Dmisteinbergite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Dmisteinbergite
Dmitrii S. Steinberg
Formula:
Ca(Al2Si2O8)
Colour:
Colourless
Lustre:
Pearly
Hardness:
6
Specific Gravity:
2.73
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Name:
Named in honor of Dmitrii Sergeevich Steinberg (Дмитрий Сергеевич Штейнберг) (08 March 1910 - 10 August 1992), noted Russian petrologist, Institute of Geology and Geochemistry, Yekaterinberg, Russia.
Type Locality:
Polymorph of:
A high-temperature, hexagonal polymorph of anorthite.
The crystal structure is topologically similar to that of minjiangite.
The crystal structure is topologically similar to that of minjiangite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1301
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1301:3
IMA Classification of Dmisteinbergite
Approved
IMA Formula:
CaAl2Si2O8
Approval year:
1989
First published:
1990
Classification of Dmisteinbergite
9.EG.15
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
E : Phyllosilicates
G : Double nets with 6-membered and larger rings
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
E : Phyllosilicates
G : Double nets with 6-membered and larger rings
76.1.7.1
76 : TECTOSILICATES Al-Si Framework
1 : Al-Si Framework with Al-Si frameworks
76 : TECTOSILICATES Al-Si Framework
1 : Al-Si Framework with Al-Si frameworks
16.9.5
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
9 : Aluminosilicates of Ca
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
9 : Aluminosilicates 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.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dsb | 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 Dmisteinbergite
Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless
Streak:
White
Hardness:
6 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
Density:
2.73 g/cm3 (Measured)
Optical Data of Dmisteinbergite
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.575 nε = 1.58
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.005
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 (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.
Chemistry of Dmisteinbergite
Mindat Formula:
Ca(Al2Si2O8)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Mg,Na,K
Crystallography of Dmisteinbergite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
32 - Trapezohedral
Space Group:
P312
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.1123(2) Å, c = 14.7420(7) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 2.884
Unit Cell V:
333.67 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Crystal Structure
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Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
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Display Options
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2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
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View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Rotation
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Labels
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0019481 | Dmisteinbergite | Dimitrijevic R, Dondur V, Kremenovic A (1996) Thermally induced phase transformations of Ca-exchanged LTA and FAU zeolite frameworks: Rietveld refinement of the hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 diphyllosilicate structure Zeolites 16 294-300 | 1996 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0009229 | Dmisteinbergite | Takeuchi Y, Donnay G (1959) The crystal structure of hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 Acta Crystallographica 12 465-470 |  | 1959 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.5 Å | (60) |
| 3.83 Å | (60) |
| 3.73 Å | (100) |
| 2.85 Å | (70) |
| 2.57 Å | (80) |
| 1.847 Å | (70) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Primary nebular phases | 4.567-4.561 |
| 3 : Solar nebular condensates (CAIs, AOAs, URIs) | >4.565 |
| Stage 2: Planetesimal differentiation and alteration | 4.566-4.550 |
| 6 : Secondary asteroid phases | 4.566-4.560 |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 50 : Coal and/or oil shale minerals | <0.36 |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 54 : Coal and other mine fire minerals (see also #51 and #56) |
Geological Setting:
altered gabbro
Type Occurrence of Dmisteinbergite
General Appearance of Type Material:
hexagonal platy crystals
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia. & Natural Science Museum of the Ilmen State Reserve (Miass, Russia)
Geological Setting of Type Material:
fissures in burning coal mine dumps
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Dmisteinbergite
Other Language Names for Dmisteinbergite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.EG.05 | Cymrite | BaAl2Si2(O,OH)8 · H2O |
| 9.EG.10 | Naujakasite | (Na,K)6(Fe2+,Mn2+,Ca)(Al,Fe)4Si8O26 |
| 9.EG.10 | Manganonaujakasite | Na6(Mn2+,Fe2+)Al4Si8O26 |
| 9.EG.20 | Kampfite | Ba12(Si11Al5)O31(CO3)8Cl5 |
| 9.EG.25 | Vertumnite | Ca4Al4Si4O6(OH)24 · 3H2O |
| 9.EG.25 | Strätlingite | Ca2Al2SiO7 · 8H2O |
| 9.EG.30 | Eggletonite | (Na,K,Ca)xMn6(Si,Al)10O24(OH)4 · nH2O (x = 1-2; n = 7-11) |
| 9.EG.30 | Ganophyllite | (K,Na)xMn2+6(Si,Al)10O24(OH)4 · nH2O (x = 1-2; n = 7-11) |
| 9.EG.30 | Tamaite | (Ca,K,Na)xMn6(Si,Al)10O24(OH)4 · nH2O (x = 1-2; n = 7-11) |
| 9.EG.35 | Zussmanite | K(Fe,Mg,Mn)13(Si,Al)18O42(OH)14 |
| 9.EG.35 | Coombsite | KMn2+13(Si,Al)18O42(OH)14 |
| 9.EG.40 | 'Chalcodite' | K(Fe3+,Mg,Fe2+)8(Si,Al)12(O,OH)27 |
| 9.EG.40 | Parsettensite | (K,Na,Ca)7.5(Mn,Mg)49Si72O168(OH)50 · nH2O |
| 9.EG.40 | Lennilenapeite | K4Mn2+48[Si64Al8]O164(OH)52 · nH2O |
| 9.EG.40 | Stilpnomelane | K4Fe2+48[Si64Al8]O164(OH)52 · nH2O |
| 9.EG.45 | Latiumite | (Ca,K)4(Si,Al)5O11(SO4,CO3) |
| 9.EG.45 | Levantite | KCa3Al2(SiO4)(Si2O7)(PO4) |
| 9.EG.45 | Tuscanite | KCa6(Si,Al)10O22(SO4,CO3)2(OH) · H2O |
| 9.EG.50 | Jagoite | Pb18Fe3+4[Si4(Si,Fe3+)6][Pb4Si16(Si,Fe)4]O82Cl6 |
| 9.EG.50 | Friisite | Pb8Al3Si8O27Cl3 |
| 9.EG.55 | Wickenburgite | CaPb3Al2Si10O24(OH)6 |
| 9.EG.60 | Hyttsjöite | Pb18Ba2Ca5Mn2+2Fe3+2Si30O90Cl · 6H2O |
| 9.EG.65 | Armbrusterite | K5Na7Mn15[(Si9O22)4](OH)10 · 4H2O |
| 9.EG.70 | Roymillerite | Pb24Mg9(Si10O28)(CO3)10(BO3)(SiO4)(OH)13O5 |
| 9.EG.70 | Britvinite | [Pb7(OH)3F(BO3)2(CO3)][Mg4.5(OH)3(Si5O14)] |
| 9.EG.75 | Kayupovaite | Na2Mn10[(Si14Al2)O38(OH)8] · 7H2O |
| 9.EG.75 | 'UM1989-30-SiO:AlBaCaFeHKMgMn' | (Ba,Ca)(Mn,Fe,Mg)22(Si,Al)32O76(OH)16 · 12H2O |
| 9.EG.75 | Bannisterite | (Ca,K,Na)(Mn2+,Fe2+)10(Si,Al)16O38(OH)8 · nH2O |
Other Information
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 Dmisteinbergite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1301.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Dmisteinbergite
Reference List:
Donnay, G. H. (1952) Hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8. Acta Crystallographica, 5 (1) 153 doi:10.1107/s0365110x52000423
Takeuchi, Y., Donnay, G. (1959) The crystal structure of hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8. Acta Crystallographica, 12 (6) 465-470 doi:10.1107/s0365110x59001396
Abe, Toshiya, sukamoto, Katsuo, Sunagawa, Ichiro (1991) Nucleation, growth and stability of CaAl2Si2O8 polymorphs. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 17 (6) doi:10.1007/bf00202227
ABE, Toshiya, SUNAGAWA, Ichiro (1995) Hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 in a high temperature solution; metastable crystallization and transformation to anorthite. Mineralogical Journal, 17 (6) 257-281 doi:10.2465/minerj.17.257
Nestola, F., Mittempergher, S., Di Toro, G., Zorzi, F., Pedron, D. (2010) Evidence of dmisteinbergite (hexagonal form of CaAl2Si2O8) in pseudotachylyte: A tool to constrain the thermal history of a seismic event. American Mineralogist, 95 (2) 405-409 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3393
Ma, C., Krot, A. N., Bizzarro, M. (2013) Discovery of dmisteinbergite (hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8) in the Allende meteorite: A new member of refractory silicates formed in the solar nebula. American Mineralogist, 98 (7) 1368-1371 doi:10.2138/am.2013.4496
Fintor, Krisztian, Park, Changkun, Nagy, Szabolcs, Pál‐Molnár, Elemér, Krot, Alexander N. (2014) Hydrothermal origin of hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 (dmisteinbergite) in a compact type A CAI from the Northwest Africa 2086 CV 3 chondrite. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 49 (5). 812-823 doi:10.1111/maps.12294
Di Pierro, Simonpietro, Gnos, Edwin (2016) Ca-Al-silicate inclusions in natural moissanite (SiC) American Mineralogist, 101 (1) 71-81 doi:10.2138/am-2016-5357
Zolotarev, Andrey; Krivovichev, Sergey; Panikorovskii, Taras; Gurzhiy, Vladislav; Bocharov, Vladimir; Rassomakhin, Mikhail (2019) Dmisteinbergite, CaAl2Si2O8, a Metastable Polymorph of Anorthite: Crystal-Structure and Raman Spectroscopic Study of the Holotype Specimen. Minerals, 9 (10). 570 doi:10.3390/min9100570
Localities for Dmisteinbergite
Showing 10 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.
China | |
| Borriello et al. (2025) |
Czech Republic | |
| Wannhoff et al. (2022) |
Germany | |
| Wannhoff et al. (2022) |
Israel | |
| www.minsocam.org (2021) +3 other references |
Japan | |
| Alfredo Petrov specimen confirmed by ... +1 other reference |
Mexico | |
| Ma et al. (2013) |
Northwest Africa Meteorites | |
| Fintor et al. (2014) | |
Russia (TL) | |
| Chesnokov et al. (1990) +3 other references |
Ukraine | |
| SEMONOVA (2025) |
USA | |
| Wannhoff et al. (2022) |
Quick NavTopAbout DmisteinbergiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Rakefet magmatic complex, Mount Carmel, Kishon Mid Reach zone 2, Kishon river, Haifa District, Israel