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Kolfanite

A valid IMA mineral species
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03662370017271924298143.jpg
Kolfanite

Lower Collioux Mine, Saint-Luc, Anniviers, Sierre, Valais, Switzerland
03092690017271924326143.jpg
Kolfanite

Lower Collioux Mine, Saint-Luc, Anniviers, Sierre, Valais, Switzerland
04840520017271924401895.jpg
Kolfanite

Roua Mines, Daluis, Nice Arrondissement, Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
03662370017271924298143.jpg
Kolfanite

Lower Collioux Mine, Saint-Luc, Anniviers, Sierre, Valais, Switzerland
03092690017271924326143.jpg
Kolfanite

Lower Collioux Mine, Saint-Luc, Anniviers, Sierre, Valais, Switzerland
04840520017271924401895.jpg
Kolfanite

Roua Mines, Daluis, Nice Arrondissement, Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
03662370017271924298143.jpg
Kolfanite

Lower Collioux Mine, Saint-Luc, Anniviers, Sierre, Valais, Switzerland
03092690017271924326143.jpg
Kolfanite

Lower Collioux Mine, Saint-Luc, Anniviers, Sierre, Valais, Switzerland
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About KolfaniteHide

Formula:
Ca2Fe3+3O2(AsO4)3 · 2H2O
Colour:
Red, in thin plates orange to yellow
Lustre:
Adamantine
Hardness:
2½
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
In honour of the research centre оп the Kola peninsula - the Russian KOL’skii Filial Akademii Nauk SSSR [Kola Branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR].
An insufficiently described Ca-Fe-arsenate; possibly identical to arseniosiderite (unit cell and PXRD pattern are fairly similar).


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
2240
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2240:4

IMA Classification of KolfaniteHide

IMA status:
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ca2Fe3+3O2(As5+O4)3·2H2O
Approval year:
1981
First published:
1982
Type description reference:
Voloshin, A.V., Men'shikov, Y.P., Polezhaeva, L.I., Lentsi, A.A. (1982) Kolfanite, a new mineral from granite pegmatite. Mineralogiceskij Zhurnal: 4: 90-95.

Classification of KolfaniteHide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
8.DH.30

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
H : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 < 1:1
Dana 8th ed.:
42.8.5.1

42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
8 : (AB)5(XO4)3Zq·xH2O
Hey's CIM Ref.:
20.9.10

20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
9 : Arsenates of Fe

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
KfnIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of KolfaniteHide

Lustre:
Adamantine
Colour:
Red, in thin plates orange to yellow
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN20=64 kg/mm2 - Vickers
Tenacity:
Brittle

Optical Data of KolfaniteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.81 nβ = 1.923 nγ = 1.933
2V:
Measured: 5° to 7°, Calculated: 30°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.123
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.

Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
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.
Dispersion:
r > v
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X = pale yellow, Y,Z = dark orange

Chemistry of KolfaniteHide

Mindat Formula:
Ca2Fe3+3O2(AsO4)3 · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O34.949 %
As30.686 %
Fe22.872 %
Ca10.943 %
H0.550 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
O
As
Fe
Ca
H
Elements listed:
As, Ca, Fe, H, O - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of KolfaniteHide

Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Cell Parameters:
a = 17.86 Å, b = 19.66 Å, c = 11.11 Å
β = 96°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.908 : 1 : 0.565
Unit Cell V:
3,879.66 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Comment:
Space group not determined.

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
8.90 Å(10)
5.64 Å(5)
3.29 Å(9)
2.95 Å(9)
2.72 Å(10)
2.216 Å(8)
1.646 Å(8)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates]

Type Occurrence of KolfaniteHide

Synonyms of KolfaniteHide

Other Language Names for KolfaniteHide

Dutch:Kolfaniet
German:Kolfanit
Simplified Chinese:柯砷钙铁石
Spanish:Kolfanita
Traditional Chinese:柯砷鈣鐵石

Relationship of Kolfanite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Mitridatite Group
Other Members of Mitridatite Group:
ArseniosideriteCa2Fe3+3(AsO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
GeorgeliuiteCa2Mn3+3O2(AsO4)3(H2O)2 · H2OMon. m : Bm
MitridatiteCa2Fe3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
RobertsiteCa2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. m : Bb

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.DH.Thebaite-(NH4)(NH4)3Al(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.Whiteite-(MnMnMn)Mn2+Mn2+Mn2+2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.Ammoniotinsleyite(NH4)Al2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DH.Bergbauerite(H2O)2Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4(OH)2(H2O)10 · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.Dendoraite-(NH4)(NH4)2NaAl(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O)2Mon. 2/m
8.DH.Rowleyite[Na(NH4,K)9Cl4][V5+,4+2(P,As)O8]6 · n[H2O,Na,NH4,K,Cl]Iso.
8.DH.HochleitneriteMn2Ti3(PO4)4O2(H2O)2 · 14H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.Whiteite-(CaMnFe)CaMnFe2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.05MinyuliteKAl2(PO4)2F · 4H2OOrth. mm2 : Pba2
8.DH.10LeucophosphiteKFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.10TinsleyiteKAl2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon.
8.DH.10Spheniscidite(NH4,K)(Fe3+,Al)2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnFe){Ca}{Mn2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(NaMnMn){Na}{Mn2+}{(Mn2+,Fe3+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnMg){Ca}{Mn2+}{(Mg,Fe2+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnMn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(MnMnMg)MnMnMg2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnZn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Zn2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnMg){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnFe){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15'Jahnsite-(CaFeFe)'{Ca}{Fe2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon.
8.DH.15Rittmannite{(Mn2+,Ca)}{Mn2+}{(Fe2+,Mn2+,Mg)2}{(Al,Fe3+)2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15KeckiteCaMn2+(Fe3+Mn2+)Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)3 · 7H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(NaMnMg){(Na,Ca)}{(Mn2+,Fe3+)}{(Mg,Fe3+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15'Jahnsite-(CaMgMg)'{Ca}{Mg}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnZn){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Zn2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaMgMg)CaMg3Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaFeMg){Ca}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaMnMg){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.15Whiteite-(MnFeMg){(Mn2+,Ca)}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnMn){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Mn2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.15'Kaluginite'(Mn2+,Ca)MgFe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth.
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaFeMg){Ca}{Fe2+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaMnMn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(NaFeMg){Na}{Fe3+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.20SegeleriteCa2 Mg2 Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pcca
8.DH.20Lun'okite(Mn,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Mn)Al(PO4)2OH · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20Manganosegelerite(Mn2+,Ca)(Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20WilhelmvierlingiteCaMnFe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20JuonniiteCaMgSc(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20OveriteCaMgAl(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.25CalcioferriteCa4MgFe3+4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.25ZodaciteCa4Mn2+Fe3+4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon.
8.DH.25FanfaniiteCa4Mn2+Al4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.25KingsmountiteCa3Mn2+FeAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.25MontgomeryiteCa4MgAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon. 2 : B2
8.DH.30PararobertsiteCa2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.30RobertsiteCa2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. m : Bb
8.DH.30ArseniosideriteCa2Fe3+3(AsO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.30Sailaufite(Ca,Na,◻)2Mn3+3(AsO4)2(CO3)O2 · 3H2OMon. m : Bm
8.DH.30MitridatiteCa2Fe3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.35MantienneiteKMg2Al2Ti(PO4)4(OH)3 · 15H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.35Sperlingite (H2O)K(Mn2+Fe3+)(Al2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)] [(H2O)9(OH)] · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.35PaulkerriteK(Mg,Mn2+)2(Fe3+,Al,Ti,Mg)2Ti(PO4)4(OH)3 · 15H2OMon. m
8.DH.35Hydroxylbenyacarite(H2O)2Mn2(Ti2Fe)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10 · 4H2O Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.35MacraeiteK(H2O)Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.35Benyacarite(H2O)2Mn2Ti2Fe3+(PO4)4(OF)(H2O)10 · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.35Fluormacraeite [(H2O)K]Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4(OF)(H2O)10 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.40XanthoxeniteCa4Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 3H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.45MahnertiteNaCu3(AsO4)2Cl · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
8.DH.50AndyrobertsiteKCdCu5(AsO4)4(H2AsO4) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DH.50CalcioandyrobertsiteKCaCu5(AsO4)4(H2AsO4) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DH.55EnglishiteK3Na2Ca10Al15(PO4)21(OH)7 · 26H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.60BouazzeriteBi6(Mg,Co)11Fe3+14(AsO4)18(OH)4O12 · 86H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.65GalliskiiteCa4Al2(PO4)2F8 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.70JoteiteCa2CuAl(AsO4)[AsO3(OH)]2(OH)2 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.75KampeliteBa6Mg3Sc8(PO4)12(OH)6 · 7H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
8.DH.80KapundaiteNaCaFe4(PO4)4(OH)3 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.85VaniniiteCa2Mn2+3Mn3+2O2(AsO4)4 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b

Other InformationHide

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 KolfaniteHide

References for KolfaniteHide

Localities for KolfaniteHide

Showing 7 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Bulgaria
 
  • Sofia Province
    • Svoge Municipality
      • Bov
Minceva-Stefanova (1999)
France
 
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
    • Alpes-Maritimes
      • Nice Arrondissement
        • Daluis
Sarp et al. (2000) +2 other references
Poland
 
  • Lower Silesian Voivodeship
    • Kamienna Góra County
      • Gmina Kamienna Góra
        • Rędziny
Domańska (n.d.)
Russia (TL)
 
  • Murmansk Oblast
    • Voron'i Tundry
Voloshin et al. (1982) +1 other reference
Switzerland
 
  • Valais
    • Sierre
      • Anniviers
        • Ayer
Ansermet (2012)
        • Saint-Luc
Ansermet (2012)
USA
 
  • New Mexico
    • Luna County
      • Victorio Mountains
Virginia T. McLemore et al. (2000) +1 other reference
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