Strunzite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Strunzite
Prof. Hugo Strunz
Formula:
Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O
Colour:
Straw-yellow to light brownish yellow
Lustre:
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Silky
Hardness:
4
Specific Gravity:
2.52
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1957 by Clifford Frondel in honor of Karl Hugo Strunz [February 24, 1910, Weiden in Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany - April 19, 2006, Unterwössen, Bavaria, Germany], Professor of Mineralogy, Technische Universität, Berlin, Germany. Strunz was a systematic mineralogist and published on the classification of silicate mineral crystal structures in 1937 (in the same year as Harry Berman), as well as a complete mineralogical classification, notably in successive editions of Mineralogische Tabellen, the first of which was published in 1941. Strunz's classification is based on both chemistry and crystal structure. He was one of the founders of the International Mineralogical Association. Strunz was particularly interested in phosphate minerals from granite pegmatites and Clifford Frondel doggedly pursued trying to acquire enough mineral in order to name a mineral for Dr. Strunz. Frondel made an appeal to every mineral field collector he came in contact with to provide as much of a tiny acicular mineral as they could. Strunzite was informally known as "Frondel's whiskers" before it was formally named. Because of Frondel's "crowdfunding" method, the initial description of strunzite was made on specimens from a wide variety of locations. Strunz was also an active describer of new mineral species, particularly from Hagendorf, Germany and Tsumeb, Namibia. He named chudobaite, fleischerite, hagendorfite, itoite, laueite, liandradite, petscheckite, pseudolaueite, stranskiite, and five other species.
Strunzite Group. Related to laueite. Compare zincostrunzite.
For discussion on the "correct" type locality, see http://www.mindat.org/mesg-23-262727.html.
For discussion on the "correct" type locality, see http://www.mindat.org/mesg-23-262727.html.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3810
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3810:8
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
f2f3cec7-6a6f-471a-b975-9d958042c871
Classification of Strunzite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1957
8.DC.25
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 1:1 and < 2:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 1:1 and < 2:1
42.11.9.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
11 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
11 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
19.12.26
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates of Mn
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates of Mn
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Snz | 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 Strunzite
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Silky
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Straw-yellow to light brownish yellow
Comment:
Frequently stained red-brown or black by coatings of other minerals
Streak:
White
Hardness:
4 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Splintery, Fibrous
Density:
2.52(5) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.49 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Strunzite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.619 - 1.625 nβ = 1.640 - 1.670 nγ = 1.696 - 1.720
2V:
Measured: 75° to 80°, Calculated: 86°
Birefringence:
0.053
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.077 - 0.095
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 strong
Optical Extinction:
Z ^ c = 10° - 19°
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X= nearly colorless
Y= yellow brown
Z= darker yellow brown
Y= yellow brown
Z= darker yellow brown
Chemical Properties of Strunzite
Formula:
Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O
Chemical Analysis
Oxide wt%:
| 1 | |
|---|---|
| Fe2O3 | 43.8 % |
| FeO | 2.0 % |
| P2O5 | 27.6 % |
| SO3 | 0.9 % |
| H2O | 26.3 % |
| Total: | 100.6 % |
Sample references:
| ID | Locality | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mont-des-Groseillers, Blaton, Bernissart, Hainaut, Wallonia, Belgium | Van Tassel, R. (1966) Min |
Crystallography of Strunzite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Setting:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.228(5) Å, b = 9.837(5) Å, c = 7.284(5) Å
α = 90.17(5)°, β = 98.44(5)°, γ = 117.44(5)°
α = 90.17(5)°, β = 98.44(5)°, γ = 117.44(5)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.04 : 1 : 0.74
Unit Cell V:
641.28 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Needle-like to hair-like, sometimes thin bladed. Terminations are uncommon and show an asymmetric steeply sloping edge.
Twinning:
Common on {120}
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0019617 | Strunzite | Grey I E, Macrae C M, Keck E, Birch W D (2012) Aluminium-bearing strunzite derived from jahnsite at the Hagendorf-Sud pegmatite, Germany Mineralogical Magazine 76 1165-1174 | 2012 | Hagendorf-Sud pegmatite, Germany | 0 | 293 | |
| 0015670 | Strunzite | Fanfani L, Tomassini M, Zanazzi P F, Zanzari A R (1978) The crystal structure of strunzite, a contribution to the crystal chemistry of basic ferric-manganous hydrated phosphates Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen 25 77-87 | 1978 | Big Chief mine, Glendale, South Dakota | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Image Loading
Radiation - Copper Kα
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.02 Å | (100) |
| 5.32 Å | (80) |
| 4.50 Å | (50) |
| 4.35 Å | (60) |
| 4.27 Å | (60) |
| 3.29 Å | (60) |
| 3.23 Å | (60) |
Comments:
Similar pattern for all members of the group
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-𝑇 alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations | |
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Geological Setting:
Alteration product of triphylite in zoned complex granitic pegmatites.
Type Occurrence of Strunzite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Acicular tan to very pale yellow crystal in tuft-like to jackstraw clusters.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 106288–106301.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Late-stage alteration of primary phosphates, particularly triphylite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Strunzite
Relationship of Strunzite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
| Ferristrunzite | Fe3+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O | Tric. |
| Ferrostrunzite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O | Tric. |
| Zincostrunzite | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6.5H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
Common Associates
| Beraunite | Fe3+6(PO4)4O(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| Bermanite | Mn2+Mn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| Diadochite | Fe3+2(PO4)(SO4)(OH) · 6H2O |
| Diadochite | Fe3+2(PO4)(SO4)(OH) · 6H2O |
| Diadochite | Fe3+2(PO4)(SO4)(OH) · 6H2O |
| Diadochite | Fe3+2(PO4)(SO4)(OH) · 6H2O |
| Goethite | α-Fe3+O(OH) |
| Hureaulite | Mn2+5(PO3OH)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| Jahnsite Subgroup | XM1M22M32(H2O)8(OH)2(PO4)4 |
| Leucophosphite | KFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| Ludlamite | Fe2+3(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| Manganese Oxides | A review on these minerals has been published by Post (1999). |
| Mitridatite | Ca2Fe3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2O |
| Phosphosiderite | FePO4 · 2H2O |
| Pseudolaueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Quartz | SiO2 |
| Rockbridgeite | Fe2+Fe3+4(PO4)3(OH)5 |
| Siderite | FeCO3 |
| Stewartite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Strengite | FePO4 · 2H2O |
| Triphylite | LiFe2+PO4 |
| Vivianite | Fe2+3(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| Whitmoreite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 94 photos of Strunzite associated with Laueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 63 photos of Strunzite associated with Stewartite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 63 photos of Strunzite associated with Rockbridgeite | Fe2+Fe3+4(PO4)3(OH)5 |
| 43 photos of Strunzite associated with Beraunite | Fe3+6(PO4)4O(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 41 photos of Strunzite associated with Strengite | FePO4 · 2H2O |
| 25 photos of Strunzite associated with Phosphosiderite | FePO4 · 2H2O |
| 12 photos of Strunzite associated with Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
| 11 photos of Strunzite associated with Whitmoreite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 10 photos of Strunzite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 8 photos of Strunzite associated with Hureaulite | Mn2+5(PO3OH)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DC. | Ianbruceite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) · 3H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC. | Césarferreiraite | Fe2+ Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC. | Ferrivauxite | Fe3+Al2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC. | Heimite | PbCu2(AsO4)(OH)3 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m |
| 8.DC.05 | Nissonite | Cu2Mg2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 5H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| 8.DC.07 | Euchroite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) · 3H2O | Orth. 2 2 2 : P21 21 21 |
| 8.DC.10 | Legrandite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) · H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.12 | Strashimirite | Cu8(AsO4)4(OH)4 · 5H2O | Mon. |
| 8.DC.15 | Arthurite | CuFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.15 | Earlshannonite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.15 | Ojuelaite | ZnFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.15 | Whitmoreite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.15 | Cobaltarthurite | (Co,Mg)Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.15 | Bendadaite | Fe2+Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.15 | Kunatite | CuFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.15 | UM2006-27-PO:FeHZn | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. |
| 8.DC.15 | UKI-2006-(PO:AlCuFeH) | Fe2+Al3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | |
| 8.DC.17 | Kleemanite | ZnAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 3H2O | Mon. |
| 8.DC.20 | Bermanite | Mn2+Mn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : P2/b |
| 8.DC.20 | Coralloite | Mn2+Mn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.20 | Magnesiobermanite | MgMn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2 : P21 |
| 8.DC.22 | Kovdorskite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) · 3H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.25 | Ferristrunzite | Fe3+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O | Tric. |
| 8.DC.25 | Ferrostrunzite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O | Tric. |
| 8.DC.25 | Metavauxite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.25 | Metavivianite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.25 | Zincostrunzite | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6.5H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.27 | Beraunite | Fe3+6(PO4)4O(OH)4 · 6H2O | Mon. m : Bb |
| 8.DC.27 | Tvrdýite | Fe2+Fe3+2 Al3(PO4)4(OH)5(H2O)4 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| 8.DC.27 | Zincoberaunite | ZnFe3+5(PO4)4(OH)5 · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| 8.DC.30 | Gordonite | MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Laueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Mangangordonite | Mn2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Paravauxite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Pseudolaueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.30 | Sigloite | Fe3+Al2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 7H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Stewartite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Ushkovite | MgFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Ferrolaueite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Kastningite | (Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Maghrebite | MgAl2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Nordgauite | MnAl2(PO4)2(F,OH)2 · 5H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Kayrobertsonite | [MnAl2(PO4)2(OH)2(H2O)4] · 2H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.30 | Kummerite | Mn2+Fe3+Al(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.32 | Tinticite | Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 3H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.32 | Kamarizaite | Fe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)3 · 3H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.35 | Vauxite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.37 | Vantasselite | Al4(PO4)3(OH)3 · 9H2O | Orth. |
| 8.DC.40 | Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| 8.DC.45 | Gormanite | (Fe2+,Mg)3(Al,Fe3+)4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O | Tric. |
| 8.DC.45 | Souzalite | (Mg,Fe2+)3(Al,Fe3+)4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O | Tric. 1 |
| 8.DC.47 | Kingite | Al3(PO4)2F2(OH) · 7H2O | Tric. |
| 8.DC.50 | Wavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH,F)3 · 5H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| 8.DC.50 | Allanpringite | Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| 8.DC.50 | Fluorwavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH)2F · 5H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| 8.DC.52 | Kribergite | Al5(PO4)3(SO4)(OH)4 · 4H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.55 | Mapimite | Zn2Fe3+3(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 10H2O | Mon. m : Bm |
| 8.DC.57 | Ogdensburgite | Ca2Fe3+4(Zn,Mn2+)(AsO4)4(OH)6 · 6H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Cmmm |
| 8.DC.60 | Nevadaite | (Cu2+,Al,V3+)6Al8(PO4)8F8(OH)2 · 22H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| 8.DC.60 | Cloncurryite | Cu0.5(VO)0.5Al2(PO4)2F2 · 5H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| 8.DC.62 | Kenngottite | Mn2+3Fe3+4(PO4)4(OH)6(H2O)2 | Mon. 2/m : P2/b |
| 8.DC.67 | Molinelloite | Cu(H2O)(OH)V4+O(V5+O4) | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| 8.DC.70 | Whitecapsite | H16Fe2+5Fe3+14Sb3+6(AsO4)18O16 · 120H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
Fluorescence of Strunzite
Not fluorescent in 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 Strunzite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3810.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Strunzite
Reference List:
Localities for Strunzite
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.
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Quick NavTopAbout StrunziteUnique IdentifiersClassification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemical Properties Chemical AnalysisCrystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Hagendorf South Pegmatite, Hagendorf, Waidhaus, Neustadt an der Waldnaab District, Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany