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Morimotoite

A valid IMA mineral species
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00236490017593275997443.jpg
Morimotoite

Chisaka deposit, Saru District, Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō Prefecture, Japan
04688480017671271491056.jpg
Morimotoite

California State Gem Mine, Santa Rita Peak, San Benito County, California, USA
00206960017272289708390.jpg
Morimotoite, etc.

Odikhincha massif, Maimecha and Kotui Rivers Basin, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
03455790017591358157223.jpg
Morimotoite

Chisaka deposit, Saru District, Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō Prefecture, Japan
00122120017665170301380.jpg
Morimotoite

California State Gem Mine, Santa Rita Peak, San Benito County, California, USA
00206960017272289708390.jpg
Morimotoite, etc.

Odikhincha massif, Maimecha and Kotui Rivers Basin, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
00236490017593275997443.jpg
Morimotoite

Chisaka deposit, Saru District, Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō Prefecture, Japan
04688480017671271491056.jpg
Morimotoite

California State Gem Mine, Santa Rita Peak, San Benito County, California, USA
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About MorimotoiteHide

04901280017271925328088.jpg
Nobuo Morimoto
Formula:
Ca3(TiFe2+)(SiO4)3
Colour:
Black
Lustre:
Adamantine
Hardness:
7½
Specific Gravity:
3.75
Crystal System:
Isometric
Name:
Named by C. Henmi, I. Kusachi, and K. Henmi in 1992 in honor of Nobuo Morimoto (9 February 1925, Omachi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan - 13 September 2010, Kyoto, Japan), mineralogist and professor at Osaka University and Kyoto University.
Schorlomite and morimotoite can be difficult to differentiate because there's an interplay between Ti, Fe (and perhaps Al too), Si and potentially H2O, so many specimens are misidentified: https://www.mindat.org/mesg-669898.html


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
2784
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2784:3

IMA Classification of MorimotoiteHide

Classification of MorimotoiteHide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
9.AD.25

9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
A : Nesosilicates
D : Nesosilicates without additional anions; cations in [6] and/or greater coordination
Dana 8th ed.:
51.4.3c.3

51 : NESOSILICATES Insular SiO4 Groups Only
4 : Insular SiO4 Groups Only with cations in [6] and >[6] coordination

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
MmtIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43
MmtThe Canadian Mineralogist (2019)The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download

Physical Properties of MorimotoiteHide

Lustre:
Adamantine
Colour:
Black
Streak:
Grey
Hardness:
7½ on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN50=1070 - 1150 kg/mm2 - Vickers
Hardness Data:
Measured
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
3.75(2) g/cm3 (Measured)    3.80 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of MorimotoiteHide

Type:
Isotropic
RI values:
n = 1.955(2)
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

Chemistry of MorimotoiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Ca3(TiFe2+)(SiO4)3
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O38.384 %
Ca24.037 %
Si16.845 %
Fe11.165 %
Ti9.570 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
O
Ca
Si
Fe
Ti
Elements listed:
Ca, Fe, O, Si, Ti - search for minerals with similar chemistry
Common Impurities:
Zr,Al,Mn,Mg

Crystallography of MorimotoiteHide

Crystal System:
Isometric
Class (H-M):
m3m(4/m32/m) - Hexoctahedral
Space Group:
Ia3d
Setting:
Ia3d
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.162(3) Å
Unit Cell V:
1,798.93 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
subhedral embedded grains

Epitaxial Relationships of MorimotoiteHide

Epitaxial Minerals:
'Andradite-Grossular Series'
Epitaxy Comments:
outer growth rim

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks>3.0
35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks

Type Occurrence of MorimotoiteHide

Synonyms of MorimotoiteHide

Other Language Names for MorimotoiteHide

Relationship of Morimotoite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Garnet Group > Garnet Supergroup
Other Members of Garnet Group:
AlmandineFe2+3Al2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
AndraditeCa3Fe3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
'Blythite'Mn2+3Mn3+2[SiO4]3
CalderiteMn2+3Fe3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
EringaiteCa3Sc2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
GoldmaniteCa3V3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
GrossularCa3Al2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
'Khoharite'Mg3Fe3+2(SiO4)3
KnorringiteMg3Cr3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
MajoriteMg3(MgSi)(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
Menzerite-(Y)(Y2Ca)Mg2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
MomoiiteMn2+3V3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
PyropeMg3Al2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
RubiniteCa3Ti3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
'Skiagite'Fe2+3Fe3+2[SiO4]3
SpessartineMn2+3Al2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
'UM1984-37-SiO:CrMn'Mn2+3Cr3+2(SiO4)3
UvaroviteCa3Cr3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
2 photos of Morimotoite associated with WollastoniteCa3(Si3O9)
1 photo of Morimotoite associated with 'Titanium-bearing Andradite'Ca3(Fe3+,Ti)2(SiO4)3
1 photo of Morimotoite associated with CalciteCaCO3

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

9.AD.AdrianiteCa12(Al4Mg3Si7)O32Cl6Iso. 43m : I43d
9.AD.05LarniteCa2SiO4Mon. 2/m
9.AD.10Calcio-olivineCa2SiO4Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
9.AD.15MerwiniteCa3Mg(SiO4)2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
9.AD.20BredigiteCa7Mg(SiO4)4Orth. mm2 : Pnn2
9.AD.25MidbariteCa3Mg2(V5+2Si)O12Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25Menzerite-(Y)(Y2Ca)Mg2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25UvaroviteCa3Cr3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25EltyubyuiteCa12Fe3+10Si4O32Cl6Iso. 43m : I43d
9.AD.25EringaiteCa3Sc2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25HenritermieriteCa3Mn3+2(SiO4)2[◻(OH)4]Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/acd
9.AD.25 va'Hydrougrandite'(Ca,Mg,Fe2+)3(Fe3+,Al)2[(OH)4(SiO4)2]Iso.
9.AD.25CalderiteMn2+3Fe3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25NikmelnikoviteCa12(Fe2+Fe3+3Al3◻)[SiO4]6[◻(OH)4]5◻4Trig. 3 : R3
9.AD.25HutcheoniteCa3Ti2(SiO4)(AlO4)2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25Wadalite(Ca,Mg)6(Al,Fe3+)4((Si,Al)O4)3O4Cl3Iso. 43m : I43d
9.AD.25RubiniteCa3Ti3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25KerimasiteCa3Zr2(SiO4)(Fe3+O4)2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25HoltstamiteCa3Al2(SiO4)2[◻(OH)4]Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/acd
9.AD.25SpessartineMn2+3Al2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25ToturiteCa3Sn2(SiO4)(Fe3+O4)2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25KimzeyiteCa3Zr2(SiO4)(AlO4)2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25'Khoharite'Mg3Fe3+2(SiO4)3
9.AD.25IrinarassiteCa3Sn2(SiO4)(AlO4)2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25KnorringiteMg3Cr3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25GoldmaniteCa3V3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25'Blythite'Mn2+3Mn3+2[SiO4]3
9.AD.25'Skiagite'Fe2+3Fe3+2[SiO4]3
9.AD.25'UM1984-37-SiO:CrMn'Mn2+3Cr3+2(SiO4)3
9.AD.25AlmandineFe2+3Al2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25 va'Yamatoite'(Mn2+,Ca)3(V3+,Al)2(SiO4)3Iso.
9.AD.25MomoiiteMn2+3V3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25GrossularCa3Al2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25AndraditeCa3Fe3+2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25MajoriteMg3(MgSi)(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25PyropeMg3Al2(SiO4)3Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.25SchorlomiteCa3Ti2(SiO4)(Fe3+O4)2Iso. m3m(4/m32/m) : Ia3d
9.AD.30HafnonHf(SiO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
9.AD.30ZirconZr(SiO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
9.AD.30CoffiniteU(SiO4) · nH2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
9.AD.30ThoriteTh(SiO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
9.AD.30 va'Auerlite'near Th(Si,P)O4
9.AD.30Stetindite-(Ce)Ce4+SiO4Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
9.AD.35'Tombarthite-(Y)'Y4(Si,H4)4O12-x(OH)4+2xMon.
9.AD.35HuttoniteThSiO4Mon. 2/m
9.AD.40EulytineBi4(SiO4)3Iso. 43m : I43d
9.AD.45ReiditeZr(SiO4)Tet. 4/m : I41/a
9.AD.55JeffbeniteMg3Al2Si3O12Tet. 42m : I42d

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 MorimotoiteHide

References for MorimotoiteHide

Localities for MorimotoiteHide

Showing 18 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.
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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.
Brazil
 
  • Goiás
    • Catalão
Guarino (2010)
Canada
 
  • Alberta
    • Crowsnest Pass
      • Coleman
Adair et al. 2021
  • British Columbia
    • Golden Mining Division
Antao (2014)
  • Ontario
    • Thunder Bay District
      • Killala Lake Area
Savard (2019)
Germany
 
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Mayen-Koblenz
      • Vordereifel
        • Ettringen
Volker Betz collection (https://www.mindat.org/photo-1257451.html)
Israel
 
  • Southern District
    • Beersheba Subdistrict
      • Tamar Regional Council
        • Hatrurim Basin
Galuskin et al. (2025)
Italy
 
  • Veneto
    • Padova Province
      • Galzignano Terme
Fabio Tosato et al. (2024)
Japan
 
  • Hokkaidō Prefecture
    • Hidaka Subprefecture
      • Saru District
Joan Rosell. Adq. A. Petrov (2021)
  • Okayama Prefecture
    • Takahashi City
      • Bitchū
        • Fuka
Henmi et al. (1995) +1 other reference
Romania
 
  • Caraş-Severin County
    • Prigor
Marincea et al. (2014, September)
Russia
 
  • Krasnoyarsk Krai
    • Maimecha and Kotui Rivers Basin
Nikischer (2020)
  • Murmansk Oblast
Mikhailova et al. (2007)
  • Sakhalin Oblast
    • Sakhalin Island
      • Uglegorsky District
        • Morotu (Morotsu; Morutu)
Grapes et al. (1979)
Slovakia
 
  • Žilina Region
S.W. Faryadl & I. Dianiška (2001)
Spain
 
  • Canary Islands
    • Las Palmas Province
      • Fuerteventura
        • Fuerteventura Basal Complex
Casillas et al. (2024)
Tanzania
 
  • Arusha region
    • Ngorongoro District
Mitchell et al. (2022)
USA
 
  • California
Armbruster et al. (1998)
      • Santa Rita Peak
EDX Analysis (02/12/2022)
Quick NavTopAbout MorimotoiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Epitaxial Relationships X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
 
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