Ganophyllite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Ganophyllite
Formula:
(K,Na)xMn2+6(Si,Al)10O24(OH)4 · nH2O (x = 1-2; n = 7-11)
Previously given as (K,Na,Ca)2Mn8(Si,Al)12(O,OH)32 · 8H2O.
Colour:
Light brown, pale pink
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
4 - 4½
Specific Gravity:
2.77 - 2.84
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1890 by Axel Hamberg from the Greek γανωμα for "brilliance or luster" and φύλλον for "leaf," in allusion to the high luster on platy cleavage surfaces.
Ganophyllite Group. The potassium analogue of Eggletonite. Compare UM1990-61-SiO:AlCaHKMnNa.
May be visually similar to bannisterite and parsettensite.
Compare also coombsite.
May be visually similar to bannisterite and parsettensite.
Compare also coombsite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1649
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1649:6
IMA Classification of Ganophyllite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
(K,Na)1-2Mn2+6(Si,Al)10O24(OH)4·7-11H2O
First published:
1890
Type description reference:
Classification of Ganophyllite
9.EG.30
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
74.1.2.1
74 : PHYLLOSILICATES Modulated Layers
1 : Modulated Layers with joined islands
74 : PHYLLOSILICATES Modulated Layers
1 : Modulated Layers with joined islands
16.16.9
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
16 : Aluminosilicates of Mn
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
16 : Aluminosilicates of Mn
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Gnp | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Gnp | Warr (2020) | Warr, L.N. (2020) Recommended abbreviations for the names of clay minerals and associated phases. Clay Minerals, 55, 261–264 doi:10.1180/clm.2020.30 |
Physical Properties of Ganophyllite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Light brown, pale pink
Hardness:
4 - 4½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect micaceous on {001}; distinct on {100}, {010}
Perfect micaceous on {001}; distinct on {100}, {010}
Density:
2.77 - 2.84 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.975 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Ganophyllite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.537 nβ = 1.611 nγ = 1.613
2V:
Measured: Small°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.076
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 biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (18°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (18°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
Dispersion:
weak, r < v
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
Dark to pale yellow-brown.
Comments:
X ≃ c; Y ≃ a; Z = b.
Chemistry of Ganophyllite
Mindat Formula:
(K,Na)xMn2+6(Si,Al)10O24(OH)4 · nH2O (x = 1-2; n = 7-11)
Previously given as (K,Na,Ca)2Mn8(Si,Al)12(O,OH)32 · 8H2O.
Previously given as (K,Na,Ca)2Mn8(Si,Al)12(O,OH)32 · 8H2O.
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Fe,Zn,Pb,Ca,Ba
Crystallography of Ganophyllite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 16.60 Å, b = 27.13 Å, c = 50.18 Å
β = 93.96°
β = 93.96°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.612 : 1 : 1.85
Unit Cell V:
22,545.01 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
8
Comment:
Space Group: A2/a
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0019465 | Ganophyllite | Eggleton R A, Guggenheim S (1986) A re-examination of the structure of ganophyllite Mineralogical Magazine 50 307-315 |  | 1986 | Harstig mine, Pajsberg, Sweden | 0 | 293 |
| 0002250 | Ganophyllite | Noe D C, Veblen D R (1999) Incommensurate modulation and the crystal structure of ganophyllite American Mineralogist 84 1088-1098 | | 1999 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 12.5 Å | (100) |
| 3.14 Å | (25) |
| 2.696 Å | (14) |
| 3.46 Å | (10) |
| 2.980 Å | (10) |
| 2.598 Å | (10) |
| 2.465 Å | (10) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Ganophyllite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden, number 332791.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Ganophyllite
Relationship of Ganophyllite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Ganophyllite Group:
| Eggletonite | (Na,K,Ca)xMn6(Si,Al)10O24(OH)4 · nH2O (x = 1-2; n = 7-11) | Mon. |
| Tamaite | (Ca,K,Na)xMn6(Si,Al)10O24(OH)4 · nH2O (x = 1-2; n = 7-11) | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 31 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Willemite | Zn2SiO4 |
| 30 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Clinohedrite | CaZn(SiO4) · H2O |
| 26 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Hendricksite | KZn3(Si3Al)O10(OH)2 |
| 21 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Roeblingite | Pb2Ca6Mn2+(Si3O9)2(SO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 21 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Xonotlite | Ca6(Si6O17)(OH)2 |
| 17 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Rhodonite | CaMn3Mn[Si5O15] |
| 16 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Prehnite | Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2 |
| 16 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Hancockite | (CaPb)(AlAlFe3+)O[Si2O7][SiO4](OH) |
| 15 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Axinite-(Mn) | Ca2Mn2+Al2BSi4O15(OH) |
| 10 photos of Ganophyllite associated with Pennantite | Mn2+5Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)8 |
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.15 | Dmisteinbergite | Ca(Al2Si2O8) |
| 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 | 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 |
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) | 5.1757% | 1,604 | 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
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 Ganophyllite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1649.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Ganophyllite
Reference List:
Hamberg, Axel (1890) Mineralogische Studien. 9. Ueber Ganophyllit, ein manganzeolith von Harstigen [Mineralogical studies. 9. About Ganophyllite, a manganese zeolite from Harstigen]. Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholm Förhandlingar, 12 (7) 586-598 doi:10.1080/11035899009444288
Smith, W. Campbell, Bannister, F. A. (1948) Ganophyllite from the Benallt Mine, Rhiw, Carnarvonshire. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 28 (201) 343-352 doi:10.1180/minmag.1948.028.201.04
Smith, Marie Lindberg, Frondel, Clifford (1968) The related layered minerals ganophyllite, bannisterite, and stilpnomelane. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 36 (283) 893-913 doi:10.1180/minmag.1968.283.036.01
Jefferson, D. A. (1978) The crystal structure of ganophyllite, a complex manganese aluminosilicate. I. Polytypism and strutural variation. Acta Crystallographica Section A, 34 (4) 491-497 doi:10.1107/s0567739478001060
Dunn, Pete J., Peacor, Donald R., Valley, John W., Randall, Charles A. (1985) Ganomalite from Franklin, New Jersey, and Jakobsberg, Sweden: new chemical and crystallographic data. Mineralogical Magazine, 49 (353). 579-582 doi:10.1180/minmag.1985.049.353.12
Eggleton, Richard A., Guggenheim, Stephen (1986) A re-examination of the structure of ganophyllite. Mineralogical Magazine, 50 (356) 307-315 doi:10.1180/minmag.1986.050.356.18
Guggenheim, Stephen, Eggleton, Richard A. (1986) Cation exchange in ganophyllite. Mineralogical Magazine, 50 (357) 517-520 doi:10.1180/minmag.1986.050.357.15
Localities for Ganophyllite
Showing 59 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 | |
| ... |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2019) |
| Kolitsch et al. (2021) |
Canada | |
| Horváth et al. (2019) |
China | |
| Pingyi Wan (2002) |
| Pingyi Wan (2002) |
| Pingyi Wan (2002) |
| Pingyi Wan (2002) |
| Pingyi Wan (2002) | |
Italy | |
| Redazionale (2005) |
| Antofilli et al. (1983) | |
| Pipino (1984) |
| Castellaro et al. (2023) |
| Palenzona et al. (1988) |
| Castellaro et al. (2011) |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Cámara et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
| Montrasio et al. (1996) +1 other reference |
Japan | |
| Nakagawa et al. (2009) |
| MATSUBARA et al. (1996) |
| - (n.d.) |
| Nakagawa et al. (2009) |
| Petrov (n.d.) +2 other references |
| Nakagawa et al. (2009) | |
| Nakagawa et al. (2009) | |
| Nakagawa et al. (2009) | |
| Yamada (2004) |
| Ohe Rikosha specimens |
| Petrov (n.d.) |
| Nakagawa et al. (2009) |
| Bull. Kanagawa pref. Mus. (Nat. Sci.) |
| Mandarino (2001) +2 other references | |
Namibia | |
| Dunn (1991) |
Portugal | |
| Oliveira et al. (2025) |
| Oliveira et al. (2025) |
| Lundin Mining |
| Idoia Garate-Olabe et al. (Guarda, Portugal) |
Russia | |
| Старикова (2011) |
Sweden | |
| Moore (1972) |
| Gatedal (n.d.) |
| Gatedal (n.d.) |
| Magnusson (1929) |
| Gatedal (n.d.) | |
| Hamberg (1890) +2 other references |
| Dana 7:I:539. | |
| Nysten (2020) |
| Ounchanum et al. (1987) | |
| Nysten (2020) | |
| Nysten (2020) |
UK | |
| Smith et al. (1948) |
| Smith et al. (1948) +2 other references |
USA | |
| |
| Rogers (1919) +4 other references |
| King et al. (1994) |
| Pavlides et al. (1962) |
| King et al. (1994) | |
| Palache (1935) +3 other references |
| part of the Charlesite paragenesis |
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Gambatesa Mine, Reppia, Ne, Genoa, Liguria, Italy