Ehrleite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Ehrleite
Howard Ehrle
Formula:
Ca4Be3Zn2(PO4)6 · 9H2O
Colour:
Colorless, White
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
2.64
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named by G.W. Robinson, J.D. Grice, and J. Van Velthuizen in honor of Howard Ehrle, mineral collector from Miles City, Montana, USA, who found the first specimens of the mineral.
This page provides mineralogical data about Ehrleite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1358
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1358:7
IMA Classification of Ehrleite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ca2Zn2+Be(PO4)2(PO3OH)·4H2O
Approval year:
1983
First published:
1985
Classification of Ehrleite
8.CA.10
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
A : With small and large/medium cations
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
A : With small and large/medium cations
Dana 7th ed.:
40.5.6.1
40.5.6.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
5 : AXO4·xH2O
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
5 : AXO4·xH2O
19.6.9
19 : Phosphates
6 : Phosphates of Zn
19 : Phosphates
6 : Phosphates of Zn
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ehr | 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 Ehrleite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colorless, White
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Poor/Indistinct
Parting:
On (001)
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
2.64 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.49 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Ehrleite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.556 nβ = 1.56 nγ = 1.58
2V:
Measured: 62° , Calculated: 50°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.024
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
Optical Extinction:
X = c∗ (i.e. X ⊥ (001)); Y ∧ b = 18°; Z ∧ a = 9°.
Chemistry of Ehrleite
Mindat Formula:
Ca4Be3Zn2(PO4)6 · 9H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Ehrleite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.13 Å, b = 7.43 Å, c = 12.479 Å
α = 94.31°, β = 102.07°, γ = 82.65°
α = 94.31°, β = 102.07°, γ = 82.65°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.96 : 1 : 1.68
Unit Cell V:
639.35 ų
Z:
2
Morphology:
Tabular crystals. Forms {100}, {010} and {001}.
Twinning:
Contact twinning, by reflection on {001}.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0005218 | Ehrleite | Hawthorne F C, Grice J D (1987) The crystal structure of ehrleite, a tetrahedral sheet structure The Canadian Mineralogist 25 767-774 |  | 1987 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 12.41 Å | (7) |
| 6.95 Å | (5) |
| 6.58 Å | (3) |
| 4.31 Å | (4) |
| 3.161 Å | (10) |
| 3.014 Å | (3) |
| 2.723 Å | (6) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Type Occurrence of Ehrleite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Tabular crystals as individuals and randomly oriented in aggregates
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada, 49289.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota, 2958.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 160381.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota, 2958.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 160381.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Complex granite pegmatite
Synonyms of Ehrleite
Other Language Names for Ehrleite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 3 photos of Ehrleite associated with Roscherite | Ca2Mn2+5Be4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 2 photos of Ehrleite associated with Parascholzite | CaZn2(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Ehrleite associated with Beryl | Be3Al2(Si6O18) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CA. | Apexite | NaMg(PO4) · 9H2O |
| 8.CA. | Brandãoite | BeAl2(PO4)2(OH)2(H2O)5 |
| 8.CA. | Davidlloydite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.05 | Parafransoletite | Ca3Be2(PO4)2(PO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.05 | Fransoletite | Ca3Be2(PO4)2(PO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.15 | Faheyite | Be2Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)4 · 6H2O |
| 8.CA.20 | Mccrillisite | NaCs(Be,Li)Zr2(PO4)4 · 1-2H2O |
| 8.CA.20 | Gainesite | Na(Na,K)(Be,Li)Zr2(PO4)4 · 1.5-2H2O |
| 8.CA.20 | Selwynite | NaK(Be,Al)Zr2(PO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.25 | Pahasapaite | Li8(Ca,Li,K)10.5Be24(PO4)24 · 38H2O |
| 8.CA.30 | Nizamoffite | Mn2+Zn2(PO4)2(H2O)4 |
| 8.CA.30 | Arsenohopeite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.30 | Hopeite | ZnZn2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.35 | Warikahnite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.40 | Phosphophyllite | Zn2Fe 2+(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.42 | Steinmetzite | Zn2Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.CA.45 | Parascholzite | CaZn2(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.45 | Scholzite | CaZn2(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.50 | Keyite | Cu2+3Zn4Cd2(AsO4)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.55 | Pushcharovskite | K0.6Cu18[AsO2(OH)2]4[AsO3OH]10(AsO4)(OH)9.6 · 18.6H2O |
| 8.CA.60 | Prosperite | Ca2Zn4(AsO4)4 · H2O |
| 8.CA.65 | Gengenbachite | KFe3+3(PO3OH)4[PO2(OH)2]2 · 6H2O |
| 8.CA.70 | Parahopeite | Zn3(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.70 | Reaphookhillite | MgZn2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.75 | Stergiouite | CaZn2(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.80 | Limousinite | BaCa[Be4P4O16] · 6H2O |
| 8.CA.85 | Minjiangite | BaBe2(PO4)2 |
| 8.CA.85 | Wilancookite | (Ba5Li2◻)Ba6Be24P24O96 · 26H2O |
Fluorescence of Ehrleite
None
Other Information
Notes:
Readily soluble in cold, 20% HCl
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 Ehrleite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1358.html
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References for Ehrleite
Reference List:
Robinson, G. W., Grice, J. D., Van Velthuizen, J. (1985) Ehrleite, a new calcium beryllium zinc phosphate hydrate from the Tip Top Pegmatite, Custer, South Dakota. The Canadian Mineralogist, 23 (3) 507-510
Localities for Ehrleite
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.
USA (TL) | |
| Rocks & Minerals: 60: 117. +1 other reference |
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Tip Top Mine, Fourmile, Custer Mining District, Custer County, South Dakota, USA