reference |
Dana VIII | |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš et al. (2015) +1 other reference |
Hungary | |
| Analyzed by Szakáll-Fehér +1 other reference |
New Zealand | |
| NZ Zeolite list and locations. Neville ... +1 other reference |
Rod Martin personal collection. +1 other reference | |
Poland | |
| Kruszewski (2018) |
USA (TL) | |
| Micro Probe: 6 (5) +2 other references |
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Neer Road, Goble, Columbia County, Oregon, USA