Vote for your favorite mineral in #MinCup26! - Sphalerite vs. Anorthite
Both zinc ore Sphalerite and calcium plagioclase feldspar Anorthite have perfect cleavage that will split cleanly if you hit them with a hammer, but only one can claim a larger split of your votes!
Log InRegister
Quick Links : The Mindat ManualThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryMindat Newsletter [Free Download]
Home PageAbout MindatThe Mindat ManualHistory of MindatCopyright StatusWho We AreContact UsAdvertise on Mindat
Donate to MindatCorporate SponsorshipSponsor a PageSponsored PagesMindat AdvertisersAdvertise on Mindat
Learning CenterWhat is a mineral?The most common minerals on earthInformation for EducatorsMindat ArticlesThe ElementsThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryGeologic TimeExplore Fossils
Minerals by PropertiesMinerals by ChemistryMineral Visual ExplorerAdvanced Locality SearchRandom MineralRandom LocalitySearch by minIDLocalities Near MeSearch ArticlesSearch GlossaryMore Search Options
Search For:
Mineral Name:
Locality Name:
Keyword(s):
 
The Mindat ManualAdd a New PhotoRate PhotosLocality Edit ReportCoordinate Completion ReportAdd Glossary Item
Mining CompaniesStatisticsUsersMineral MuseumsClubs & OrganizationsMineral Shows & EventsThe Mindat DirectoryDevice SettingsThe Mineral QuizTime Machine
Photo SearchPhoto GalleriesSearch by ColorPhoto Colour ExplorerNew Photos TodayNew Photos YesterdayMembers' Photo GalleriesPast Photo of the Day GalleryPhotography

Metavivianite

A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

About MetavivianiteHide

Formula:
Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O
Colour:
Dark blue to blue-black; dark green to green-black
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Greasy, Dull
Hardness:
1½ - 2
Specific Gravity:
2.69 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named by C. Ritz, Eric J. Essene, and Donald R. Peacor in 1974 for its structural relationship to vivianite.
Dimorph of:
Isostructural with:
Usually occurs as pseudomorphs after vivianite.
See also kertschenite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
2695
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2695:2

IMA Classification of MetavivianiteHide

Approved
IMA Formula:
Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2·6H2O
Approval year:
1973
First published:
1974

Classification of MetavivianiteHide

8.DC.25

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 1:1 and < 2:1
40.11.9.4

40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
11 :
19.13.12

19 : Phosphates
13 : Phosphates of Fe alone

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

Pronunciation of MetavivianiteHide

Pronunciation:
PlayRecorded byCountry
Jolyon RalphUnited Kingdom

Physical Properties of MetavivianiteHide

Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Greasy, Dull
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Dark blue to blue-black; dark green to green-black
Streak:
Blue or greenish blue
Hardness:
1½ - 2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Perfect
{110}
Density:
2.69 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of MetavivianiteHide

Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.600 - 3 nβ = 1.640 - 3 nγ = 1.685 - 3
2V:
Measured: 85° (5), Calculated: 90°
Birefringence:
0.50
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:
very weak
Optical Extinction:
X perpendicular to {010}, Y parallel {110}
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X blue to blue green, Y,Z yellow green

Chemistry of MetavivianiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O51.241 %
Fe33.535 %
P12.400 %
H2.825 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
O
Fe
P
H

Crystallography of MetavivianiteHide

Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Setting:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.989(1) Å, b = 9.321(2) Å, c = 4.629(1) Å
α = 97.34(1)°, β = 95.96(1)°, γ = 108.59(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.857 : 1 : 0.497
Unit Cell V:
320.18 ų
Z:
1
Morphology:
Bladed crystals, often with irregular acute multiple terminations.
Twinning:
{110}

Crystal StructureHide

Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File    Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0012078MetavivianiteDormann J, Gasperin M, Poullen J F (1982) Etude structurale de la sequence d'oxydation de la vivianite Fe3(PO4)2*8(H2O) Bulletin de Mineralogie 105 147-16019820293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
8.59 Å(40)
6.71 Å(100)
4.86 Å(40)
4.27 Å(10)
3.97 Å(30)
3.07 Å(10)
2.90 Å(20)
2.77 Å(30)
Comments:
ICDD 29-1137

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Geological Setting:
Phosphate veins in ironstone
Phosphatic sedimentary units

Type Occurrence of MetavivianiteHide

General Appearance of Type Material:
Blue black or green black bladed crystals
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 127100.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Late stage oxidation of vivianite in a granite pegmatite
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:

Synonyms of MetavivianiteHide

Other Language Names for MetavivianiteHide

Simplified Chinese:三斜蓝铁矿
Traditional Chinese:三斜藍鐵礦

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
19 photos of Metavivianite associated with SantabarbaraiteFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O
11 photos of Metavivianite associated with VivianiteFe2+Fe2+2(PO4)2 · 8H2O
6 photos of Metavivianite associated with SideriteFeCO3
3 photos of Metavivianite associated with BaryteBaSO4
3 photos of Metavivianite associated with 'Limonite'
2 photos of Metavivianite associated with Berthierine(Fe2+,Fe3+,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4
1 photo of Metavivianite associated with TripliteMn2+2(PO4)F
1 photo of Metavivianite associated with AnglesitePbSO4
1 photo of Metavivianite associated with 'Kertschenite'
1 photo of Metavivianite associated with Kryzhanovskite(Fe3+,Mn2+)3(PO4)2(OH,H2O)3

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.DC.FerroberauniteFe2+Fe3+5(PO4)4(OH)5 · 6H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DC.CésarferreiraiteFe2+ Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.FerrivauxiteFe3+Al2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.IanbruceiteZn2(AsO4)(OH) · 3H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.05NissoniteCu2Mg2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 5H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DC.07EuchroiteCu2(AsO4)(OH) · 3H2OOrth. 222 : P212121
8.DC.10LegranditeZn2(AsO4)(OH) · H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.12StrashimiriteCu8(AsO4)4(OH)4 · 5H2OMon.
8.DC.15EarlshannoniteMn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.15KunatiteCuFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.15'UM2006-27-PO:FeHZn'ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon.
8.DC.15'UKI-2006-(PO:AlCuFeH)'Fe2+Al3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O
8.DC.15CobaltarthuriteCoFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.15ArthuriteCuFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.15OjuelaiteZnFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.15WhitmoreiteFe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.15BendadaiteFe2+Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.17KleemaniteZnAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 3H2OMon.
8.DC.20MagnesiobermaniteMgMn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2 : P21
8.DC.20BermaniteMn2+Mn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DC.20CoralloiteMn2+Mn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.22KovdorskiteMg2(PO4)(OH) · 3H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.25ZincostrunziteZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6.5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.25MetavauxiteFe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.25FerristrunziteFe3+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2OTric.
8.DC.25StrunziteMn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.25FerrostrunziteFe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2OTric.
8.DC.27BerauniteFe3+6(PO4)4O(OH)4 · 6H2OMon. m : Bb
8.DC.27TvrdýiteFe2+Fe3+2Al3(PO4)4(OH)5(H2O)4 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DC.27ZincoberauniteZnFe3+5(PO4)4(OH)5 · 6H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DC.30MaghrebiteMgAl2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30FerrolaueiteFe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30UshkoviteMgFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30LaueiteMn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30ParavauxiteFe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30SigloiteFe3+Al2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 7H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30NordgauiteMnAl2(PO4)2(F,OH)2 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30Kayrobertsonite[MnAl2(PO4)2(OH)2(H2O)4] · 2H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30KummeriteMn2+Fe3+Al(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30MangangordoniteMn2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30StewartiteMn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30GordoniteMgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30Kastningite(Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.30PseudolaueiteMn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.32KamarizaiteFe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)3 · 3H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.32TinticiteFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 3H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.35VauxiteFe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.37VantasseliteAl4(PO4)3(OH)3 · 9H2OOrth.
8.DC.40CacoxeniteFe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2OHex. 6/m : P63/m
8.DC.45SouzaliteMg3Al4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2OTric. 1
8.DC.45Gormanite(Fe2+,Mg)3(Al,Fe3+)4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2OTric.
8.DC.47KingiteAl3(PO4)2F2(OH) · 7H2OTric.
8.DC.50AllanpringiteFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DC.50FluorwavelliteAl3(PO4)2(OH)2F · 5H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
8.DC.50WavelliteAl3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
8.DC.52KribergiteAl5(PO4)3(SO4)(OH)4 · 4H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DC.55MapimiteZn2Fe3+3(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 10H2OMon. m : Bm
8.DC.57OgdensburgiteCa2Fe3+4(Zn,Mn2+)(AsO4)4(OH)6 · 6H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmmm
8.DC.60CloncurryiteCu0.5(VO)0.5Al2(PO4)2F2 · 5H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DC.60Nevadaite(Cu2+,Al,V3+)6Al8(PO4)8F8(OH)2 · 22H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
8.DC.62KenngottiteMn2+3Fe3+4(PO4)4(OH)6(H2O)2 Mon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DC.67MolinelloiteCu(H2O)(OH)V4+O(V5+O4)Tric. 1 : P1
8.DC.70WhitecapsiteH16Fe2+5Fe3+14Sb3+6(AsO4)18O16 · 120H2OHex. 6/m : P63/m
8.DC.75HeimitePbCu2(AsO4)(OH)3 · 2H2OMon. 2/m
8.DC.80LedneviteCu[PO3(OH)] · H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b

Fluorescence of MetavivianiteHide

Not fluorescent

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 MetavivianiteHide

References for MetavivianiteHide

Reference List:

Localities for MetavivianiteHide

Showing 37 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.
Bolivia
 
  • Oruro
    • Pantaleón Dalence Province
      • Santa Fé mining district
Petrov (n.d.)
  • Potosí
    • Cornelio Saavedra Province
      • Tacobamba Municipality
        • Canutillos subdistrict
          • Huayllani
XRD confirmation by Dr. Anthony Kampf.
Brazil
 
  • Minas Gerais
    • Galiléia
      • Sapucaia do Norte
Baijot et al. (2012)
Cameroon
 
  • Adamawa Region
    • Vina
      • Martap
Fransolet et al. (1984)
Canada
 
  • Yukon
    • Dawson mining district
Robinson et al. (1992)
150-152. +2 other references
Finland
 
  • Pirkanmaa
    • Orivesi
      • Eräjärvi area
Lahti (1981)
Sandström et al. (2009)
Germany
 
  • Hesse
    • Giessen Region
      • Limburg-Weilburg
        • Weinbach
XRD and Wet Chemical by Gerhard Möhn
  • Lower Saxony
    • Goslar District
      • Langelsheim
        • Lautenthal
Schnorrer-Köhler (1991)
  • North Rhine-Westphalia
    • Arnsberg
      • Märkischer Kreis
        • Iserlohn
          • Letmathe
            • Helmke quarry nature reserve
Schnorrer (1993) +1 other reference
  • Schleswig-Holstein
    • Nordfriesland
      • Joldelund
Wittern (2001)
Italy
 
  • Tuscany
    • Upper Valdarno (Upper Val d'Arno)
Pratesi (1993) +2 other references
Pratesi (1993) +2 other references
Japan
 
  • Hyogo Prefecture
    • Kobe city
      • Nishi-ku
S. Matsubara (2000)
Netherlands
 
  • North Brabant
T.G. Nijland
Portugal
 
  • Faro
    • Alcoutim
      • Martim Longo
Alves (n.d.)
  • Guarda
    • Gouveia
      • Folgosinho
DOI: ... +1 other reference
Russia
 
  • Sakha
    • Yakutsk
Shen et al. (2021)
Sweden
 
  • Stockholm County
    • Haninge
      • Norrö
Gustafsson et al. (1991)
UK
 
  • England
    • Cumbria
Cooper et al. (1990)
    • Devon
      • North Devon
        • Bishop's Tawton
Alysson Rowan collection
      • Torridge
        • Parkham
Alysson Rowan collection
Ukraine
 
  • Crimea
Geologiya SSSR (The geology of USSR) +1 other reference
Abramov (1989)
        • Kerchenskoe deposit
Arbuzov V.A. et al. (1967)
Popov S.P. (1938) +1 other reference
USA
 
  • Florida
    • Polk County
      • Central Florida Phosphate Mining District (Bone Valley)
        • Homeland
Denicourt +1 other reference
  • New Hampshire
    • Cheshire County
      • Walpole
Bob Wilken collection
    • Grafton County
      • Groton
Whitmore et al. (2004)
  • New Jersey
    • Gloucester County
      • Harrison Township
Luetcke (n.d.)
  • South Dakota
    • Custer County
      • Custer Mining District
        • Custer
Smith et al. (2000)
    • Pennington County
      • Keystone Mining District
        • Glendale
Ritz et al. (1974) +1 other reference
  • Wisconsin
    • Rusk County
      • Ladysmith
Cordua (1998)
 
and/or  
Mindat.org® is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Mindat® and mindat.org® are registered trademarks of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2026, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph and Ida Chau.
Content on this site may not be used to train, fine-tune, or otherwise develop artificial intelligence or machine learning models without prior written permission - see our Terms & Conditions.
To cite: Ralph, J., Von Bargen, D., Martynov, P., Zhang, J., Que, X., Prabhu, A., Morrison, S. M., Li, W., Chen, W., & Ma, X. (2025). Mindat.org: The open access mineralogy database to accelerate data-intensive geoscience research. American Mineralogist, 110(6), 833–844. doi:10.2138/am-2024-9486.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: September 3, 2026 00:48:09 Page updated: August 24, 2026 12:17:28
Go to top of page