Pharmacoalumite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Pharmacoalumite
Formula:
KAl4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 6.5H2O
Colour:
White, pale yellow
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Dull
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
2.676 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Isometric
Member of:
Name:
Originally named 'alumopharmacosiderite' in 1981 by Karl Schmetzer, Wolfgang Horn, and Hermann Bank in allusion to its composition, containing ALUMinium, and its relationship to pharmacosiderite.
Renamed to pharmacoalumite by Rumsey et al. 2010.
Renamed to pharmacoalumite by Rumsey et al. 2010.
Pharmacoalumite Group. The Al analogue of pharmacosiderite. Chemically similar to filatovite and wrightite.
The type material was found on a museum specimen associated with other oxidized arsenates.
The type material was found on a museum specimen associated with other oxidized arsenates.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
158
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:158:2
IMA Classification of Pharmacoalumite
Approved
IMA status notes:
Renamed by the IMA
IMA Formula:
KAl4(As5+O4)3(OH)4·6.5H2O
Approval year:
1980
First published:
1981
Classification of Pharmacoalumite
8.DK.12
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
K : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 > 1:1 and < 2:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
K : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 > 1:1 and < 2:1
42.8.1b.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
8 : (AB)5(XO4)3Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
8 : (AB)5(XO4)3Zq·xH2O
20.4.3
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
4 : Arsenates of Group III metals (Al, rare earths)
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
4 : Arsenates of Group III metals (Al, rare earths)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pal | 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 Pharmacoalumite
Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Dull
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
White, pale yellow
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Comment:
By analogy with pharmacosiderite
Tenacity:
Brittle
Density:
2.676 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Pharmacoalumite
Type:
Isotropic
RI values:
n = 1.565
Surface Relief:
Low (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
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Pharmacoalumite
Mindat Formula:
KAl4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 6.5H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Pharmacoalumite
Crystal System:
Isometric
Class (H-M):
43m - Hextetrahedral
Space Group:
P43m
Setting:
P43m
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.745 Å
Unit Cell V:
464.58 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1
Morphology:
As fine-grained polycrystalline aggregates. Often in cubic crystals.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0015630 | Pharmacoalumite | Zemann J (1948) Formel und strukturtyp des pharmakosiderits Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen 1 1-13 | 1948 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.77 Å | (100) |
| 2.739 Å | (60) |
| 4.48 Å | (50) |
| 3.16 Å | (50) |
| 3.87 Å | (40) |
| 2.335 Å | (40) |
| 2.452 Å | (30) |
Comments:
Values obtained on natural material from El Guanaco, Chile.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Type Occurrence of Pharmacoalumite
General Appearance of Type Material:
White incrustation.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
U.S. National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA: #149527.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
With other oxidized arsenates in a polymetallic deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Pharmacoalumite
Other Language Names for Pharmacoalumite
Varieties of Pharmacoalumite
Relationship of Pharmacoalumite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Pharmacoalumite Group:
| Bariopharmacoalumite | Ba0.5Al4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 4H2O | Iso. 43m : P43m |
| Calciopharmacoalumite | Ca0.5Al4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 5H2O | Iso. 43m : P43m |
| Hydroniumpharmacoalumite | (H3O)Al4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 4.5H2O | Iso. 43m : P43m |
| Natropharmacoalumite | NaAl4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 4H2O | Iso. 43m : P43m |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 10 photos of Pharmacoalumite associated with Mansfieldite | AlAsO4 · 2H2O |
| 6 photos of Pharmacoalumite associated with Rruffite | Ca2Cu(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 4 photos of Pharmacoalumite associated with Olivenite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 3 photos of Pharmacoalumite associated with Conichalcite | CaCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 3 photos of Pharmacoalumite associated with Ceruleite | Cu2Al7(AsO4)4(OH)13 · 11.5H2O |
| 2 photos of Pharmacoalumite associated with Parnauite | Cu9(AsO4)2(SO4)(OH)10 · 7H2O |
| 2 photos of Pharmacoalumite associated with Maghrebite | MgAl2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 2 photos of Pharmacoalumite associated with Bariopharmacosiderite | Ba0.5Fe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 1 photo of Pharmacoalumite associated with Scorodite | Fe3+AsO4 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Pharmacoalumite associated with Arseniosiderite | Ca2Fe3+3(AsO4)3O2 · 3H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DK. | Regerite | KFe6(PO4)4(OH)7(H2O)6 · 4H2O |
| 8.DK. | Richelsdorfite | Ca2Cu5Sb(AsO4)4(OH)6Cl · 6H2O |
| 8.DK. | Bimbowrieite | NaMgFe3+5(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.DK. | Puttapaite | Pb2Mn2+2ZnCr3+4O2(AsO4)4(OH)6 · 12H2O |
| 8.DK.10 | Thalliumpharmacosiderite | TlFe3+4[(AsO4)3(OH)4] · 4H2O |
| 8.DK.10 | Natropharmacosiderite | NaFe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.DK.10 | Pharmacosiderite | KFe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 6-7H2O |
| 8.DK.10 | Plumbopharmacosiderite | Pb0.5Fe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 8.DK.10 | Strontiopharmacosiderite | Sr0.5Fe3+4[(AsO4)3(OH)4] · 4H2O |
| 8.DK.10 | Bariopharmacosiderite | Ba0.5Fe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 8.DK.10 | Hydroniumpharmacosiderite | (H3O)Fe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.DK.12 | Hydroniumpharmacoalumite | (H3O)Al4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 4.5H2O |
| 8.DK.12 | Bariopharmacoalumite | Ba0.5Al4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.DK.12 | Calciopharmacoalumite | Ca0.5Al4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 8.DK.12 | Natropharmacoalumite | NaAl4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.DK.15 | Matioliite | NaMgAl5(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.DK.15 | Burangaite | NaFe2+Al5(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.DK.15 | Natrodufrénite | NaFe3+Fe3+5(PO4)4O(OH)5(H2O)2 |
| 8.DK.15 | Dufrénite | Ca0.5Fe2+Fe3+5(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.DK.15 | Gayite | NaMn2+Fe3+5(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.DK.20 | Kidwellite | NaFe3+9+x(PO4)6(OH)11 · 3H2O, x = 0.33 |
| 8.DK.25 | Bleasdaleite | (Ca,Fe3+)2Cu5(Bi,Cu)(PO4)4(H2O,OH,Cl)13 |
| 8.DK.30 | Matulaite | (Fe3+,Al)Al7(PO4)4(PO3OH)2(OH)8(H2O)8 · 8H2O |
| 8.DK.35 | Krasnovite | Ba(Al,Mg)(PO4,CO3)(OH)2 · H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 5.2207% | 1,618 | β, γ |
For comparison:
- Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
- Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
- EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg
Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.
Interactive Simulator:
Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!
Activity: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | ||
| 10 cm | ||
| 1 m |
The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).
D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield
Fluorescence of Pharmacoalumite
Not fluorescent.
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
When heated to 800°C, the mineral is transformed into orthorhomic AlAsO4.
Notes:
Dissolves in hot 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 Pharmacoalumite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-158.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 Pharmacoalumite
Reference List:
Cabri, Louis J., Fleischer, Michael, Pabst, Adolf (1981) New Mineral Names. American Mineralogist, 66 (9-10) 1099-1103
Williams, P. A., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. (2010) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2010, CNMNC Newsletter No 2. Mineralogical Magazine, 74 (2) 375-377 doi:10.1180/s0026461x00056036
Localities for Pharmacoalumite
Showing 24 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.
Chile (TL) | |
| Schmetzer et al. (1981) +2 other references |
| Cabri et al. (1981) | |
| Kampf et al. (2013) |
| Jesse Crawford collection (mindat foto) +1 other reference | |
France | |
| Wittern et al. (1997) |
| Favreau et al. (2014) |
Germany | |
| Lapis 30 (7/8) |
Greece | |
| Möckel (2000) |
Italy | |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) |
Morocco | |
| Meisser et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Favreau et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... |
| Favreau et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Favreau et al. (2007) |
| Favreau et al. (2006) | |
Spain | |
| Calvo (2015) |
| Marcel Valladares collection; EDX ... |
| PXRD-confirmed 9.2009 C. Rewitzer ... |
| CARMONA RUIZ et al. (2025) |
UK | |
| Grey et al. (2015) |
USA | |
| King et al. (1993) |
| Rick Dalrymple Collection |
| luigi chiappino specimen |
Quick NavTopAbout PharmacoalumiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesVarietiesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
María Josefa Mine, Rodalquilar, Níjar, Almería, Andalusia, Spain