Tsepinite-K
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Tsepinite-K
Formula:
K2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3H2O
Colour:
Colourless
Hardness:
5
Specific Gravity:
2.88
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named for its relationship to the previously described tsepinite-Na, with K dominant over Na. The root name is after Anatoliy Ivanovich Tsepin (b. 1946), physicist of the Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IGEM), specialist in X-ray spectroscopy and the electron-microprobe analysis of minerals, who initiated in the 1970s an electron-microprobe investigation of Labuntsovite Group minerals.
This page provides mineralogical data about Tsepinite-K.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
26355
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:26355:3
Similar Names
| Tsepinite-Ca | A valid IMA mineral species | (Ca,K,Na)2-x(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 4H2O |
IMA Classification of Tsepinite-K
Approved
IMA Formula:
(K,Ba,Na)2(Ti4+,Nb5+)2Si4O12(OH,O)2·3H2O
Approval year:
2002
First published:
2003
Type description reference:
Chukanov, N. V., Pekov, I. V., Zadov, A. E., Rosenberg, K. A., Rastsvetaeva, R. K., Krivovichev, S. V., Levitskay, L. A. (2003) New minerals tsepinite-K (K,Ba,Na)2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2·3H2O and paratsepinite-Ba (Ba,Na,K)2-x(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2·4H2O and their relationship with other labuntsovite group members. Zapiski Vserossijskogo Mineralogicheskogo Obshchestva, 132 (1) 38-51
Classification of Tsepinite-K
9.CE.30b
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
E : [Si4O12]8- 4-membered single rings (vierer-Einfachringe), without insular complex anions
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
E : [Si4O12]8- 4-membered single rings (vierer-Einfachringe), without insular complex anions
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tsp-K | 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 Tsepinite-K
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless
Streak:
White
Hardness:
5 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Imperfect/Fair
Density:
2.88(3) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.97 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Tsepinite-K
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.690(3) nβ = 1.701(3) nγ = 1.800(5)
2V:
Measured: 25° to 40°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.110
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.
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.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Chemistry of Tsepinite-K
Mindat Formula:
K2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3H2O
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Ba,Na
Crystallography of Tsepinite-K
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
m - Domatic
Space Group:
Bm
Setting:
Cm
Cell Parameters:
a = 14.326(2) Å, b = 13.802(2) Å, c = 7.783(1) Å
β = 116.949(3)°
β = 116.949(3)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.038 : 1 : 0.564
Unit Cell V:
1371.82 ų
Z:
4
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0012497 | Tsepinite-K | Rosenberg K A, Rastsvetaeva R K, Pekov I V, Chukanov N V, Verin I A (2003) Crystal structure of Sr-rich tsepinite Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR 393 784-787 | 2003 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks |
Type Occurrence of Tsepinite-K
General Appearance of Type Material:
Short-prismatic colourless crystals up to 0.4 mm length and in pseudomorphs after murmanite.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
A. E. Fersman Mineralogica1 Museum, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Alkaline pegmatite
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Chukanov, N. V., Pekov, I. V., Zadov, A. E., Rosenberg, K. A., Rastsvetaeva, R. K., Krivovichev, S. V., Levitskay, L. A. (2003) New minerals tsepinite-K (K,Ba,Na)2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2·3H2O and paratsepinite-Ba (Ba,Na,K)2-x(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2·4H2O and their relationship with other labuntsovite group members. Zapiski Vserossijskogo Mineralogicheskogo Obshchestva, 132 (1) 38-51
Synonyms of Tsepinite-K
Other Language Names for Tsepinite-K
Dutch:Tsepiniet-K
German:Tsepinit-K
Russian:Цепинит-K
Simplified Chinese:水硅铌钛钾石
Traditional Chinese:水矽鈮鈦鉀石
Relationship of Tsepinite-K to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Vuoriyarvite Group:
| Tsepinite-Ca | (Ca,K,Na)2-x(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Tsepinite-Na | Na2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3H2O | Mon. m : Bm |
| Tsepinite-Sr | Sr(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3H2O | Mon. m : Bm |
| Vuoriyarvite-K | K2(Nb,Ti)2(Si4O12)(O,OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. m : Bm |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.CE. | Dutkevichite-(Ce) | NaZnBa2Ce2Ti2Si8O26F · H2O |
| 9.CE. | Katanite | Ba3NbFe3Si2O14 |
| 9.CE. | Niobobaotite | Ba4(Ti2.5Fe2+1.5)Nb4Si4O28Cl |
| 9.CE. | Amaterasuite | Sr4Ti6Si4O23(OH)Cl |
| 9.CE. | Steiningerite | Ba2Zr2(Si4O12)O2 |
| 9.CE.05 | Papagoite | CaCu[H3AlSi2O9] |
| 9.CE.10 | Verplanckite | Ba4Mn2+2Si4O12(OH,H2O)3Cl3 |
| 9.CE.15 | Baotite | Ba4(Ti,Nb,W)8O16(SiO3)4Cl |
| 9.CE.20 | Nagashimalite | Ba4(V,Ti)4B2Si8O27(O,OH)2Cl |
| 9.CE.20 | Taramellite | Ba4(Fe3+,Ti,Fe2+,Mg)4(B2Si8O27)O2Clx |
| 9.CE.20 | Titantaramellite | Ba4(Ti,Fe3+,Fe2+,Mg)4(B2Si8O27)O2Clx |
| 9.CE.25 | Bario-orthojoaquinite | (Ba,Sr)4Fe2Ti2[Si4O12]2O2 · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Byelorussite-(Ce) | NaBa2Ce2MnTi2[Si4O12]2O2(F,OH) · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Joaquinite-(Ce) | NaBa2Ce2FeTi2[Si4O12]2O2(OH,F) · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Orthojoaquinite-(La) | NaBa2La2Fe2+Ti2[Si4O12]2O2(O,OH) · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Strontiojoaquinite | Sr2Ba2(Na,Fe)2Ti2[Si4O12]2O2(O,OH)2 · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) | NaBa2Ce2FeTi2[Si4O12]2O2(O,OH) · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Strontio-orthojoaquinite | (Na,Fe)2Sr2Ba2Ti2[Si4O12]2O2(O,OH)2 · H2O |
| 9.CE.30e | Labuntsovite-Mn | Na4K4(Ba,K)2Mn2+(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · 10-12H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Tsepinite-Na | Na2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Gjerdingenite-Na | K2Na(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(OH,O)4 · 5H2O |
| 9.CE.30h | Alsakharovite-Zn | NaSrKZn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 7H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Burovaite-Ca | (Na,K)4Ca2(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(OH,O)8 · 12H2O |
| 9.CE.30a | Nenadkevichite | (Na,◻)8Nb4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 8H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Tsepinite-Sr | Sr(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Gjerdingenite-Mn | K2Mn2+(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Paratsepinite-Na | (Na,Sr,K,Ca)7(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · nH2O n ~ 8 |
| 9.CE.30d | Lemmleinite-K | K2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 4H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Karupmøllerite-Ca | (Na,Ca,K)2Ca(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 7H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Lepkhenelmite-Zn | (Ba,K)2Zn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 7H2O |
| 9.CE.30h | Gutkovaite-Mn | K2CaMn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 9.CE.30e | Labuntsovite-Mg | Na4K4(Ba,K)2Mg(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · 10H2O |
| 9.CE.30e | Labuntsovite-Fe | Na4K4(Ba,K)2Fe2+(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · 10H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Kuzmenkoite-Zn | K2Zn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(OH,O)4 · 6-8H2O |
| 9.CE.30f | Paralabuntsovite-Mg | Na8K8Mg4Ti16(Si4O12)8(OH,O)16 · 20-24H2O |
| 9.CE.30d | Lemmleinite-Ba | Na2K2Ba(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 9.CE.30g | Organovaite-Mn | K2Mn(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5-7H2O |
| 9.CE.30g | Organovaite-Zn | K2Zn(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Vuoriyarvite-K | K2(Nb,Ti)2(Si4O12)(O,OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Gjerdingenite-Fe | K2Fe2+(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 9.CE.30a | 'Unnamed (Ca-Na-ordered analogue of Korobitsynite)' | (Ca,Na)2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3-4H2O |
| 9.CE.30g | Parakuzmenkoite-Fe | (K,Ba)4Fe(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · 14H2O |
| 9.CE.30a | Korobitsynite | (Na,◻)4Ti2(Si4O12)(O,OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Kuzmenkoite-Mn | K2Mn2+(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(OH,O)4 · 5-6H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Paratsepinite-Ba | Ba4(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(OH,O)8 · 8H2O |
| 9.CE.30h | Neskevaaraite-Fe | K3Na2Fe2+(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5-6 H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Gjerdingenite-Ca | K2Ca(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Tsepinite-Ca | (Ca,K,Na)2-x(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 4H2O |
| 9.CE.45 | 'Natrokomarovite' | (Na,Ca,H)2Nb2Si2O10(OH,F)2 · H2O |
| 9.CE.45 | Komarovite | (Ca,Mn)(Nb,Ti)2[Si2O7](O,F)3 · 3.5H2O |
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) | 13.8077% | 4,280 | 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 Tsepinite-K
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-26355.html
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References for Tsepinite-K
Reference List:
Chukanov, N. V., Pekov, I. V., Zadov, A. E., Rosenberg, K. A., Rastsvetaeva, R. K., Krivovichev, S. V., Levitskay, L. A. (2003) New minerals tsepinite-K (K,Ba,Na)2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2·3H2O and paratsepinite-Ba (Ba,Na,K)2-x(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2·4H2O and their relationship with other labuntsovite group members. Zapiski Vserossijskogo Mineralogicheskogo Obshchestva, 132 (1) 38-51
Vaitieva, Yu. A., Chukanov, N. V., Vigasina, M. F., Varlamov, D. A., Volkov, S. N., Rastsvetaeva, R. K., Aksenov, S. M. (2024) Structural Features of Hydrated Representatives of the Labuntsovite Group: Refinement of Crystal Structures of Intermediate Members of the Tsepinite-Na–“Tsepinite-Ba”–Tsepinite-K Solid Solution. Journal of Structural Chemistry, 65 (7) 1357-1370 doi:10.1134/s0022476624070072
Localities for Tsepinite-K
Showing 6 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.
Russia | |
| Lykova et al. (2016) |
| Pekov (2003) |
| American Mineralogist | |
| Chukanov et al. (2003) |
| - (2007) | |
| Pekov (2003) |
Quick NavTopAbout Tsepinite-KUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Hilairitovoye pegmatite, 252 m level, Kirovskii apatite mine, Kukisvumchorr Mt, Murmansk Oblast, Russia