Mitscherlichite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Mitscherlichite
Eilhard Mitscherlich
Formula:
K2CuCl4 · 2H2O
Colour:
Greenish-blue; colourless in transmitted light
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
2.418
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Name:
For German crystallographer and chemist Eilhard Mitscherlich (1794-1863), Professor of Chemistry in the University of Berlin, Germany, who discovered the phenomena of isomorphism and polymorphism, and who first prepared the compound.
This page provides mineralogical data about Mitscherlichite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2729
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2729:4
IMA Classification of Mitscherlichite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
K2Cu2+Cl4·2H2O
First published:
1925
Classification of Mitscherlichite
3.CJ.15
3 : HALIDES
C : Complex halides
J : With MX6 complexes; M = Fe, Mn, Cu
3 : HALIDES
C : Complex halides
J : With MX6 complexes; M = Fe, Mn, Cu
11.3.2.1
11 : HALIDE COMPLEXES
3 : AmBX4·xH2O
11 : HALIDE COMPLEXES
3 : AmBX4·xH2O
8.2.12
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
2 : Halides of Cu
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
2 : Halides of Cu
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mits | 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 Mitscherlichite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Greenish-blue; colourless in transmitted light
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Density:
2.418 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.41 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Mitscherlichite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.6365 nε = 1.6148
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.022
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:
Moderate
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
O = sky-blue; E = grass-green.
Chemistry of Mitscherlichite
Mindat Formula:
K2CuCl4 · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Mitscherlichite
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) - Ditetragonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P42/mnm
Setting:
P42/mnm
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.477(13) Å, c = 7.935(19) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.061
Unit Cell V:
443.61 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals pyramidal {011}, or short prismatic [001].
Twinning:
On {011} (artificial material).
Comment:
probable, synthetic
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0010516 | Mitscherlichite | Chrobak L (1934) Quantitative spectrometric studies of ammonium and of potassium cupric chloride dihydrate (NH4)2CuCl4*2H2O and K2CuCl4*2H2O Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 88 35-47 |  | 1934 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
| 0017964 | Mitscherlichite | Hendricks S, Dickinson R (1927) The Crystal Structure of ammonium, potassium and rubidium cupric chloride dihydrates _cod_database_code 1011065 Journal of the American Chemical Society 49 2149-2162 | 1927 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.635 Å | (100) |
| 2.711 Å | (95) |
| 5.42 Å | (70) |
| 3.164 Å | (50) |
| 3.072 Å | (25) |
| 1.977 Å | (25) |
| 1.5814 Å | (25) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45b : [Other oxidized fumarolic minerals] | |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Mitscherlichite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Minute crystals on a small stalactite of salts.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
University of Florence, Florence, Italy, 225/l.
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1928,239.
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1928,239.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Secondary product of the fumarolic activity.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Mitscherlichite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.CJ.05 | Rinneite | K3Na[FeCl6] |
| 3.CJ.05 | Saltonseaite | K3NaMnCl6 |
| 3.CJ.05 | Chlormanganokalite | K4[MnCl6] |
| 3.CJ.10 | Erythrosiderite | K2[Fe3+Cl5(H2O)] |
| 3.CJ.10 | Kremersite | (NH4,K)2[Fe3+Cl5(H2O)] |
| 3.CJ.20 | Douglasite | K2[Fe2+Cl4(OH2)2] |
| 3.CJ.25 | 'Redikortsevite' | (NH4)MgCl3 · 6H2O |
| 3.CJ.30 | Zirklerite | (Fe,Mg,Ca)9Al4Cl18(OH)12 · 14H2O (?) |
| 3.CJ.30 | Kalithallite | K3Tl3+Cl6 · 2H2O |
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) | 24.4682% | 7,585 | 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 Mitscherlichite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2729.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Mitscherlichite
Reference List:
Localities for Mitscherlichite
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.
France | |
| Vlastélic et al. (2013) |
Iran | |
| Khorasanipour (2015) |
Italy | |
| Russo et al. (2004) |
| Zambonini and Carobbi (1925) +2 other references |
| Russo et al. (2004) | |
Russia | |
| Pekov et al. (2015) |
Quick NavTopAbout MitscherlichiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Vesuvius fumaroles, Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, Italy