Dixenite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Dixenite
Formula:
CuMn2+14Fe2+(SiO4)2(As5+O4)(As3+O3)5(OH)6
Colour:
Deep red-brown to nearly black
Lustre:
Resinous, Metallic
Hardness:
3 - 4
Specific Gravity:
4.35
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
From the Greek δύο "two" and ξένος "guest", in reference to the then unique association of silica and arsenious oxide in the mineral.
Unique in terms of both element combination and structure, although the latter is somewhat similar to that of hematolite.
Somewhat chemically comparable with klajite and monteneroite.
The structure can be described as an oxide matrix with disordered [As3+4Cu1+] clustered within. Contains typical AsO3 trigonal pyramids and two types of tetrahedra (arsenate and silicate). There are 5 nonequivalent layers, of which 3 are similar to those in hematolite. One of the 5 layers differs in containing the above Cu-As cluster. In this cluster the As3+ ions form a tetrahedron, with Cu in the central cavity. The cluster is supposed to be stabilized by the 18-electron rule, forming "closed argon core".
Somewhat chemically comparable with klajite and monteneroite.
The structure can be described as an oxide matrix with disordered [As3+4Cu1+] clustered within. Contains typical AsO3 trigonal pyramids and two types of tetrahedra (arsenate and silicate). There are 5 nonequivalent layers, of which 3 are similar to those in hematolite. One of the 5 layers differs in containing the above Cu-As cluster. In this cluster the As3+ ions form a tetrahedron, with Cu in the central cavity. The cluster is supposed to be stabilized by the 18-electron rule, forming "closed argon core".
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1298
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1298:6
Similar Names
| Digenite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Cu9S5 |
IMA Classification of Dixenite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Cu1+Mn2+14Fe3+(As3+O3)5(SiO4)2(As5+O4)(OH)6
First published:
1920
Classification of Dixenite
8.BE.45
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 > 2:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 > 2:1
46.2.8.1
46 : ANTIMONITES AND ARSENITES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
2 : Miscellaneous
46 : ANTIMONITES AND ARSENITES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
2 : Miscellaneous
17.7.8
17 : Silicates Containing other Anions
7 : Silicates with vanadate, arsenate or antimonate
17 : Silicates Containing other Anions
7 : Silicates with vanadate, arsenate or antimonate
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Dxn | 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 Dixenite
Resinous, Metallic
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Deep red-brown to nearly black
Hardness:
3 - 4 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
basal micaceous
basal micaceous
Density:
4.35 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.375 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Dixenite
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.97 nε = 1.73
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.240
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:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Dixenite
Mindat Formula:
CuMn2+14Fe2+(SiO4)2(As5+O4)(As3+O3)5(OH)6
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Mg,Ca,Na,K,P
Crystallography of Dixenite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3 - Pyramidal
Space Group:
R3
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.233(4) Å, c = 37.499(1) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 4.555
Unit Cell V:
2,201.24 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
3
Morphology:
in aggregates of thin flakes, massive
Crystal Structure
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Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000853 | Dixenite | Araki T, Moore P B (1981) Dixenite, CuMn14Fe(OH)6(AsO3)5(SiO4)2(AsO4): Metallic [As4Cu] clusters in an oxide matrix American Mineralogist 66 1263-1273 |  | 1981 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.92 Å | (100) |
| 4.10 Å | (90) |
| 2.37 Å | (80) |
| 2.40 Å | (55) |
| 3.90 Å | (50) |
| 2.83 Å | (50) |
| 3.31 Å | (45) |
Reference:
Comments:
Langban, Sweden, ICDD 19-426.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits |
Type Occurrence of Dixenite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Aggregates of thin flakes without crystal outlines.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
n.d.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Dixenite
Relationship of Dixenite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Hematolite Group:
| Arakiite | (Zn,Mn2+)(Mn2+,Mg)12(Fe3+,Al)2(As5+O4)2(As3+O3)(OH)23 | Mon. m : Bb |
| Hematolite | (Mn,Mg,Al,Fe3+)15(As5+O4)2(As3+O3)(OH)23 | Trig. 3 : R3 |
| Kraisslite | Zn3(Mn,Mg)25(Fe3+,Al)(As3+O3)2[(Si,As5+)O4]10(OH)16 | Orth. 222 : C2221 |
| Mcgovernite | Mn19Zn3(AsO4)3(AsO3)(SiO4)3(OH)21 | Trig. 3m : R3c |
| Synadelphite | Mn2+9(As5+O4)2(As3+O3)(OH)9 · 2H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
| Turtmannite | (Mn,Mg)22.5Mg3-3x((V5+,As5+)O4)3(As3+O3)x(SiO4)3O5-5x(OH)20+x | Trig. |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 2 photos of Dixenite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 2 photos of Dixenite associated with Baryte | BaSO4 |
| 2 photos of Dixenite associated with Pyroaurite | Mg6Fe3+2(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O |
| 1 photo of Dixenite associated with Tilasite | CaMg(AsO4)F |
| 1 photo of Dixenite associated with Hematite | Fe2O3 |
| 1 photo of Dixenite associated with Magnussonite | Mn2+10(As3+O3)6(OH,Cl)2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BE.05 | Augelite | Al2(PO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.10 | Grattarolaite | Fe3+3(PO4)O3 |
| 8.BE.15 | Cornetite | Cu3(PO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.20 | Clinoclase | Cu3(AsO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.25 | Gilmarite | Cu3(AsO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.25 | Arhbarite | Cu2Mg(AsO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.30 | Flinkite | Mn2+2Mn3+(AsO4)(OH)4 |
| 8.BE.30 | Argandite | Mn7(VO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.30 | Raadeite | Mg7(PO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.30 | Allactite | Mn2+7(AsO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.35 | 'Mineral E (of Dunn, et. al., 1982)' | |
| 8.BE.35 | Chlorophoenicite | (Mn,Mg)3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6 |
| 8.BE.35 | Magnesiochlorophoenicite | (Mg,Mn)3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6 |
| 8.BE.40 | Gerdtremmelite | (Zn,Fe)(Al,Fe)2(AsO4)(OH)5 |
| 8.BE.45 | Mcgovernite | Mn19Zn3(AsO4)3(AsO3)(SiO4)3(OH)21 |
| 8.BE.45 | Hematolite | (Mn,Mg,Al,Fe3+)15(As5+O4)2(As3+O3)(OH)23 |
| 8.BE.45 | Turtmannite | (Mn,Mg)22.5Mg3-3x((V5+,As5+)O4)3(As3+O3)x(SiO4)3O5-5x(OH)20+x |
| 8.BE.45 | Carlfrancisite | Mn2+3(Mn2+,Mg,Fe3+,Al)42[As3+O3]2(As5+O4)4[(Si,As5+)O4]6[(As5+,Si)O4]2(OH)42 |
| 8.BE.45 | Arakiite | (Zn,Mn2+)(Mn2+,Mg)12(Fe3+,Al)2(As5+O4)2(As3+O3)(OH)23 |
| 8.BE.45 | Kraisslite | Zn3(Mn,Mg)25(Fe3+,Al)(As3+O3)2[(Si,As5+)O4]10(OH)16 |
| 8.BE.50 | Synadelphite | Mn2+9(As5+O4)2(As3+O3)(OH)9 · 2H2O |
| 8.BE.55 | Holdenite | (Mn2+,Mg)6Zn3(AsO4)2(SiO4)(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.60 | Kolicite | Mn2+7Zn4(AsO4)2(SiO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.65 | Sabelliite | (Cu,Zn)2Zn(AsO4,SbO4)(OH)3 |
| 8.BE.70 | Jarosewichite | Mn2+3Mn3+(AsO4)(OH)6 |
| 8.BE.75 | Theisite | Cu5Zn5(AsO4,SbO4)2(OH)14 |
| 8.BE.80 | Coparsite | Cu4(AsO4,VO4)O2Cl |
| 8.BE.85 | Waterhouseite | Mn2+7(PO4)2(OH)8 |
| 8.BE.90 | Vasilseverginite | Cu9O4(AsO4)2(SO4)2 |
Other Information
Notes:
Dissolves readily in HCl with the separation of gelatinous silice and in HNO3 with evolution of brown fumes, indicating the As to be trivalent.
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 Dixenite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1298.html
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References for Dixenite
Localities for Dixenite
Showing 1 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.
Sweden (TL) | |
| Flink (1920) +2 other references |
Quick NavTopAbout DixeniteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Långban Mine, Långban Ore District, Filipstad, Värmland County, Sweden