Morenosite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Morenosite
Formula:
NiSO4 · 7H2O
Colour:
Apple green or greenish white; green in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
1.953
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named after Señor Antonio Moreno Ruiz (1796-1852), Spanish pharmacist and chemist, Academy of Natural Sciences, Madrid, Spain.
Type Locality:
Epsomite Group; Epsomite-Morenosite Series.
A complete series exists to epsomite.
Dehydrates to retgersite.
A complete series exists to epsomite.
Dehydrates to retgersite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2782
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2782:9
IMA Classification of Morenosite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Ni2+S6+O4·7H2O
Classification of Morenosite
7.CB.40
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations
29.6.11.3
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
6 : AXO4·xH2O
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
6 : AXO4·xH2O
25.12.6
25 : Sulphates
12 : Sulphates of Co and Ni
25 : Sulphates
12 : Sulphates of Co and Ni
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mren | 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 Morenosite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Apple green or greenish white; green in transmitted light.
Streak:
White; faint green tint.
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
On {010}, distinct
On {010}, distinct
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
1.953 g/cm3 (Measured) 1.93 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Morenosite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.467 nβ = 1.489 nγ = 1.492
2V:
Measured: 42° , Calculated: 40°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.025
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 (negative)
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:
relatively weak
Chemistry of Morenosite
Mindat Formula:
NiSO4 · 7H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Morenosite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
222 - Disphenoidal
Space Group:
P212121
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.86 Å, b = 12.08 Å, c = 6.81 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.982 : 1 : 0.564
Unit Cell V:
975.66 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Artificial crystals are short prismatic [001]. Occurs naturally as efflorescent crusts of indistinct crystals and fibers; stalactitic.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0015589 | Morenosite | Iskhakova L D, Dubrovinskii L S, Charushnikova I A (1991) Crystal structure, theoretical parameters of potential of atomic interaction (PPAI), and thermochemical properties of NiSO4*nH2O (n=7,6) Soviet Physics Crystallography 36 360-363 | 1991 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0018144 | Morenosite | Beevers C, Schwartz C (1935) The crystal structure of nickel sulphate heptahydrate Ni S O4 (H2 O)7 _cod_database_code 1011297 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 91 157-169 |  | 1935 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0010551 | Morenosite | Beevers C A, Schwartz C M (1935) The crystal structure of nickel sulphate heptahydrate NiSO4*7H2O Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 91 157-169 | | 1935 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] |
Type Occurrence of Morenosite
Synonyms of Morenosite
Other Language Names for Morenosite
Varieties of Morenosite
| Magnesium-bearing Morenosite | A magnesium-bearing variety of morenosite, containing Mg in substitution for Ni up to the 1:1 ratio with Mg, after which the material in the series is epsomite (50% rule). |
Relationship of Morenosite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Epsomite Group:
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 11 photos of Morenosite associated with Retgersite | NiSO4 · 6H2O |
| 3 photos of Morenosite associated with Pentlandite | (NixFey)Σ9S8 |
| 3 photos of Morenosite associated with 'Pennine' | Mg5Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)8 |
| 3 photos of Morenosite associated with Millerite | NiS |
| 2 photos of Morenosite associated with Conichalcite | CaCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 2 photos of Morenosite associated with Pyrrhotite | Fe1-xS |
| 2 photos of Morenosite associated with Nickelhexahydrite | Ni2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 2 photos of Morenosite associated with Siderite | FeCO3 |
| 1 photo of Morenosite associated with Nickeline | NiAs |
| 1 photo of Morenosite associated with Annabergite | Ni3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.CB. | Sarvodaite | Al2(SO4)3 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.02 | Voudourisite | CdSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Szmikite | MnSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Szomolnokite | FeSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Cobaltkieserite | CoSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Dwornikite | Ni(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Kieserite | MgSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Poitevinite | (Cu,Fe)SO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Gunningite | ZnSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.07 | Sanderite | MgSO4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CB.10 | Bonattite | CuSO4 · 3H2O |
| 7.CB.12 | Belogubite | CuZn(SO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Drobecite | CdSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Aplowite | CoSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Cranswickite | MgSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Rozenite | FeSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Starkeyite | MgSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Ilesite | Mn2+(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Boyleite | ZnSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Siderotil | FeSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Jôkokuite | MnSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Pentahydrite | MgSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Chalcanthite | CuSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.25 | Chvaleticeite | Mn2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Nickelhexahydrite | Ni2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Hexahydrite | Mg(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Bianchite | Zn(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Moorhouseite | Co2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Ferrohexahydrite | Fe2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.30 | Retgersite | NiSO4 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Zincmelanterite | Zn(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Melanterite | Fe2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Alpersite | (Mg,Cu2+)(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Bieberite | Co2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Boothite | Cu2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Mallardite | Mn2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Epsomite | MgSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Goslarite | ZnSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.45 | Meta-alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| 7.CB.45 | Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| 7.CB.50 | Aluminocoquimbite | Al2Fe2(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.50 | Lazaridisite | Cd3(SO4)3 · 8H2O |
| 7.CB.52 | Pararaisaite | CuMg[Te6+O4(OH)2] · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Paracoquimbite | Fe4(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Rhomboclase | (H5O2)Fe3+(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Raisaite | CuMg[Te6+O4(OH)2] · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Coquimbite | AlFe3(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.57 | 'Caichengyunite' | Fe2+3Al2(SO4)6 · 30H2O |
| 7.CB.60 | Kornelite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.65 | Quenstedtite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 11H2O |
| 7.CB.70 | Lausenite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.75 | Römerite | Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 14H2O |
| 7.CB.75 | Lishizhenite | ZnFe2(SO4)4 · 14H2O |
| 7.CB.80 | Ransomite | CuFe2(SO4)4 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Dietrichite | ZnAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Halotrichite | Fe2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Apjohnite | Mn2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Redingtonite | Fe2+Cr3+2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Pickeringite | MgAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Bílinite | Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Wupatkiite | Co2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.90 | Meridianiite | MgSO4 · 11H2O |
Other Information
Magnetism:
Paramagnetic
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 Morenosite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2782.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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Mineral Dealers:
References for Morenosite
Reference List:
Cronstedt, Axel Fredrik (1758) Försök till en Mineralogie eller Mineral Rikets Upställning. J. A. Carlbohm, Stockholm.
Beevers, C A.; Schwartz, C. M. (1935) The Crystal Structure of Nickel Sulphate Heptahydrate NiSO4.7H2O. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, 91 (1-6). p.157-169. doi:10.1524/zkri.1935.91.1.157
Hutton, C. Osborne (1947) Nickelian epsomite from north Auckland, New Zealand. American Mineralogist, 32 (9-10) 553-560
Frondel, Clifford, Palache, Charles (1949) Retgersite, NiSO4·6H2O, a new mineral. American Mineralogist, 34 (3-4) 188-194
Kohler, K.; Zäske, P. (1964) Beiträge zur Thermochemie der Hydrate. II. Der thermische Abbau von MgSO4·7 H2O, NiSO4·7 H2O, ZnSO4·7 H2O. Zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine Chemie, 331 (1-2). p.1-6. doi:10.1002/zaac.19643310102
Olovsson, I.; McIntyre, G. J.; Ptasiewicz-Bak, H. (1993) Chemical bonding and temperature effects in the charge and spin densities of NiSO4.6H2O and NiSO4.7H2O. Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations of Crystallography, 49 (s1). c380 doi:10.1107/s0108767378089321
Ptasiewicz-Bak, H.; Olovsson, I.; McIntyre, G. J. (1997) Charge Density in Orthorhombic NiSO4.7H2O at Room Temperature and 25 K. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Science, 53 (3). 325-336 doi:10.1107/s0108768196014061
Chou, I-Ming, Seal, Robert R. (2003) Acquisition and evaluation of thermodynamic data for morenosite-retgersite equilibria at 0.1 MPa. American Mineralogist, 88 (11) 1943-1948 doi:10.2138/am-2003-11-1237
Localities for Morenosite
Showing 102 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.
Australia | |
| Nickel et al. (1977) +2 other references |
| Grguric (2003) |
Austria | |
| Auer (2021) |
| Meixner (1956) |
| Pichler (2009) |
| Meixner (1958) |
| Strasser (1989) |
| Strasser (1989) |
Bolivia | |
| Dr. Fritz Berndt collection (Dr. Frank Keutsch analysis) |
Canada | |
| Hawley et al. (1962) |
| Reiner Mielke 2011 | |
| Hawley et al. (1962) |
| Noront Resources Ltd. |
| 157-158. +1 other reference |
| Dana 6: 940 +1 other reference |
| Sabina (2003) |
| Staveley (1976) | |
Czech Republic | |
| Duda +1 other reference |
DR Congo | |
| Gauthier et al. (1989) |
France | |
| Favreau et al. (2024) |
| Georges FAVREAU collection & EDX ... +1 other reference | |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Dana 6:940. |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Steinkamm et al. (1988) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) | |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Der Aufschluss Vol.55 |
| Thomas Kleser Collection |
| Frenzel (2009) |
| Wittern (2001) |
Greece | |
| 90 (in German) +2 other references |
Iraq | |
| Yassin et al. (Eds.) |
Ireland | |
| King et al. (267) |
Italy | |
| Boscardin et al. (1977) +1 other reference |
| Boscardin M. (1977) | |
| Del Caldo et al. (1973) +2 other references | |
| Del Caldo et al. (1973) +3 other references | |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Gramaccioli (1975) | |
| Cavinato A. (1938) | |
| Bedognè et al. (1993) |
| Bedognè et al. (1993) |
| Bedognè et al. (1993) |
| DaDa +1 other reference | |
| Cavinato (1938) +2 other references |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Scaini G. (1971) +1 other reference |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Exel (1987) |
| Marco Bonifazi find & collection +1 other reference |
Japan | |
| Go Ito +1 other reference |
Peru | |
| Frondel et al. (1949) +1 other reference |
Poland | |
| Paulo A. 1970: On the formation of ... |
Portugal | |
| Antonio Jesus Pimentel specimens +1 other reference |
Russia | |
| Berger et al. (2011) +1 other reference |
| Novakov et al. (2021) |
| Vereshchagin et al. (2025) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Spain | |
| Joan Rosell |
| Joan Abella i Creus (2008) |
| Duda +3 other references |
Switzerland | |
| Bedognè et al. (2006) |
| Bedognè et al. (2006) | |
| Van Hove C. Collection |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Bracke (n.d.) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) | |
UK | |
| Ford et al. (1993) |
USA | |
| Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference |
| Pemberton (1983) +1 other reference |
| - (2005) |
| Morton (1977) +2 other references |
| Becker (1888b) +3 other references |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Rocks & Minerals 82:402-407 +3 other references | |
| Woodhouse et al. (1957) +1 other reference |
| Stinson (1957a) +3 other references |
| O'Donoghue (1976) |
| Sherwood et al. (1998) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Nickel Deposits in Cottonwood Canyon et al. (1939) | |
| Barrick Gold Corporation | |
| Dana 6:1069 +4 other references |
| Cannon (1975) |
| Cannon (1975) |
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Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic