Xonotlite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Xonotlite
Formula:
Ca6(Si6O17)(OH)2
Colour:
White, grey, pale pink, colorless
Lustre:
Vitreous, Silky, Pearly
Hardness:
6½
Specific Gravity:
2.70 - 2.72
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in 1866 by Karl Friedrich August Rammelsberg after its discovery locality, Tetela de Xonotla, Mexico.
An ino-silicate mineral with double dreier chains. Several polytypes are known (Hejny & Armbruster, 2001): Ma2bc (space group P2/a, a = 17.032, b = 7.363, c = 7.012 Å, β = 90.36°), Ma2b2c (space group A2/a, a = 17.032, b = 7.363, c = 14.023 Å, β = 90.36°) and M2a2bc (space group P-1 , a = 8.712, b = 7.363, c = 7.012 Å, α = 89.99° β = 90.36°, γ = 102.18°).
Related to the Tobermorite Group.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Xonotlite.
Related to the Tobermorite Group.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Xonotlite.Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4343
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4343:0
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
5d42f3bf-651f-4049-935c-e0bd75b971a9
IMA Classification of Xonotlite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Ca6Si6O17(OH)2
First published:
1866
Classification of Xonotlite
9.DG.35
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
G : Inosilicates with 3-periodic single and multiple chains
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
G : Inosilicates with 3-periodic single and multiple chains
66.3.1.1
66 : INOSILICATES Double-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=2)
3 : Amphiboles - Ca-Na subgroup
66 : INOSILICATES Double-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=2)
3 : Amphiboles - Ca-Na subgroup
14.5.12
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
5 : Silicates of Ca
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
5 : Silicates of Ca
Mineral Symbols
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.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Xon | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Xon | Whitney & 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 |
Pronunciation of Xonotlite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Xonotlite
Vitreous, Silky, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
White, grey, pale pink, colorless
Streak:
White
Hardness:
6½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
in one {h0l} direction
in one {h0l} direction
Fracture:
Splintery
Density:
2.70 - 2.72 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.71 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Xonotlite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.581 - 1.583 nβ = 1.581 - 1.583 nγ = 1.591 - 1.593
2V:
Calculated: 50°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.010
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:
small
Comments:
Z = b
Chemistry of Xonotlite
Mindat Formula:
Ca6(Si6O17)(OH)2
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Fe,Mn,H2O
Crystallography of Xonotlite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 17.032 Å, b = 7.363 Å, c = 7.012 Å
β = 90.36°
β = 90.36°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.313 : 1 : 0.952
Unit Cell V:
879.33 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1
Morphology:
needlelike crystals
Comment:
Space group P2/a (Ma2bc polytype).
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0011088 | Xonotlite | Hejny C, Armbruster T (2001) Polytypism in xonotlite Ca6Si6O17(OH)2 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 216 396-408 |  | 2001 | model structure, not experimentally determined | 0 | 293 |
| 0011089 | Xonotlite | Hejny C, Armbruster T (2001) Polytypism in xonotlite Ca6Si6O17(OH)2 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 216 396-408 | | 2001 | model structure, not experimentally determined | 0 | 293 |
| 0011090 | Xonotlite | Hejny C, Armbruster T (2001) Polytypism in xonotlite Ca6Si6O17(OH)2 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 216 396-408 | | 2001 | model structure, not experimentally determined | 0 | 293 |
| 0014421 | Xonotlite | Kudoh Y, Takeuchi Y (1979) Polytypism in xonotlite: (I) Structure of an A-1 polytype Mineralogical Journal 9 349-373 | | 1979 | Heguri, Chiba Prefecture, Japan | 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 |
|---|---|
| 3.07 Å | (vs) |
| 2.04 Å | (s) |
| 1.95 Å | (s) |
| 3.65 Å | (ms) |
| 3.23 Å | (ms) |
| 2.83 Å | (m) |
| 2.71 Å | (mw) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-𝑇 alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations |
Type Occurrence of Xonotlite
Reference:
Rammelsberg, K. (1866) Ueber den Xonaltit, ein neues wasserhaltiges Kalksilikat, und den Bustamit aus Mexiko. Zeitschrift der Deutschen Geologischen Gesellschaft: 18: 33-34.
Synonyms of Xonotlite
Other Language Names for Xonotlite
Varieties of Xonotlite
| Magnesium-bearing Xonotlite | A Mg-bearing variety of xonotlite. |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 135 photos of Xonotlite associated with Jouravskite | Ca3Mn4+(SO4)(CO3)(OH)6 · 12H2O |
| 39 photos of Xonotlite associated with Bultfonteinite | Ca2(HSiO4)F · H2O |
| 38 photos of Xonotlite associated with Clinohedrite | CaZn(SiO4) · H2O |
| 33 photos of Xonotlite associated with Willemite | Zn2SiO4 |
| 30 photos of Xonotlite associated with Inesite | Ca2(Mn,Fe)7Si10O28(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 29 photos of Xonotlite associated with Hendricksite | KZn3(Si3Al)O10(OH)2 |
| 24 photos of Xonotlite associated with Prehnite | Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2 |
| 24 photos of Xonotlite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 23 photos of Xonotlite associated with Datolite | CaB(SiO4)(OH) |
| 21 photos of Xonotlite associated with Ganophyllite | (K,Na,Ca)2Mn8(Si,Al)12(O,OH)32 · 8H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.DG. | Calcinaksite | KNaCa(Si4O10) · H2O |
| 9.DG. | Barrydawsonite-(Y) | Na1.5Y0.5CaSi3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG. | Paratobermorite | Ca4(Al0.5Si0.5)2Si4O16(OH)(H2O)2 · (Ca · 3H2O) |
| 9.DG. | Alvesite | NaKZrSi6O15 · 2H2O |
| 9.DG.02 | Steedeite | NaMn2[Si3BO9](OH)2 |
| 9.DG.02 | Nolzeite | NaMn2[Si3BO9](OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 9.DG.05 | Bustamite | CaMn2+(Si2O6) |
| 9.DG.05 | Ferrobustamite | CaFe2+(Si2O6) |
| 9.DG.05 | Pectolite | NaCa2Si3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.05 | Serandite | NaMn2+2Si3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.05 | Wollastonite | Ca3(Si3O9) |
| 9.DG.05 | Wollastonite-1A | CaSiO3 |
| 9.DG.05 | Tanohataite | LiMn2Si3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.05 | Schizolite | NaCaMnSi3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.05 | Murakamiite | LiCa2Si3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.05 | Dalnegorskite | Ca5Mn(Si3O9)2 |
| 9.DG.07 | Cascandite | CaScSi3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.08 | Plombièrite | [Ca4Si6O16(OH)2 · 2H2O] · (Ca · 5H2O) |
| 9.DG.10 | Clinotobermorite | [Ca4Si6O17 · 2H2O] · (Ca · 3H2O) |
| 9.DG.10 | Riversideite | Ca5(HSi3O9)2 · 2H2O |
| 9.DG.10 | Tobermorite | Ca4Si6O17(H2O)2 · (Ca · 3H2O) |
| 9.DG.12 | Jusite | Na2Ca15Al4Si16O54 · 17H2O |
| 9.DG.12 | Kenotobermorite | Ca4Si6O15(OH)2(H2O)2 · 3H2O |
| 9.DG.15 | Foshagite | Ca4(Si3O9)(OH)2 |
| 9.DG.20 | Jennite | Ca9(Si3O9)2(OH)8 · 8H2O |
| 9.DG.20 | Kamenevite | K2TiSi3O9 · H2O |
| 9.DG.25 | Paraumbite | K3Zr2H(Si3O9)2 · nH2O |
| 9.DG.25 | Umbite | K2(Zr,Ti)Si3O9 · H2O |
| 9.DG.30 | Sørensenite | Na4SnBe2Si6O16(OH)4 |
| 9.DG.32 | Escheite | Ca2NaMnTi5[Si12O34]O2(OH)3 · 12H2O |
| 9.DG.40 | Hillebrandite | Ca2(SiO3)(OH)2 |
| 9.DG.45 | Zorite | Na8(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,O)5 · 14H2O |
| 9.DG.45 | Chivruaiite | Ca4(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,O)5 · 13-14H2O |
| 9.DG.50 | Haineaultite | (Na,Ca)5Ca(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,F)8 · 5H2O |
| 9.DG.55 | Epididymite | Na2Be2Si6O15 · H2O |
| 9.DG.60 | Eudidymite | Na2Be2Si6O15 · H2O |
| 9.DG.65 | Elpidite | Na2ZrSi6O15 · 3H2O |
| 9.DG.65 | Patynite | NaKCa4[Si9O23] |
| 9.DG.67 | Whelanite | Cu2+2Ca6[Si6O17(OH)](CO3)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
| 9.DG.70 | Fenaksite | (K,Na)4(Fe,Mn)2(Si4O10)2(OH,F) |
| 9.DG.70 | Litidionite | CuNaKSi4O10 |
| 9.DG.70 | Manaksite | KNaMnSi4O10 |
| 9.DG.70 | Yusupovite | Na2Zr(Si6O15) · 2.5H2O |
| 9.DG.70 | Enricofrancoite | KNaCaSi4O10 |
| 9.DG.75 | Tinaksite | K2Na(Ca,Mn2+)2TiO[Si7O18(OH)] |
| 9.DG.75 | Tokkoite | K2Ca4[Si7O18(OH)](OH,F) |
| 9.DG.75 | Senkevichite | CsKNaCa2TiO[Si7O18](OH) |
| 9.DG.80 | Canasite | K3Na3Ca5Si12O30(OH)4 |
| 9.DG.80 | Fluorcanasite | K3Na3Ca5Si12O30F4 · H2O |
| 9.DG.85 | Miserite | K1.5-x(Ca,Y,REE)5(Si6O15)(Si2O7)(OH,F)2 · yH2O |
| 9.DG.90 | Frankamenite | K3Na3Ca5(Si12O30)(F,OH)4 · H2O |
| 9.DG.92 | Charoite | (K,Sr)15-16(Ca,Na)32[Si6O11(O,OH)6]2[Si12O18(O,OH)12]2[Si17O25(O,OH)18]2(OH,F)4 · ~3H2O |
| 9.DG.95 | Yuksporite | K4(Ca,Na)14(Sr,Ba)2(◻,Mn,Fe)(Ti,Nb)4(O,OH)4(Si6O17)2(Si2O7)3(H2O,OH)3 |
| 9.DG.97 | Eveslogite | (Na,K,Ca,Sr,Ba)48 [(Ti,Nb,Mn,Fe2+)12Si48O144(OH)12](F,OH,Cl)14 |
Fluorescence of Xonotlite
May fluoresce and phosphoresce violet in SW, MW, and LW ultraviolet light (Franklin, New Jersey).
Other Information
Notes:
Decomposed in acid with separation of pulverulent silica.
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 Xonotlite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4343.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Xonotlite
Reference List:
Shannon, Earl V. (1925) An occurrence of xonotlite at Leesburg, Virginia. American Mineralogist, 10 (1) 12-13
M.Schwartz, G. (1925) Xonotlite and pectolite in a diabase pegmatite from Minnesota. American Mineralogist, 10 (4) 83-88
Kaye, Clifford A. (1953) A xonotlite occurrence in Puerto Rico. American Mineralogist, 38 (9-10) 860-861
Smith, Charles H. (1954) On the occurrence and origin of xonotlite. American Mineralogist, 39 (5-6) 531-532
Bailey, S. W. (1977) Report of the I.M.A.-I. U.Cr. Joint Committee on Nomenclature. American Mineralogist, 62 (5-6) 411-415
Localities for Xonotlite
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.
Australia | |
| Analyses in prep |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) | |
| Henry (1999) |
| B. Grguric |
| Sue Koepke collection +1 other reference |
Bulgaria | |
| I. Kostov et al. (1964) |
Canada | |
| Ray L. Frost et al. (OH) |
| Traill (1980) | |
| Brown (1978) | |
| Traill (1980) |
| 179-181. +2 other references |
| Sabina (1987) |
Cuba | |
| Litsarev et al. (1998) |
Czech Republic | |
| Anthony et al. (2016) |
Finland | |
| Ilkka Mikkola collection |
Germany | |
| |
Greenland | |
| Petersen et al. (1985) |
Iceland | |
| Jakobsson et al. (1992) |
| JAKOBSSON et al. (1986) +1 other reference | |
Iraq | |
| Al-Hermezi et al. (1986) |
Ireland | |
| Bull. Soc. Franç. Minéralo. ... |
Italy | |
| Bedognè (2006) |
| Demartin et al. (2006) |
| Michele Dondi Collection |
| Bonaccorsi E. et al. (1996) |
| Passaglia et al. (1995) +2 other references |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| 50 +2 other references |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| Zordan et al. (2008) |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| Collections Alessandro Mattiello and ... +1 other reference |
| Zordan (1999) +2 other references |
Japan | |
| Matsuyama (2001) |
| Yamada (2004) |
| Fermor 2011: Ore Deposits in an ... |
| Yamada (2004) |
| |
| Handbook of Mineralogy (c) |
| Ohe Rikosha specimens +1 other reference |
| Yamada (2004) | |
| Alluvial cobbles in innumerable ... |
| Uehara et al. (2014) |
| www.handbookofmineralogy.org (n.d.) |
| Henmi et al. (1978) +1 other reference |
| Matsueda (1983) |
| Dr. Kameki Kinoshita collection (curated at Geological Survey of Japan) |
Mexico | |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Dana 6:569 +2 other references |
| Panczner (1987) | |
| Panczner (1987) | |
| Panczner (1987) | |
| Pancnzer (1987) | |
| Panczner (1987) | |
Middle East | |
| Gross (1977) | |
New Zealand | |
| Coombs (1960) |
| Judy Rowe collection |
| O'Brien et al. (1973) |
Romania | |
| Hirtopanu (2006) | |
| Marincea et al. (2011) |
| Marincea +3 other references |
Russia | |
| geo.web.ru (2010) |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| A. E. Zadov data |
| Chayka et al. (2023) |
| Spiridonov (2010) |
| [World of Stones 12:49] | |
| Antonov A.A. [Антонов А.А.] (2003) |
| Chukanov et al. (2016) |
| Grabezhev et al. (2007) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) +1 other reference |
| Rob Lavinsky photo |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
| In the collection of Brent Thorne. ... | |
| Giester et al. (1996) | |
Sweden | |
| Holtstam et al. (1999) |
| Mofjell (1990) +1 other reference |
| Sandström et al. (2010) |
Tajikistan | |
| Badalov et al. (1976) |
UK | |
| Henmi et al. (1973) |
| Tilley et al. (1931) | |
| BMS Collection |
| [Specimen in the Natural History Museum |
| Dana 6:569 | |
| Dana 6:569 | |
| Heddle et al. (1901) |
| [Specimen in the Natural History Museum |
| Sweet et al. (1961) |
| American Mineralogist 35:1080 |
USA | |
| Cesbron et al. (1980) +2 other references |
| Mr. Gail E. Dunning. |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 409. +2 other references |
| Murdoch (1966) +1 other reference |
| Murdoch (1966) |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 409. +5 other references |
| ... |
| Murdoch (1966) | |
| with chemical analyses by W.T. ... +5 other references |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 409. +1 other reference |
| Hanks (1888) +3 other references |
| Larsen (1917) +2 other references | |
| Scovil (1999) |
| Schwartz (1924) |
| Sherwood et al. (1998) |
| Palache (1935) +1 other reference |
| FOMS Millsite Committee (1986) | |
| Beth Schaefer | |
| Kenny Gay message 15.09.2005 ... |
| Kaye (1953) |
| Rocks & Minerals: 66 (3) +1 other reference |
| Rocks & Min. Vol. 71 (1996) |
| Shannon (1925) |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Cannon (1975) |
| Cannon (1975) | |
| Cannon (1975) | |
| Cannon (1975) +1 other reference |
| Cannon (1975) |
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Grolla quarry, Spagnago, Cornedo Vicentino, Vicenza Province, Veneto, Italy