Diadochite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Diadochite
Formula:
Fe3+2(PO4)(SO4)(OH) · 6H2O
Colour:
Yellow to greenish-yellow or brown, reddish brown, light green, light yellow; pale yellow to yellowish brown in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Resinous, Waxy, Greasy, Dull, Earthy
Hardness:
3 - 4
Specific Gravity:
2.0 - 2.4
Crystal System:
Amorphous
Name:
Named in 1837 by Johann Friedric August Breithaupt from the Greek διάδοχος for "successor," presumably in allusion to its secondary origin.
An amorphous ferric iron phosphate-sulphate. Visually similar to destinezite, with which it was often confused, until destinezite was (re)defined as the crystalline equivalent of the amorphous diadochite. (IMA decision 00-E)
A secondary mineral occurring in gossans and coal deposits as the result of sulfate-rich solutions reacting with earlier phosphates; common in secondary phosphate assemblages in granitic pegmatites; in cave deposits, or as a post-mining product.
A secondary mineral occurring in gossans and coal deposits as the result of sulfate-rich solutions reacting with earlier phosphates; common in secondary phosphate assemblages in granitic pegmatites; in cave deposits, or as a post-mining product.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1279
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1279:5
IMA Classification of Diadochite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Fe3+2(PO4)(S6+O4)(OH)·6H2O
First published:
1837
Classification of Diadochite
8.DB.05
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4< 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4< 1:1
Dana 7th ed.:
43.5.2.1
43.5.2.1
43 : COMPOUND PHOSPHATES, ETC.
5 : Hydrated Compound Phosphates, etc·, Containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
43 : COMPOUND PHOSPHATES, ETC.
5 : Hydrated Compound Phosphates, etc·, Containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
22.3.25
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
3 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with sulphates
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
3 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with sulphates
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 for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Ddc | 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 Diadochite
Resinous, Waxy, Greasy, Dull, Earthy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent, Opaque
Comment:
Lustre dull in earthy material, waxy, horn-like in gel masses.
Colour:
Yellow to greenish-yellow or brown, reddish brown, light green, light yellow; pale yellow to yellowish brown in transmitted light.
Streak:
Yellow to yellow-brown
Hardness:
3 - 4 on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Measured
Tenacity:
Fragile
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Conchoidal, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
2.0 - 2.4 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.32 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Diadochite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.615 nβ = 1.618 - 1.638 nγ = 1.665 - 1.670 n = 1.60 - 1.61
2V:
Measured: 55°
Birefringence:
0.06
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.050 - 0.055
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v strong
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Comments:
Isotropic when glassy. Measured 2V = small.
Chemistry of Diadochite
Mindat Formula:
Fe3+2(PO4)(SO4)(OH) · 6H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Diadochite
Crystal System:
Amorphous
Morphology:
Found as nodules or colloform crusts, massive; glassy, earthy.
Comment:
Amorphous to x-rays.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.74 Å | (100) |
| 8.28 Å | (90) |
| 4.377 Å | (100) |
| 4.082 Å | (65) |
| 3.929 Å | (85) |
| 2.942 Å | (65) |
| 2.918 Å | (40) |
Comments:
Also ICDD 42-1364
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 21 : Chemically precipitated carbonate, phosphate, iron formations | |
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 50 : Coal and/or oil shale minerals | <0.36 |
| 52 : Guano- and urine-derived minerals | <0.4 |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 54 : Coal and other mine fire minerals (see also #51 and #56) |
Geological Setting:
Gossan deposits, coal deposits, late stage mineralization in granitic pegmatites, caves, post-mining deposition.
Type Occurrence of Diadochite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Kidney-shaped and stalactite-like shapes.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mining Academy, Freiberg, Saxony, Germany, number 20765.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Slate altered by ground water, perhaps originally post-mine in occurrence.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Diadochite
Other Language Names for Diadochite
Dutch:Diadochiet
German:Diadochit
Phosphoreisensinter
Eisensinter (in part)
Phosphoreisensinter
Eisensinter (in part)
Russian:Диадохит
Spanish:Diadochita
Varieties of Diadochite
| Geldiadochite | A gel form of Diadochite |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 8 photos of Diadochite associated with Mitridatite | Ca2Fe3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2O |
| 8 photos of Diadochite associated with Hydroxylapatite | Ca5(PO4)3(OH) |
| 6 photos of Diadochite associated with Messelite | Ca2Fe2+(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 6 photos of Diadochite associated with Todorokite | (Na,Ca,K,Ba,Sr)1-x(Mn,Mg,Al)6O12 · 3-4H2O |
| 6 photos of Diadochite associated with Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
| 4 photos of Diadochite associated with Strunzite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 4 photos of Diadochite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 3 photos of Diadochite associated with Cassiterite | SnO2 |
| 2 photos of Diadochite associated with Purpurite | Mn3+(PO4) |
| 2 photos of Diadochite associated with Monazite Group | REE(PO4) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DB. | Arangasite | Al2F(PO4)(SO4) · 9H2O |
| 8.DB. | Höslite | Fe3+3(VO4)2(SO4)(OH)(H2O)4 · 3H2O |
| 8.DB. | Camaronesite | [Fe3+(H2O)2(PO3OH)]2(SO4) · 1-2H2O |
| 8.DB.05 | Destinezite | Fe3+2(PO4)(SO4)(OH) · 6H2O |
| 8.DB.05 | Pitticite | (Fe, AsO4, H2O) (?) |
| 8.DB.07 | Wilhelmgümbelite | ZnFe2+Fe3+3(PO4)3(OH)4(H2O)5 · 2H2O |
| 8.DB.07 | Schmidite | [Zn2(Fe3+,Mn2+)2Fe3+(PO4)3(OH)3(H2O)6] · 2H2O |
| 8.DB.07 | Wildenauerite | Zn(Fe3+,Mn2+)2MnFe3+(PO4)3(OH)3(H2O)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.DB.10 | Vashegyite | Al11(PO4)9(OH)6 · 38H2O |
| 8.DB.15 | Schoonerite | ZnMn2+Fe2+2Fe3+(PO4)3(OH)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.DB.20 | Sinkankasite | Mn2+Al(PO3OH)2(OH) · 6H2O |
| 8.DB.25 | Mitryaevaite | Al6(PO4)((P,S)O3(OH,O))2F2(OH)2 · 14.5H2O |
| 8.DB.30 | Sanjuanite | Al2(PO4)(SO4)(OH) · 9H2O |
| 8.DB.35 | Sarmientite | Fe3+2(AsO4)(SO4)(OH) · 5H2O |
| 8.DB.40 | Bukovskýite | Fe3+2(AsO4)(SO4)(OH) · 9H2O |
| 8.DB.40 | Manganflurlite | ZnMn2+3Fe3+(PO4)3(OH)2(H2O)7 · 2H2O |
| 8.DB.40 | Flurlite | Zn3Mn2+Fe3+(PO4)3(OH)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.DB.42 | Bohuslavite | Fe3+4(PO4)3(SO4)(OH) · nH2O |
| 8.DB.45 | Zýkaite | Fe3+4(AsO4)3(SO4)(OH) · 15H2O |
| 8.DB.47 | Lapeyreite | Cu3O[AsO3(OH)]2 · 0.75H2O |
| 8.DB.50 | Rossiantonite | Al3(PO4)(SO4)2(OH)2(H2O)14 |
| 8.DB.50 | Giniite | Fe2+Fe3+4(PO4)3(OH)5 · 2H2O |
| 8.DB.52 | 'Arctowskite' | Al9(PO4)8(OH)3 · 27H2O |
| 8.DB.55 | Sasaite | (Al,Fe3+)14(PO4)11(SO4)(OH)7 · 83H2O |
| 8.DB.60 | Mcauslanite | Fe3Al2(PO4)3(PO3OH)F · 18H2O |
| 8.DB.65 | Goldquarryite | CuCd2Al3(PO4)4F2(H2O,F)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.DB.70 | Birchite | Cd2Cu2(PO4)2(SO4) · 5H2O |
| 8.DB.75 | Braithwaiteite | NaCu5(Ti4+Sb5+)(AsO4)4(HAsO4)2O2 · 8H2O |
Fluorescence of Diadochite
Not fluorescent
Other Information
Notes:
Readily soluble in acids.
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 Diadochite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1279.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 Diadochite
Reference List:
Rammelsberg, Carl Friedrich (1875) Handbuch der Mineralchemie (2nd ed.) Wilhelm Engelmann, Leipzig. p.331
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.67
Hintze, Carl (1931) Handbuch der Mineralogie. Berlin and Leipzig. 6 volumes: 1 [4B]: 750, 755, 1073.
McConnell, D. (1942) X-ray data on several phosphate minerals. American Journal of Science, 240 (9) 649-657 doi:10.2475/ajs.240.9.649
Localities for Diadochite
Showing 96 localities.
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.
Angola | |
| Martins da Pedra collection |
Austria | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Zirkl (1962) |
| Exel (1993) |
| Taucher (1996) |
Belgium | |
| Peacor et al. (1987) |
| Clark (1993) |
| |
Bolivia | |
| Wilson (2001) |
| Wilson (2001) +1 other reference |
Canada | |
| Robinson et al. (1992) |
| 150-152. +2 other references | |
Czech Republic | |
| Vtělenský J. (1959) |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| Vtělenský J. (1959) | |
| Vtělenský J. (1959) |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
| Prachař +7 other references |
| Jirásek +1 other reference | |
France | |
| Dana et al. (1892) +1 other reference |
| Haudour J. et Sarrot-Reynauld J. (1954) | |
| |
| Lacroix (1910) +1 other reference | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1996) |
| Walenta (1997) |
| Weiß (1990) +1 other reference |
| Dill et al. (2008) |
| Dill et al. (2010) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Witzke et al. (1998) |
| Journ. prakt. Chem. (1837) +2 other references |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Ullrich et al. (2010) |
Greece | |
| Rieck et al. (2022) |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll (2002) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) | |
| Szakáll et al. (1994) |
Italy | |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Olmi F. |
Japan | |
| LIN et al. (2020) |
| Matsubara et al. (1999) |
Romania | |
| Huber et al. (1996) |
Slovakia | |
| |
| Koděra et al. (1986) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Ďuďa (1993) |
| Uher et al. (2000) |
| Duda et al. (1992) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) | |
Spain | |
| Mingueza et al. (Min. Catalunya/Paragénesis, 2025) |
| Calvo Rebollar et al. (2022) |
UK | |
| Sparrow (1989) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Merritt Stephen Enders (2000) |
| Rocks & Min.: 63:108. |
| Am Min 51:1811-1814 |
| Rogers (1938a) +3 other references |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Schooner (1961) +1 other reference |
| Simmons et al. (1984) |
| |
| Thompson et al. (1998) | |
| Thompson et al. (2000) |
| Thompson et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
| King (n.d.) |
| King et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
| King et al. (1994) +1 other reference | |
| King et al. (6) | |
| |
| Dionne et al. (2014) |
| Tim Blake and Scott Soucey specimens |
| King (n.d.) | |
| W. B. Thompson et al. (2005) |
| Gleba (2008) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Clark (1993) | |
| King (n.d.) |
| Czaja (2025) |
| Tom Mortimer no. u891 (www.mindatnh.org) |
| Moore (1965) |
| Whitmore et al. (2004) | |
| |
| Rocks & Minerals 80:4 pp234-241 +1 other reference |
| Wilson et al. (1978) |
| Carlson (2015) |
| Harvard Museum of Natural History ... |
| Rocks & Minerals: 60: 117. +1 other reference |
| Roberts et al. (1965) |
| Campbell et al. (1985) |
| Paris (2011) |
| Rocks & Min. +1 other reference | |
| ... | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Rosenzweig et al. (1955) |
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Richelle, Visé, Liège, Wallonia, Belgium