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Brownmillerite

A valid IMA mineral species
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06420300014946649853878.jpg
Brownmillerite

Emmelberg, Üdersdorf, Daun, Vulkaneifel, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
04244470015860072421856.jpg
Brownmillerite

Bellerberg volcano, Vordereifel, Mayen-Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
07955920014948524776200.jpg
Brownmillerite

Caspar quarry, Ettringen, Vordereifel, Mayen-Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
07637610015087699469644.jpg
Brownmillerite

Emmelberg, Üdersdorf, Daun, Vulkaneifel, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
01655720014949453226773.jpg
Brownmillerite

Bellerberg volcano, Vordereifel, Mayen-Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
07955920014948524776200.jpg
Brownmillerite

Caspar quarry, Ettringen, Vordereifel, Mayen-Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
06420300014946649853878.jpg
Brownmillerite

Emmelberg, Üdersdorf, Daun, Vulkaneifel, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
04244470015860072421856.jpg
Brownmillerite

Bellerberg volcano, Vordereifel, Mayen-Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
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About BrownmilleriteHide

Formula:
Ca2(Al,Fe3+)2O5
Colour:
Reddish-brown
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous
Specific Gravity:
3.76
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
The artificial compound was named in 1932 for Dr. Lorrin Thomas Brownmiller (1902-1990), Chief Chemist of the Alpha Portland Cement Company, Easton, Pennsylvania, USA. The name was then transferred to the naturally-occurring mineral.
Brownmillerite-Srebrodolskite Series. Compare gorerite.

Compare also the related species shulamitite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
790
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:790:2
GUID
(UUID V4):
e7a7e9e4-fbda-44a1-a7be-5cc8123cc1d6

IMA Classification of BrownmilleriteHide

IMA status:
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ca2Fe3+AlO5

Classification of BrownmilleriteHide

Strunz-mindat (2024):
4.AC.10

4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
A : Metal: Oxygen = 2:1 and 1:1
C : M:O = 1:1 (and up to 1:1.25); with large cations (+- smaller ones)
Dana 8th ed.:
7.11.2.1

7 : MULTIPLE OXIDES
11 : Miscellaneous
Hey's CIM Ref.:
7.20.15

7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
20 : Oxides of Fe

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference
BmlrIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Pronunciation of BrownmilleriteHide

Pronunciation:
PlayRecorded byCountry
Jolyon RalphUnited Kingdom

Physical Properties of BrownmilleriteHide

Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Reddish-brown
Streak:
White
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Splintery
Density:
3.76 g/cm3 (Measured)    3.70 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of BrownmilleriteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.960 nβ = 2.010 nγ = 2.040
2V:
Measured: 75° , Calculated: 72°
Birefringence:
0.08
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.080
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Very High
Dispersion:
strong

Chemistry of BrownmilleriteHide

Mindat Formula:
Ca2(Al,Fe3+)2O5
Elements listed:
Al, Ca, Fe, O - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of BrownmilleriteHide

Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.57 Å, b = 14.52 Å, c = 5.34 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.384 : 1 : 0.368
Unit Cell V:
431.88 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Comment:
Space group Ibm2. Other cell parameters given: a = 5.584(5), b = 14.60(1), c = 5.374(5) A.

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0003433BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0003434BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0003435BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0003436BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0003437BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0003438BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0003439BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0003440BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0003441BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0003442BrownmilleriteRedhammer G J, Tippelt G, Roth G, Amthauer G (2004) Structural variations in the brownmillerite series Ca2(Fe2-xAlx)O5: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 25 deg C and high temperature X-ray powder diffraction (25 C <= T <= 1000 C) American Mineralogist 89 405-4202004synthetic0293
0017771BrownmilleriteVanpeteghem C B, Angel R J, Zhao J, Ross N L, Redhammer G J, Seifert F (2008) The effect of oxygen vacancies and aluminium substitution on the high-pressure properties of brownmillerite-structured Ca2Fe2-xAlxO5 Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 35 493-5042008synthetic0.0001293
0017772BrownmilleriteVanpeteghem C B, Angel R J, Zhao J, Ross N L, Redhammer G J, Seifert F (2008) The effect of oxygen vacancies and aluminium substitution on the high-pressure properties of brownmillerite-structured Ca2Fe2-xAlxO5 Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 35 493-5042008synthetic1.49293
0017773BrownmilleriteVanpeteghem C B, Angel R J, Zhao J, Ross N L, Redhammer G J, Seifert F (2008) The effect of oxygen vacancies and aluminium substitution on the high-pressure properties of brownmillerite-structured Ca2Fe2-xAlxO5 Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 35 493-5042008synthetic3.21293
0017774BrownmilleriteVanpeteghem C B, Angel R J, Zhao J, Ross N L, Redhammer G J, Seifert F (2008) The effect of oxygen vacancies and aluminium substitution on the high-pressure properties of brownmillerite-structured Ca2Fe2-xAlxO5 Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 35 493-5042008synthetic4.511293
0017775BrownmilleriteVanpeteghem C B, Angel R J, Zhao J, Ross N L, Redhammer G J, Seifert F (2008) The effect of oxygen vacancies and aluminium substitution on the high-pressure properties of brownmillerite-structured Ca2Fe2-xAlxO5 Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 35 493-5042008synthetic6.27293
0017776BrownmilleriteVanpeteghem C B, Angel R J, Zhao J, Ross N L, Redhammer G J, Seifert F (2008) The effect of oxygen vacancies and aluminium substitution on the high-pressure properties of brownmillerite-structured Ca2Fe2-xAlxO5 Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 35 493-5042008synthetic7.73293
0009418BrownmilleriteColville A A, Geller S (1971) The crystal structure of brownmillerite, Ca2FeAlO5 Acta Crystallographica B27 2311-23151971synthetic0293
0009431BrownmilleriteColville A, Geller S (1972) Crystal structures of Ca2Fe1.43Al0.57O5 and Ca2Fe1.28Al0.72O5 _cod_database_code 1000040 Acta Crystallographica B28 3196-32001972synthetic0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
7.19 Å(s)
3.65 Å(m)
2.78 Å(s)
2.65 Å(vs)
2.05 Å(ms)
1.93 Å(s)
1.82 Å(m)
Comments:
Hentschel (1964)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
High-𝑇 alteration and/or metamorphism
31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations
Stage 5: Initiation of plate tectonics<3.5-2.5
40 : Regional metamorphism (greenschist, amphibolite, granulite facies)
Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere<0.6
50 : Coal and/or oil shale minerals<0.36
51 : Pyrometamorphic minerals (see also #54 and #56)<0.36
Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals<10 Ka
54 : Coal and other mine fire minerals (see also #51 and #56)
56 : Slag and smelter minerals (see also #51 and #55)
Geological Setting:
In thermally metamorphosed limestones

Type Occurrence of BrownmilleriteHide

Co-Type Localities:
ⓘ Mayener Feld, Mayen, Mayen-Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
ⓘ Ettringer Feld, Ettringen, Vordereifel, Mayen-Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mineral Museum, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany (No. M5026/86)
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA (No. 120045)
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In thermally metamorphosed limestone blocks included in volcanic rocks
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
PortlanditeMelilite GroupChlormayeniteLarniteKalsilite
JenniteJasmunditeGrossularGehleniteEttringite
DiopsideChlormayeniteCalciteAfwillitePyrrhotite
SpinelWollastonite

Synonyms of BrownmilleriteHide

Other Language Names for BrownmilleriteHide

Relationship of Brownmillerite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Brownmillerite Subgroup > Non-stoichiometric Perovskites Group > Perovskite Supergroup
Other Members of this group:
NataliakulikiteCa4Ti2(Fe3+,Fe2+)(Si,Fe3+,Al)O11Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
SharyginiteCa3TiFe2O8Orth. mm2 : Pmc21
ShulamititeCa3TiFe3+AlO8Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmma
SrebrodolskiteCa2Fe3+2O5Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
Forms a series with:
SrebrodolskiteBrownmillerite-Srebrodolskite Series

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
1 photo of Brownmillerite associated with ReinhardbraunsiteCa5(SiO4)2(OH,F)2
1 photo of Brownmillerite associated with VapnikiteCa2CaUO6
1 photo of Brownmillerite associated with Ye'elimiteCa4Al6(SO4)O12
1 photo of Brownmillerite associated with LarniteCa2SiO4

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

4.AC.05SwedenborgiteNaBe4Sb5+O7Hex. 6mm : P63mc
4.AC.10SrebrodolskiteCa2Fe3+2O5Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
4.AC.10ShulamititeCa3TiFe3+AlO8Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmma
4.AC.10SharyginiteCa3TiFe2O8Orth. mm2 : Pmc21
4.AC.15MontroyditeHgOOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmmn
4.AC.20LithargePbOTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
4.AC.20RomarchiteSnOTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/mmm
4.AC.25MassicotPbOOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Cmmm
4.AC.30NataliakulikiteCa4Ti2(Fe3+,Fe2+)(Si,Fe3+,Al)O11Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma

Fluorescence of BrownmilleriteHide

In UV light:
Not fluorescent in UV

Other InformationHide

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 BrownmilleriteHide

References for BrownmilleriteHide

Localities for BrownmilleriteHide

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListHide

- 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.
Austria
 
  • Styria
    • Südoststeiermark District
      • Klöch
Exel (1993) +1 other reference
China
 
  • Xinjiang
    • Hami Prefecture (Kumul Prefecture; Qumul Prefecture)
      • Yizhou District
        • Huangshan-Jing'erquan ore belt
Jingwen Mao et al. (2007)
Czech Republic
 
  • South Moravian Region
    • Brno-Country District
      • Oslavany
Hršelová et al. (2013)
Germany
 
  • North Rhine-Westphalia
    • Arnsberg
      • Märkischer Kreis
        • Iserlohn
          • Letmathe
            • Helmke quarry nature reserve
Bender et al. (1994) +1 other reference
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Mayen-Koblenz
      • Mayen
Hentschel (1964)
in the collection of Christof Schäfer
in the collection of Christof Schäfer
Skrzyńska et al. (2023)
      • Vordereifel
        • Ettringen
Hentschel (1978)
Sharygin (2012)
in the collection of Christof Schäfer
Hentschel (1964)
    • Vulkaneifel
      • Daun
        • Üdersdorf
Schüller et al. (1986)
Israel
 
  • Southern District (HaDarom District)
    • Arad
Krüger +2 other references
    • Tamar Regional Council
Sharygin et al. (2008)
doi:10.3390/min8030109. +2 other references
Sharygin +7 other references
Jordan
 
  • Amman Governorate
    • Transjordan Plateau
      • Daba-Siwaqa complex
Pitty et al. (2010)
        • Hashem region
          • Lisdan-Siwaga Fault
Fleurance et al. (2013)
            • Siwaga
Khoury et al. (2015) +2 other references
Sokol +9 other references
Juroszek et al. (2020)
  • Irbid Governorate
    • Maqarin area
Pitty et al. (2010)
Middle East
 
Gross (1977)
Palestine
 
  • West Bank
    • Bethlehem Governorate
Galuskina et al. (2019)
    • Jericho Governorate
Ella V. Sokol et al. (2011)
    • Quds Governorate
Galuskin et al. (2014)
Sokol et al. (2011)
Romania
 
  • Brașov County
Szakáll
Szakáll et al. (2010)
Ukraine
 
  • Donetsk Oblast
V.V. Sharygin (2011)
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