Thomsenolite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Thomsenolite
Hans Peter Jørgen Julius Thomsen
Formula:
NaCa[AlF6] · H2O
Colour:
Colourless, white, pale lilac; brownish or reddish tinted due to staining; colourless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous, Pearly
Hardness:
3 - 3½
Specific Gravity:
2.981
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after Hans Peter Jorgen Julius Thomsen (1826-1909), Professor of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen (Denmark), and founder of the Greenland cryolite industry.
Dimorph of:
This page provides mineralogical data about Thomsenolite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3940
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3940:2
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
4eee34b9-6a4d-4268-917e-ce03abbb1a5a
IMA Classification of Thomsenolite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
NaCaAlF6 · H2O
First published:
1866
Type description reference:
Classification of Thomsenolite
3.CB.40
3 : HALIDES
C : Complex halides
B : Neso-aluminofluorides
3 : HALIDES
C : Complex halides
B : Neso-aluminofluorides
11.6.6.1
11 : HALIDE COMPLEXES
6 : Aluminofluorides - Isolated Octahedra
11 : HALIDE COMPLEXES
6 : Aluminofluorides - Isolated Octahedra
8.6.17
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
6 : Halides of Al
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
6 : Halides of Al
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tse | 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 Thomsenolite
Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
Pearly on cleavages
Colour:
Colourless, white, pale lilac; brownish or reddish tinted due to staining; colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3 - 3½ on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN25=220 - 320 kg/mm2 - Vickers
Comment:
Typically given as Mohs 2. Modern measurement and discussion by Pauly (1985).
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {001}; {110} distinct.
On {001}; {110} distinct.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
2.981 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.986(3) g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Thomsenolite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.407 nβ = 1.414 nγ = 1.415
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.008
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
Optical Extinction:
X ∧ c = –52°; Z = b.
Chemistry of Thomsenolite
Mindat Formula:
NaCa[AlF6] · H2O
Crystallography of Thomsenolite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.563(2) Å, b = 5.541(2) Å, c = 16.115(1) Å
β = 96.35(3)°
β = 96.35(3)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.004 : 1 : 2.908
Unit Cell V:
493.69 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Crystals commonly prismatic [001]; cubic in aspect with equal development of {001} and {110}. Grouped in parallel aggregates. Also tabular {001}. {110} and terminal prisms strongly striated parallel to the intersection with {001}. {h0l} often curved. Opaline or chalcedony-like crusts and stalactitic masses.
Twinning:
None observed.
Crystallographic forms of Thomsenolite
Crystal Atlas:
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Thomsenolite no.1 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Thomsenolite no.7 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009312 | Thomsenolite | Cocco G, Castiglione P C, Vagliasindi G (1967) The crystal structure of thomsenolite Acta Crystallographica 23 162-166 |  | 1967 | Ivigtut, Greenland | 0 | 293 |
| 0012167 | Thomsenolite | Adhikesavalu D, Cameron T S, Knop O (1985) Thomsenolite, NaCaAlF6*H2O: hydrogen bonding and comparison with pachnolite Canadian Journal of Chemistry 63 3322-3327 | 1985 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
Epitaxial Relationships of Thomsenolite
Epitaxial Minerals:
| Pachnolite | NaCa[AlF6] · H2O |
Epitaxy Comments:
Oriented growths of thomsenolite on pachnolite, with thomsenolite (001) and (110) quasi-parallel to pachnolite (110) and (001). Also with thomsenolite (110) and (110) quasi-parallel to pachnolite (110) and (001).
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
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Radiation - Copper Kα
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.02 Å | (100) |
| 1.963 Å | (90) |
| 1.996 Å | (80) |
| 2.92 Å | (50) |
| 1.761 Å | (30) |
| 2.16 Å | (20) |
| 1.640 Å | (20) |
Comments:
Ivigtut, Greenland.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 22 : Hydration and low-𝑇 subsurface aqueous alteration (see also #23) | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55) |
Geological Setting:
Granitic pegmatites
Type Occurrence of Thomsenolite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1868.1499.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Hagemann, G. (1866) On some minerals associated with the Cryolite in Greenland. American Journal of Science: 42: 93-94 (as Dimetric Pachnolite).
Synonyms of Thomsenolite
Other Language Names for Thomsenolite
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 74 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Hydrokenoralstonite | Na0.5(Al,Mg)2(F,OH)6 · H2O |
| 73 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Cryolite | Na2NaAlF6 |
| 52 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Pachnolite | NaCa[AlF6] · H2O |
| 27 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Prosopite | CaAl2F4[(OH)4-xFx] |
| 27 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Siderite | FeCO3 |
| 18 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 11 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Limonite | |
| 9 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Hagemannite | |
| 9 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Tridymite | SiO2 |
| 8 photos of Thomsenolite associated with Sphalerite | ZnS |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.CB.05 | Cryolithionite | Na3Al2(LiF4)3 |
| 3.CB.15 | Cryolite | Na2NaAlF6 |
| 3.CB.15 | Elpasolite | K2NaAlF6 |
| 3.CB.15 | Simmonsite | Na2LiAlF6 |
| 3.CB.20 | Colquiriite | CaLi[AlF6] |
| 3.CB.25 | Weberite | Na2Mg[AlF6]F |
| 3.CB.25 | Leonardsenite | MgAlF5 · 2H2O |
| 3.CB.30 | Karasugite | SrCa[Al(F,OH)7] |
| 3.CB.35 | Usovite | Ba2CaMgAl2F14 |
| 3.CB.40 | Pachnolite | NaCa[AlF6] · H2O |
| 3.CB.45 | Carlhintzeite | Ca2[AlF6]F · H2O |
| 3.CB.50 | Yaroslavite | Ca3Al2F10(OH)2 · H2O |
| 3.CB.55 | Sbacchiite | Ca2AlF7 |
| 3.CB.60 | Verneite | Na2Ca3Al2F14 |
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Heated in a closed tube it yields water with an acid reaction that etches the glass. At a higher temperature it melts to a clear glass, fusing even more easily than cryolite.
Notes:
Readily soluble in H2SO4.
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 Thomsenolite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3940.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Thomsenolite
Reference List:
Localities for Thomsenolite
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.
Brazil | |
| 7. symposium on volcanism and ... +2 other references |
Canada | |
| Horváth et al. (1998) |
| Horváth et al. (1998) | |
Finland | |
| Marttila |
Greece | |
| Schnorrer-Köhler et al. (1988) |
| Gelaude et al. (1996) | |
Greenland (TL) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +2 other references |
Iceland | |
| Mitolo et al. (2008) |
Japan | |
| Kotora Jimboh (1899) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference |
Nigeria | |
| Am Min 51:299-323 |
| Bailey | |
Norway | |
| Sæbø (1966) +1 other reference |
Russia | |
| Bailey |
| Bailey +1 other reference |
| Bailey |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
| P.M. Karashov data +2 other references |
Saint Helena， Ascension and Tristan da Cunha | |
| Bailey | |
Ukraine | |
| Bailey +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference | |
| Gross et al. (1966) +1 other reference | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data | |
| Gross et al. (1966) +1 other reference | |
| Mineralogical Record: 31: 204. |
| O'Neill (2014) |
| Mineralogical Record: 12 (6) |
| Kearns (1995) +1 other reference |
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Ivigtut Mine, Ivigtut stock, Arsuk Fjord, Sermersooq, Greenland