Aluminite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page kindly sponsored by Sussex Mineral & Lapidary Society
About Aluminite
Formula:
Al2(SO4)(OH)4 · 7H2O
Colour:
White to yellow, grey; colourless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Dull, Earthy
Hardness:
1 - 2
Specific Gravity:
1.7
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1807 for its composition, containing principally aluminium.
Type Locality:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
154
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:154:6
Similar Names
| Acuminite | A valid IMA mineral species | Sr[AlF4(OH)(H2O)] |
| Alumianite | A synonym of Natroalunite | |
| Aluminie | A synonym of Native Aluminium |
IMA Classification of Aluminite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Al2S6+O4(OH)4·7H2O
Classification of Aluminite
7.DC.05
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations; chains of edge-sharing octahedra
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations; chains of edge-sharing octahedra
Dana 7th ed.:
31.7.4.1
31.7.4.1
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
25.6.5
25 : Sulphates
6 : Sulphates of Al and Tl
25 : Sulphates
6 : Sulphates of Al and Tl
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 |
|---|---|---|
| A | 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 Aluminite
Dull, Earthy
Transparency:
Translucent, Opaque
Colour:
White to yellow, grey; colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
1 - 2 on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Measured
Tenacity:
Fragile
Cleavage:
None Observed
None
None
Parting:
None
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
1.7 g/cm3 (Measured) 1.794 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Aluminite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.459 nβ = 1.464 nγ = 1.47
2V:
Measured: 90° , Calculated: 86°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.011
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.
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.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
none
Chemistry of Aluminite
Mindat Formula:
Al2(SO4)(OH)4 · 7H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Aluminite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.44 Å, b = 15.583 Å, c = 11.7 Å
β = 110.18°
β = 110.18°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.477 : 1 : 0.751
Unit Cell V:
1,273.20 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
As needles and fibers, to 0.1 mm, commonly in reniform, nodular, or spherulitic masses, and as veinlets.
Twinning:
None noted.
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009644 | Aluminite | Sabelli C, Ferroni R T (1978) The crystal structure of aluminite Acta Crystallographica B34 2407-2412 |  | 1978 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.98 Å | (100) |
| 7.79 Å | (90) |
| 6.37 Å | (40) |
| 5.49 Å | (30) |
| 5.01 Å | (40) |
| 4.70 Å | (50) |
| 3.74 Å | (40) |
| 3.71 Å | (30) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 21 : Chemically precipitated carbonate, phosphate, iron formations | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 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:
Found as concretionary deposits in Tertiary to Quaternary clays, marls, and lignites, formed by the action of sulfate solutions derived from the decay of pyrite or marcasite on aluminous silicates. Typically in clays or lignites, formed by the reaction of sulfate-bearing solutions from the decomposition of marcasite or pyrite at moderate temperatures with aluminous silicates; as a volcanic sublimate; in sulfur deposits; rarely in caves.
Type Occurrence of Aluminite
Synonyms of Aluminite
Other Language Names for Aluminite
Relationship of Aluminite to other Species
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 2 photos of Aluminite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 2 photos of Aluminite associated with Muscovite | KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Aluminite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Aluminite associated with 'Alumogel' | |
| 1 photo of Aluminite associated with Allophane | (Al2O3)(SiO2)1.3-2 · 2.5-3H2O |
| 1 photo of Aluminite associated with 'Limonite' | |
| 1 photo of Aluminite associated with 'Selenite' | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DC.05 | Meta-aluminite | Al2(SO4)(OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 7.DC.10 | Parabutlerite | Fe3+(SO4)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.DC.10 | Butlerite | Fe3+(SO4)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.DC.15 | Fibroferrite | Fe3+(SO4)(OH) · 5H2O |
| 7.DC.20 | Xitieshanite | Fe3+(SO4)Cl · 6H2O |
| 7.DC.25 | Zincobotryogen | (Zn,Mg,Mn2+)Fe3+(SO4)2(OH) · 7H2O |
| 7.DC.25 | Botryogen | MgFe3+(SO4)2(OH) · 7H2O |
| 7.DC.30 | Chaidamuite | ZnFe3+(SO4)2(OH) · 4H2O |
| 7.DC.30 | Guildite | CuFe3+(SO4)2(OH) · 4H2O |
| 7.DC.40 | Pauladamsite | Cu4(SeO3)(SO4)(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 7.DC.45 | Riotintoite | Al(SO4)(OH) · 3H2O |
| 7.DC.50 | Thorneite | Pb6(Te6+2O10)(CO3)Cl2(H2O) |
| 7.DC.55 | Vendidaite | Al2(SO4)(OH)3Cl · 6H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
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 Aluminite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-154.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 Aluminite
Reference List:
Beudant, François-Sulpice (1824) Traité élémentaire de minéralogie. (Première Edition)) [Elementary Treatise on Mineralogy. (First Edition)]. Chez Verdière.p.449 - as Websterite
Lacroix, A. (1910) Minéralogie de la France et de ses colonies Vol. 4. Library Polytechnique, Paris. p.243
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.38
Sabelli, C., Ferroni, R. T. (1978) The crystal structure of aluminite. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 34 (8) 2407-2412 doi:10.1107/s0567740878008341
Localities for Aluminite
Showing 101 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.
Australia | |
| Harris et al. (2003) |
| Qld Dept of Mines |
| Hoatson et al. (1989) |
Austria | |
| Freyn (1906) |
| Freyn (1906) | |
Azerbaijan | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Brazil | |
| Piló et al. (2023) |
| Figueira et al. (2019) | |
Canada | |
| Robinson et al. (1992) |
| Robinson et al. (1992) | |
Chile | |
| Bandy (1938) +1 other reference |
China | |
| Lincong Fu (1998) |
| Ma et al. (2022) |
| Pin'an Wang (2001) |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš et al. (1989) +1 other reference |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Jirásek (2001) |
| Matýsek et al. (2023) |
| Jirásek et al. (2019) |
| Kuttna +1 other reference |
| Pauliš | |
| Prachař +6 other references |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
France | |
| Lacroix (1910) |
| Lacroix (1913) |
| Lacroix (1913) +1 other reference |
| Lacroix (1913) |
| Strübel +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| Baumgärtl (2006) |
| Werner (1780) +1 other reference |
| www.mineralienatlas.de (n.d.) |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll: Minerals of Rudabánya |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) | |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Szakáll et al. (1997) | |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) | |
| |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Szakáll et al. (1997) |
| Sándor et al. (2005) |
Italy | |
| Jervis (1874) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Russo et al. (2017) |
| Russo et al. (2017) | |
| Russo et al. (2017) | |
| Russo et al. (2022) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +2 other references | |
| Exel (1987) |
| Menchetti et al. (2015) |
Japan | |
| The Mineral Species of Japan (5th ed) +1 other reference |
Kazakhstan | |
| Ankinovich et al. (1997) |
Lebanon | |
| Kruszewski (2019) |
New Zealand | |
| Muiruru F.G. (1985) |
Pakistan | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Romania | |
| Onac (2009) |
Russia | |
| Novoselov et al. (2006) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
| maurice.strahlen.org (2004) |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Duda et. all. |
| Ďuďa R. (2001) | |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
| Martini (1997) |
Spain | |
| Rosell-Riba et al. (2022) |
| Pedro Mingueza et al. (2022) |
UK | |
| Rutley (1902) |
| www.mineralman.f9.co.uk (2001) |
| Render (n.d.) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Render (n.d.) |
| Rutley (1902) |
| J.Ralph 2020 |
| Render (n.d.) |
| Render (n.d.) |
| Render (n.d.) |
| Render (n.d.) |
Ukraine | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
USA | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Polyak +1 other reference |
| Coskren et al. (2000) |
| Rocks & Min. | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| Hammarstrom et al. (1999) |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
Venezuela | |
| Urbani (1996) |
| Franco Urbani (2009) |
Quick NavTopAbout AluminiteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Newhaven Cliffs, Newhaven, Lewes, East Sussex, England, UK