Matulaite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Matulaite
Margaret "Marge" M. Matula
Formula:
(Fe3+,Al)Al7(PO4)4(PO3OH)2(OH)8(H2O)8 · 8H2O
Originally assumed to be CaAl18(PO4)12(OH)20.28H2O
Colour:
Colorless, white, grayish white
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
1½
Specific Gravity:
2.27
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in honor of Margaret "Marge" Mary Matula (née Buckanin) (29 December 1925, Phillips, Wisconsin, USA), mineral collector from Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. She discovered the mineral. She was elected to the Micromounters' Hall of Fame in 2002.
Easily confused with afmite or kobokoboite, or possibly wavellite or crandallite, especially on specimens at the type locality — see reference for details: Kampf, A.R., Mills, S.J., Rumsey, M.S., Spratt, J., Favreau, G. (2012) The crystal structure determination and redefinition of matulaite, Fe3+Al7(PO4)4(PO3OH)2(OH)8(H2O)8·8H2O. Mineralogical Magazine: 76(3): 517-534, doi:10.1180/minmag.2012.076.3.05
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2598
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2598:6
IMA Classification of Matulaite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Fe3+Al7(PO4)4(PO3OH)2(OH)8(H2O)8·8H2O
Approval year:
1977
First published:
1980
Classification of Matulaite
8.DK.30
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
42.13.3.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
13 : Miscellaneous
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
13 : Miscellaneous
19.8.17
19 : Phosphates
8 : Phosphates of Al and other metals
19 : Phosphates
8 : Phosphates of Al and other metals
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mat | 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 Matulaite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Colorless, white, grayish white
Streak:
White
Hardness:
1½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Flexible
Cleavage:
Perfect
{001)
{001)
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
2.27(3) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.294 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Matulaite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.535(2) nβ = 1.563(1) nγ = 1.579(1)
2V:
Measured: 73° (2)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.044
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:
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
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:
very weak
Chemistry of Matulaite
Mindat Formula:
(Fe3+,Al)Al7(PO4)4(PO3OH)2(OH)8(H2O)8 · 8H2O
Originally assumed to be CaAl18(PO4)12(OH)20.28H2O
Originally assumed to be CaAl18(PO4)12(OH)20.28H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Matulaite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.604(2) Å, b = 16.608(4) Å, c = 20.647 Å
β = 98.848(7)°
β = 98.848(7)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.638 : 1 : 1.243
Unit Cell V:
3,592.90 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Rosettes of pseudohexagonal, thin-tabular, scaly to bladed crystals, to 1 mm, flattened on {001}; botyroidal and as spherules.
Comment:
Space Group: P21/n.
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
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Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
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View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0018885 | Matulaite | Kampf A R, Mills S J, Rumsey M S, Spratt J, Favreau G (2012) The crystal structure determination and redefinition of matulaite, Fe3+Al7(PO4)4(PO3OH)2(OH)8(H2O)8*8H2O Mineralogical Magazine 76 517-534 | 2012 | Bachman mine, Hellertown, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, USA | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.96 Å | (10) |
| 6.37 Å | (4) |
| 4.42 Å | (4) |
| 2.395 Å | (4) |
| 4.83 Å | (3) |
| 3.79 Å | (3) |
| 3.66 Å | (3) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Type Occurrence of Matulaite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Small rosettes of thin tabular crystals and botryoidal forms.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
The Natural History Museum, London, England (2011,100); Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California, USA (28323 and 28324).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidized zone of phosphatic iron deposit.
Synonyms of Matulaite
Other Language Names for Matulaite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 7 photos of Matulaite associated with Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
| 5 photos of Matulaite associated with 'Limonite' | |
| 4 photos of Matulaite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 4 photos of Matulaite associated with Mitridatite | Ca2Fe3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2O |
| 4 photos of Matulaite associated with Jahnsite-(CaMnMn) | {Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 3 photos of Matulaite associated with Wavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 3 photos of Matulaite associated with Afmite | Al3(OH)4(H2O)3(PO4)(PO3OH) · H2O |
| 2 photos of Matulaite associated with Kingsmountite | Ca3Mn2+FeAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2O |
| 2 photos of Matulaite associated with Frondelite | (Mn2+0.5Fe3+0.5)2Fe3+3(PO4)3(OH)5 |
| 2 photos of Matulaite associated with Rockbridgeite | (Fe2+0.5Fe3+0.5)2Fe3+3(PO4)3(OH)5 |
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 | Pharmacoalumite | KAl4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 6.5H2O |
| 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.35 | Krasnovite | Ba(Al,Mg)(PO4,CO3)(OH)2 · H2O |
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 Matulaite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2598.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Matulaite
Reference List:
Fleischer, M., Cabri, L. J., Chao, G. Y., Pabst, A. (1980) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 65 (9-10). 1065-1070
Kampf, Anthony R., Mills, Stuart J., Rossman, George R., Steele, Ian M., Pluth, Joseph J., Favreau, Georges (2011) Afmite, Al3(OH)4(H2O)3(PO4)(PO3OH)·H2O, a new mineral from Fumade, Tarn, France: description and crystal structure. European Journal of Mineralogy, 23 (2) 269-277 doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2011/0023-2093 (mentions new formula of matulaite)
Williams, P. A., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2012) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2012. CNMNC Newsletter No 13. Mineralogical Magazine, 76 (3) 807-817 doi:10.1180/minmag.2012.076.3.26
Localities for Matulaite
Showing 13 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.
France | |
| XRD and EDS analyses S. Mills & A. Kampf +2 other references |
Germany | |
| Mücke et al. (1989) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Stieglitz et al. (1987) +1 other reference |
Portugal | |
| ALVES et al. (2013) |
| Alves (n.d.) |
USA | |
| collected by and in the collection of ... |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| JBS collection |
| American Mineralogist |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Henderson (1980) +2 other references |
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Bachman Mine, Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, USA