Heterosite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Heterosite
Formula:
Fe3+(PO4)
May also be given as ◻Fe3+PO4.
Colour:
Untreated mineral is usually Purple Black, also Deep rose to reddish purple, especially when treated in a strong acid solution.
Lustre:
Waxy, Dull, Earthy
Hardness:
4 - 4½
Specific Gravity:
3.40
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1826 by François Alluaud (II) from the Greek έτερος for "another", probably in allusion to the species being the second new mineral containing iron and manganese from the same locality.
Triphylite Group, Heterosite-Purpurite Series.
The species of this series are secondary minerals formed by oxidation of iron and or manganese with the simultaneous leaching of lithium from primary phosphates (precursors), lithiophilite or triphylite. Intermediate alteration products are part of a continuous process of alteration: ferrisicklerite and sicklerite, with Grandfather status, but may not be valid. The Fe:Mn value has not been observed to vary much from the primary triphylite to the secondary heterosite. Heterosite forms from the alteration of triphylite, while purpurite forms from the alteration of lithiophilite. Heterosite is frequently artificially colored bright purple through acid treatment. Purpurite is rarer than heterosite, because the parent mineral of the series, lithiophilite is much rarer than triphylite.
The species of this series are secondary minerals formed by oxidation of iron and or manganese with the simultaneous leaching of lithium from primary phosphates (precursors), lithiophilite or triphylite. Intermediate alteration products are part of a continuous process of alteration: ferrisicklerite and sicklerite, with Grandfather status, but may not be valid. The Fe:Mn value has not been observed to vary much from the primary triphylite to the secondary heterosite. Heterosite forms from the alteration of triphylite, while purpurite forms from the alteration of lithiophilite. Heterosite is frequently artificially colored bright purple through acid treatment. Purpurite is rarer than heterosite, because the parent mineral of the series, lithiophilite is much rarer than triphylite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1887
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1887:2
IMA Classification of Heterosite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Fe3+◻PO4
First published:
1825
Classification of Heterosite
8.AB.10
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
A : Phosphates, etc. without additional anions, without H2O
B : With medium-sized cations
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
A : Phosphates, etc. without additional anions, without H2O
B : With medium-sized cations
38.4.1.1
38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
4 : AXO4
38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
4 : AXO4
19.12.10
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates of Mn
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Het | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Het | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Heterosite
Waxy, Dull, Earthy
Transparency:
Opaque
Comment:
Satiny on fresh fracture surfaces; dull when altered on surface.
Colour:
Untreated mineral is usually Purple Black, also Deep rose to reddish purple, especially when treated in a strong acid solution.
Comment:
Dark brown to brown-black. Uncommonly naturally bright purple. Most bright purple heterosite is artificially induced by acid etching.
Streak:
Pale purple
Hardness:
4 - 4½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
On {100}, good; on {010} imperfect. Cleavage surfaces curved or crinkled at times.
On {100}, good; on {010} imperfect. Cleavage surfaces curved or crinkled at times.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
3.40 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.67 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Heterosite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.861(1) nβ = 1.891(1) nγ = 1.911(1)
2V:
Measured: 37°
Birefringence:
0.050
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.050
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:
Very High (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.
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.
Dispersion:
r > v very strong
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X = Greenish gray, gray to rose-red
Y, Z = Deep blood-red to purplish red
Z = Deep blood-red to purplish red
Y, Z = Deep blood-red to purplish red
Z = Deep blood-red to purplish red
Comments:
Optic axis sections may exhibit anomalous green interference colours.
Chemistry of Heterosite
Mindat Formula:
Fe3+(PO4)
May also be given as ◻Fe3+PO4.
May also be given as ◻Fe3+PO4.
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Mn
Crystallography of Heterosite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pmna
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.83(1) Å, b = 9.79(1) Å, c = 4.769(5) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.596 : 1 : 0.487
Unit Cell V:
272.19 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Cleavable blocky masses
Comment:
Pmnb
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Rotation
Stop | Start
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000269 | Heterosite | Eventoff W, Martin R, Peacor D R (1972) The crystal structure of heterosite American Mineralogist 57 45-51 |  | 1972 | Fletcher Quarry, North Groton, New Hampshire, USA | 0 | 293 |
| 0018613 | Heterosite | Bjorling C O, Westgren A (1938) Minerals of the Varustrask Pegmatite. IX. X-ray studies of triphylite, varulite and their oxidation products Geologiska Foreningens i Stockholm Forhandlingar 60 67-72 | 1938 | Varustrask pegmatite, Sweden | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.94 Å | (60) |
| 4.31 Å | (90) |
| 3.46 Å | (85) |
| 2.96 Å | (35) |
| 2.92 Å | (85) |
| 2.452 Å | (100) |
| 2.412 Å | (40) |
Comments:
ICDD 34-134
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Geological Setting:
Secondary mineral in complex granitic pegmatites replacing triphylite.
Type Occurrence of Heterosite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Muséum Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France, 25.24, 30.93 (cotype).
Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines, Paris, France, 1268-42, 4611 (cotype).
Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines, Paris, France, 1268-42, 4611 (cotype).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Granite pegmatite.
Synonyms of Heterosite
Other Language Names for Heterosite
Relationship of Heterosite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Triphylite Group:
| Karenwebberite | NaFe2+PO4 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
| Lithiophilite | LiMn2+PO4 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pmna |
| Natrophilite | NaMn2+PO4 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pmna |
| Purpurite | Mn3+(PO4) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pmna |
| Simferite | LiMg(PO4) | Orth. |
| Triphylite | LiFe2+PO4 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pmna |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 16 photos of Heterosite associated with Triphylite | LiFe2+PO4 |
| 15 photos of Heterosite associated with 'Ferrisicklerite' | Li1-x(Fe3+xFe2+1-x)PO4 |
| 12 photos of Heterosite associated with Alluaudite | (Na,Ca)Mn2+(Fe3+,Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)2(PO4)3 |
| 12 photos of Heterosite associated with Purpurite | Mn3+(PO4) |
| 11 photos of Heterosite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 11 photos of Heterosite associated with Muscovite | KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
| 9 photos of Heterosite associated with Rockbridgeite | (Fe2+0.5Fe3+0.5)2Fe3+3(PO4)3(OH)5 |
| 8 photos of Heterosite associated with Vivianite | Fe2+Fe2+2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 7 photos of Heterosite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 5 photos of Heterosite associated with Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.AB. | Kryzaite | Na4(MgCr)(PO4)3 |
| 8.AB. | Niasite | Ni2+4.5(AsO4)3 |
| 8.AB. | Johanngeorgenstadtite | Ni2+4.5(AsO4)3 |
| 8.AB. | Rodolicoite | Fe3+PO4 |
| 8.AB. | Karwowskiite | Ca9Mg(Fe2+0.5◻0.5)(PO4)7 |
| 8.AB. | Olsenite | KFe4(PO4)3 |
| 8.AB. | Borisenkoite | Cu3[(V,As)O4]2 |
| 8.AB.05 | Farringtonite | Mg3(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.10 | Natrophilite | NaMn2+PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | 'Sicklerite' | Li1-x(Mn3+xMn2+1-x)PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | Simferite | LiMg(PO4) |
| 8.AB.10 | Lithiophilite | LiMn2+PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | Karenwebberite | NaFe2+PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | Triphylite | LiFe2+PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | 'Ferrisicklerite' | Li1-x(Fe3+xFe2+1-x)PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | Purpurite | Mn3+(PO4) |
| 8.AB.15 | Zavalíaite | Mn2+3(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.15 | Chopinite | Mg3(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.15 | Sarcopside | Fe2+3(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Beusite | Mn2+Mn2+2 (PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Graftonite-(Ca) | CaFe2+2(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Graftonite-(Mn) | MnFe2+2(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Graftonite | Fe2+Fe2+2(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Beusite-(Ca) | CaMn2+2(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.25 | Xanthiosite | Ni3(AsO4)2 |
| 8.AB.30 | Lammerite | Cu3(AsO4)2 |
| 8.AB.30 | Paralammerite | Cu3(AsO4)2 |
| 8.AB.35 | Mcbirneyite | Cu3(VO4)2 |
| 8.AB.35 | Pseudolyonsite | Cu3(VO4)2 |
| 8.AB.35 | Stranskiite | Zn2Cu(AsO4)2 |
| 8.AB.40 | Michalskiite | Fe3+1.33Cu2+2(MgFe3+)2(VO4)6 |
| 8.AB.40 | Lyonsite | Cu3Fe4(VO4)6 |
Fluorescence of Heterosite
Not Fluorescent
Other Information
Notes:
Readily soluble in 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 Heterosite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1887.html
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References for Heterosite
Reference List:
Schaller, W.T. (1907) Mineralogical notes. American Journal of Science: 24: 152 (as Ferripurpurite).
Lacroix, A. (1910) Minéralogie de la France et de ses colonies Vol. 4. Library Polytechnique, Paris. p.470 - citation from Pisani
Schaller, W. T. (1911) Mineralogical notes, series 1. Bulletin 490. US Geological Survey 109 pp. doi:10.3133/b490 pp.72-79 - (Notes on purpurite and heterosite)
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.84
Quensel (1937) Geologiska Föeningens I Stockholm. Förhandlinger, Stockholm: 59: 77.(as Na-heterosite)
Björling, Carl Olof; Westgren, A. (1938) Minerals of the Varuträsk Pegmatite. IX. X-Ray Studies on Triphylite, Varulite, and their Oxidation Products. Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholm Förhandlingar, 60 (1). 67-72 doi:10.1080/11035893809443985
Eventoff, William, Martin, Robert, Peacor, and Donald R. (1972) The crystal structure of heterosite. American Mineralogist, 57 (1-2) 45-51
Localities for Heterosite
Showing 250 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.
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Helen Beryl Mine, Fourmile, Custer Mining District, Custer County, South Dakota, USA