Adelite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Adelite
Formula:
CaMg(AsO4)(OH)
Colour:
Colourless, white, grey, bluish grey, yellowish grey, yellow, pale green, pinkish brown, brown
Lustre:
Vitreous, Greasy
Hardness:
5
Specific Gravity:
3.71 - 3.76
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named by Hjalmar Sjögren in 1891 from the Greek άδηλος for "adelos," "obscure" or "indistinct", in reference to its lack of transparency.
Co-Type Localities:
Isostructural with:
Adelite-Descloizite Group. Adelite-Gottlobite Series.
The arsenate analogue of Gottlobite.
Crystal structure details (Effenberger et al., 2002): M2 site is Mg; there are (M2)O6 octahedra that share edges to form chains; the chains are parallel to [001]; two chains are linked via a tetrahedron to form 3D framework; in the framework there are cavities where the M1 site is located; in adelite it is Ca, with tetragonal antiprism coordination (slightly distorted).
See also the hydrated analogue camgasite.
The arsenate analogue of Gottlobite.
Crystal structure details (Effenberger et al., 2002): M2 site is Mg; there are (M2)O6 octahedra that share edges to form chains; the chains are parallel to [001]; two chains are linked via a tetrahedron to form 3D framework; in the framework there are cavities where the M1 site is located; in adelite it is Ca, with tetragonal antiprism coordination (slightly distorted).
See also the hydrated analogue camgasite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
23
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:23:5
Similar Names
| Aedelite | A synonym of Prehnite | |
| Atelite | A synonym of Paratacamite | |
| Axelite | A valid IMA mineral species | Na14Cu7(AsO4)8F2Cl2 |
| Edelite | A synonym of 'Aedelite' | |
| Ædelite (of Kirwan) | A synonym of Natrolite |
IMA Classification of Adelite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
CaMgAs5+O4(OH)
First published:
1891
Classification of Adelite
8.BH.35
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
H : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH,etc.):RO4 = 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
H : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH,etc.):RO4 = 1:1
41.5.1.1
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq
20.2.17
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
2 : Arsenates of Be, Mg, Ca or Ba
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
2 : Arsenates of Be, Mg, Ca or Ba
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ade | 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 Adelite
Vitreous, Greasy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
Långban: vitrous to greasy
Colour:
Colourless, white, grey, bluish grey, yellowish grey, yellow, pale green, pinkish brown, brown
Comment:
Colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
5 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Conchoidal
Density:
3.71 - 3.76 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.78 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Adelite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.712 nβ = 1.721 nγ = 1.731
2V:
Measured: 68° to 90°
Birefringence:
0.019
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.019
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
Optical Extinction:
Parallel. XYZ = acb
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Adelite
Mindat Formula:
CaMg(AsO4)(OH)
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Pb,Mn,Na,Cu,Ba
Crystallography of Adelite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
222 - Disphenoidal
Space Group:
P212121
Setting:
P212121
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.43 Å, b = 8.85 Å, c = 5.88 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.84 : 1 : 0.664
Unit Cell V:
386.64 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals elongated [100]. Commonly massive.
Crystal Structure
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Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0012643 | Adelite | Effenberger H, Krause W, Bernhardt H J (2002) Structural investigations of adelite and cobaltaustinite, two members of the adelite-descloizite group Experimental Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry Abstract Volume 9 30-30 | 2002 | Langban, Sweden | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.96 Å | (60) |
| 4.48 Å | (10) |
| 4.13 Å | (70) |
| 3.47 Å | (20) |
| 3.16 Å | (100) |
| 2.98 Å | (60) |
| 2.78 Å | (60) |
| 2.64 Å | (40) |
| 2.59 Å | (70) |
| 2.51 Å | (60) |
| 2.33 Å | (70) |
| 2.03 Å | (20) |
| 1.872 Å | (20) |
| 1.819 Å | (20) |
| 1.751 Å | (10) |
| 1.724 Å | (10) |
| 1.671 Å | (10) |
| 1.609 Å | (70) |
| 1.582 Å | (10) |
| 1.505 Å | (20) |
| 1.485 Å | (10) |
| 1.349 Å | (10) |
| 1.307 Å | (30) |
| 1.220 Å | (30) |
Reference:
Comments:
ICDD 24-208. Langban, Sweden. Data from Canadian Mineralogist 18: 191 (1980)
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] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Geological Setting:
On willemite-franklinite ore from a metamorphosed stratiform zinc orebody (Franklin, New Jersey, USA).
Type Occurrence of Adelite
Co-Type Localities:
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden, number HS 6413.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
A rare mineral in a metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebody
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Adelite
Varieties of Adelite
Relationship of Adelite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Adelite-Descloizite Group:
| Arsendescloizite | PbZn(AsO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
| Austinite | CaZn(AsO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
| Čechite | PbFe2+(VO4)(OH) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
| Cobaltaustinite | CaCo(AsO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
| Conichalcite | CaCu(AsO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
| Descloizite | PbZn(VO4)(OH) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
| Duftite | PbCu(AsO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
| 'Duftite-alpha' | PbCu(AsO4)(OH) | |
| Gottlobite | CaMg(VO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
| Hermannroseite | CaCu(PO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
| Mottramite | PbCu(VO4)(OH) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
| Nickelaustinite | CaNi(AsO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
| Plumbogottlobite | PbMg(VO4)(OH) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
| Pyrobelonite | PbMn2+(VO4)(OH) | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
| Tangeite | CaCu(VO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
| 'Unnamed (Pb-analogue of Nickelaustinite)' | PbNi(AsO4)(OH) | |
| Vuagnatite | CaAl(SiO4)(OH) | Orth. 222 : P212121 |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 28 photos of Adelite associated with Franklinite | Zn2+Fe3+2O4 |
| 25 photos of Adelite associated with Willemite | Zn2SiO4 |
| 19 photos of Adelite associated with Zincite | ZnO |
| 18 photos of Adelite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 8 photos of Adelite associated with Magnussonite | Mn2+10(As3+O3)6(OH,Cl)2 |
| 8 photos of Adelite associated with Magnetite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
| 7 photos of Adelite associated with Hausmannite | Mn2+Mn3+2O4 |
| 6 photos of Adelite associated with Sphalerite | ZnS |
| 4 photos of Adelite associated with Chlorophoenicite | (Mn,Mg)3Zn2(AsO4)(OH,O)6 |
| 3 photos of Adelite associated with Dolomite | CaMg(CO3)2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BH. | Peterchinite | Zn3Zn2(OH)6As[O3(OH)3] |
| 8.BH. | Reznitskyite | CaMg(VO4)F |
| 8.BH. | Plumbogottlobite | PbMg(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH. | Cuprozheshengite | Pb4CuZn2(AsO4)2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH. | Zheshengite | Pb4ZnZn2(AsO4)2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH. | Crimsonite | PbFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.05 | Thadeuite | Ca(Mg,Fe2+)3(PO4)2(OH,F)2 |
| 8.BH.10 | Panasqueiraite | CaMg(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.10 | Isokite | CaMg(PO4)F |
| 8.BH.10 | Lacroixite | NaAl(PO4)F |
| 8.BH.10 | Arsenatrotitanite | NaTi(AsO4)O |
| 8.BH.10 | Maxwellite | NaFe3+(AsO4)F |
| 8.BH.10 | Durangite | NaAl(AsO4)F |
| 8.BH.10 | Kononovite | NaMg(SO4)F |
| 8.BH.15 | Drugmanite | Pb2Fe3+(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.20 | Nigelcookite | PbFe2+2V3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Plumbojohntomaite | PbFe2+2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Cirrolite | Ca3Al2(PO4)3(OH)3 (?) |
| 8.BH.20 | Penikisite | Ba(Mg,Fe2+,Ca)2Al2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Perloffite | Ba(Mn2+,Fe2+)2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Bjarebyite Group | |
| 8.BH.20 | Strontioperloffite | SrMn2+2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Plumboperloffite | PbMn2+2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Johntomaite | BaFe2+2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Bjarebyite | (Ba,Sr)(Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)2Al2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Kulanite | Ba(Fe2+,Mn2+,Mg)2(Al,Fe3+)2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.25 | Bertossaite | Li2CaAl4(PO4)4(OH)4 |
| 8.BH.25 | Natropalermoite | Na2SrAl4(PO4)4(OH)4 |
| 8.BH.25 | Palermoite | Li2SrAl4(PO4)4(OH)4 |
| 8.BH.30 | Sewardite | CaFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.30 | Carminite | PbFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.35 | Duftite | PbCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Cobaltaustinite | CaCo(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Nickelaustinite | CaNi(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Gabrielsonite | PbFe3+(As3+O3)O |
| 8.BH.35 | Conichalcite | CaCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Arsendescloizite | PbZn(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | 'Duftite-alpha' | PbCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Gottlobite | CaMg(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Austinite | CaZn(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Hermannroseite | CaCu(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Tangeite | CaCu(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Čechite | PbFe2+(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Khorixasite | (Bi0.67◻0.33)Cu(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Mottramite | PbCu(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Descloizite | PbZn(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Pyrobelonite | PbMn2+(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.45 | Bayldonite | PbCu3(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.45 | Vésigniéite | BaCu3(VO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.50 | Paganoite | NiBi(AsO4)O |
| 8.BH.55 | Jagowerite | BaAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.55 | Harrisonite | Ca(Fe2+,Mg)6(PO4)2(SiO4)2 |
| 8.BH.60 | Attakolite | CaMn2+Al4(SiO3OH)(PO4)3(OH)4 |
| 8.BH.65 | Leningradite | PbCu3(VO4)2Cl |
| 8.BH.70 | Katiarsite | KTiO(AsO4) |
| 8.BH.70 | Yurgensonite | K2SnTiO2(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BH.75 | Melanarsite | K3Cu7Fe3+O4(AsO4)4 |
| 8.BH.80 | Evseevite | Na2Mg(AsO4)F |
| 8.BH.80 | Moraskoite | Na2Mg(PO4)F |
| 8.BH.85 | Piccoliite | NaCaMn3+2(AsO4)2O(OH) |
Fluorescence of Adelite
Not fluorescent.
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in dilute 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 Adelite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-23.html
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References for Adelite
Reference List:
Sjögren, Hj. (1884) Om manganarseniaternas från Nordmarken förekomstsätt och paragenesis. Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholm Förhandlingar, 7 (7) 407-416 doi:10.1080/11035898409443540As “ett egedomligt berzeliitartadt mineral", with analyis by C.H. Lundström]
Sjögren, Hj. (1891) Bidrag till Sveriges mineralogi 3. Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholm Förhandlingar, 13 (7) 781-796 doi:10.1080/11035899109445851
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.35
Localities for Adelite
Showing 20 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.
Algeria | |
| Byramjee R.and Meindre M. (1956) |
Germany | |
| |
| [var: Vanadium-bearing Adelite] Mandarino (2001) |
Italy | |
| www.socgeol.it (n.d.) +3 other references |
North Macedonia | |
| Ermolaeva et al. (2019) |
Portugal | |
| Silva et al. (2026) |
Sweden (TL) | |
| Sjögren (1891) +1 other reference |
| Sjögren (1891) | |
| Blatter (2003) | |
| Aminoff (1931) +1 other reference | |
| Adolfsson (1979) | |
| Strand (2014) | |
| RRUFF ID: R060687 +2 other references |
| Gatedal (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
| Sjögren (1891) +1 other reference |
| Magnusson (1929) +1 other reference | |
| Nysten (2004) |
USA | |
| Parker (1982) +1 other reference |
| Mineral News: 19 (12) |
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Långban Mine, Långban Ore District, Filipstad, Värmland County, Sweden