Painite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Painite
Formula:
CaZrAl9(BO3)O15
Colour:
Red, brownish, orange-red
Hardness:
8
Specific Gravity:
4.01 - 4.03
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Name:
Named in honor of Arthur Charles Davy Pain (23rd June 1901, Exmouth, England, UK - 27th August 1971, Exmouth, England, UK), mineralogist and gemmologist who first noted it as an interesting crystal.
Painite is an extremely rare borate mineral containing calcium, zirconium, boron, aluminium, and oxygen, with trace amounts of vanadium and chromium often contributing to its reddish-brown to orange-red coloration.
First discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s by British gemmologist Arthur C.D. Pain, after whom it is named, painite was for decades known from only a handful of specimens and was listed for many years as the world's rarest gemstone.
The Guinness Book of Records listed painite as the rarest gem between around 1981 and 2005. New finds in the early 2000s brought a relatively large amount of new painite specimens to the market.
It crystallises in the hexagonal system, typically forming prismatic or short, stubby crystals, and may show strong pleochroism from brownish-red to orangish-red hues. Transparent gem-quality crystals are highly prized by collectors, while most material is opaque to translucent. Its scarcity, complex chemistry, and limited geographic occurrence make painite a notable species in both mineralogical and gemmological circles.
Painite is only found from Myanmar - reports online of painite from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mozambique and other places are incorrect. Material sold as painite from these places is either Myanmar painite being sold with a deceptive origin to avoid potential sanctions or, usually, another stone entirely (e.g. garnet.)
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Painite.
First discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s by British gemmologist Arthur C.D. Pain, after whom it is named, painite was for decades known from only a handful of specimens and was listed for many years as the world's rarest gemstone.
The Guinness Book of Records listed painite as the rarest gem between around 1981 and 2005. New finds in the early 2000s brought a relatively large amount of new painite specimens to the market.
It crystallises in the hexagonal system, typically forming prismatic or short, stubby crystals, and may show strong pleochroism from brownish-red to orangish-red hues. Transparent gem-quality crystals are highly prized by collectors, while most material is opaque to translucent. Its scarcity, complex chemistry, and limited geographic occurrence make painite a notable species in both mineralogical and gemmological circles.
Painite is only found from Myanmar - reports online of painite from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mozambique and other places are incorrect. Material sold as painite from these places is either Myanmar painite being sold with a deceptive origin to avoid potential sanctions or, usually, another stone entirely (e.g. garnet.)
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Painite.Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3063
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3063:8
Similar Names
| Hainite-(Y) | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Na2Ca4(Y,REE)Ti(Si2O7)2OF3 |
| Kainite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | KMg(SO4)Cl · 3H2O |
| Pinite | ||
| Pinnoite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Mg[B2O(OH)6] |
| Ponite | A variety of Rhodochrosite | (Mn,Fe)CO3 |
IMA Classification of Painite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
CaZr4+Al9O15(BO3)
Classification of Painite
6.AB.85
6 : BORATES
A : Monoborates
B : BO3, with additional anions; 1(D) + OH, etc.
6 : BORATES
A : Monoborates
B : BO3, with additional anions; 1(D) + OH, etc.
7.5.2.1
7 : MULTIPLE OXIDES
5 : (AB)2X3
7 : MULTIPLE OXIDES
5 : (AB)2X3
7.10.3
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
10 : Oxides of Zr and Th
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
10 : Oxides of Zr and Th
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pai | 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 Painite
Colour:
Red, brownish, orange-red
Hardness:
8 on Mohs scale
Density:
4.01 - 4.03 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.01 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
D(calc.) = 3.996–4.020
Optical Data of Painite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.8159 nε = 1.7875
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.028
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:
Very High (positive)
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 uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
Ruby-red // to [0001]; pale brownish orange or pale red-orange perpendicular to [0001].
Chemistry of Painite
Mindat Formula:
CaZrAl9(BO3)O15
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Painite
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Class (H-M):
6/m - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P63/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.724(1) Å, c = 8.464(2) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 0.97
Unit Cell V:
557.88 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Elongate crystals.
Comment:
Data from Armbruster et al. (2004); previously assumed to have space group P63.
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
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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
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0003470 | Painite | Armbruster T, Dobelin N, Peretti A, Gunther D, Reusser E, Grobety B (2004) The crystal structure of painite CaZrB[Al9O18] revisited American Mineralogist 89 610-613 |  | 2004 | Mogok | 0 | 293 |
| 0000495 | Painite | Moore P B, Araki T (1976) Painite, CaZrB[Al9O18]: Its crystal structure and relation to jeremejevite, B5[X3Al6(OH)3O15], and fluoborite, B3[Mg9(F,OH)9O9] American Mineralogist 61 88-94 | | 1976 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.76 Å | (vs) |
| 3.70 Å | (s) |
| 2.520 Å | (vs) |
| 2.370 Å | (s) |
| 2.008 Å | (s) |
| 1.726 Å | (ms) |
| 1.423 Å | (ms) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) | |
| 26 : Hadean detrital minerals |
Type Occurrence of Painite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Single crystal.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom, number BM 1954,192 (holotype).
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 142506 (holotype).
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 142506 (holotype).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Gem gravels.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Painite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 39 photos of Painite associated with 'Ruby' | Al2O3 |
| 7 photos of Painite associated with Corundum | Al2O3 |
| 5 photos of Painite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 2 photos of Painite associated with Phlogopite | KMg3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Painite associated with 'Sapphire' | Al2O3 |
| 1 photo of Painite associated with Spinel | MgAl2O4 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 6.AB. | Chubarovite | KZn2(BO3)Cl2 |
| 6.AB. | Rhabdoborite-(Mo) | Mg12Mo6+1.33O6(BO3)6F2 |
| 6.AB.05 | Hambergite | Be2(BO3)(OH) |
| 6.AB.10 | Berborite | Be2(BO3)(OH) · H2O |
| 6.AB.15 | Jeremejevite | Al6(BO3)5(F,OH)3 |
| 6.AB.20 | Yuanfuliite | Mg(Fe3+,Al)O(BO3) |
| 6.AB.20 | Warwickite | (Mg,Ti,Fe,Al)2O(BO3) |
| 6.AB.25 | Karlite | (Mg,Al)6.5(BO3)3(OH)4(◻,Cl)0.5 |
| 6.AB.30 | Marinaite | Cu2Fe3+O2(BO3) |
| 6.AB.30 | Savelievaite | Mg2Cr3+O2(BO3) |
| 6.AB.30 | Fredrikssonite | Mg2Mn3+O2(BO3) |
| 6.AB.30 | Vonsenite | Fe2+2Fe3+(BO3)O2 |
| 6.AB.30 | Ludwigite | Mg2Fe3+(BO3)O2 |
| 6.AB.30 | Azoproite | (Mg,Fe2+)2(Fe3+,Ti,Mg)(BO3)O2 |
| 6.AB.30 | Bonaccordite | Ni2Fe3+(BO3)O2 |
| 6.AB.35 | Folvikite | Sb5+Mn3+(Mg,Mn2+)10O8(BO3)4 |
| 6.AB.35 | Pinakiolite | (Mg,Mn2+)2Mn3+(BO3)O2 |
| 6.AB.40 | Takéuchiite | (Mg,Mn2+)2(Mn3+,Fe3+)(BO3)O2 |
| 6.AB.40 | Blatterite | Sb5+3(Mn3+,Fe3+)9(Mn2+,Mg)35(BO3)16O32 |
| 6.AB.40 | Orthopinakiolite | (Mg,Mn2+)2Mn3+(BO3)O2 |
| 6.AB.40 | Chestermanite | Mg2(Fe3+,Mn3+,Al,Sb3+)(BO3)O2 |
| 6.AB.45 | Aluminomagnesiohulsite | (Mg,Fe2+)2(Al,Mg,Sn)(BO3)O2 |
| 6.AB.45 | Hulsite | Fe2+2Fe3+O2(BO3) |
| 6.AB.45 | Magnesiohulsite | Mg2Fe3+O2(BO3) |
| 6.AB.50 | Fluoborite | Mg3(BO3)(F,OH)3 |
| 6.AB.50 | Hydroxylborite | Mg3(BO3)(OH)3 |
| 6.AB.55 | Shabynite | Mg5(BO3)(OH)5(Cl,OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 6.AB.55 | Wightmanite | Mg5(BO3)O(OH)5 · 2H2O |
| 6.AB.60 | Gaudefroyite | Ca4Mn3+2-3(BO3)3(CO3)(O,OH)3 |
| 6.AB.65 | Sakhaite | Ca48Mg16(BO3)32(CO3)16 · 2(H2O,HCl) |
| 6.AB.70 | Harkerite | Ca48Mg16[AlSi4O15(OH)]4(BO3)16(CO3)16 · 2(H2O,HCl) |
| 6.AB.75 | Pertsevite-(F) | Mg2(BO3)(F,OH) |
| 6.AB.75 | Pertsevite-(OH) | Mg2(BO3)(OH) |
| 6.AB.80 | Jacquesdietrichite | Cu2(H2BO3)(OH)3 |
| 6.AB.85 | Rhabdoborite-(V) | Mg12(V5+,Mo6+,W6+)1.5O6{[BO3]6-x[(P,As)O4]xF2-x} (x < 1) |
| 6.AB.85 | Rhabdoborite-(W) | Mg12(W6+,V5+)1.5O6{[BO3]6-x[(P,As)O4]xF2-x} |
| 6.AB.90 | Mengxianminite | (Ca,Na)2Sn2(Mg,Fe)3Al8[(BO3)(BeO4)O6]2 |
Other Information
Notes:
Insoluble in acids and only slowly attacked by fusion with sodium carbonate or with sodium pyrosulphate.
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 Painite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3063.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Painite
Reference List:
Claringbull, G. F., Hey, Max H., Payne, C. J. (1957) Painite, a new mineral from Mogok, Burma. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 31 (236) 420-425 doi:10.1180/minmag.1957.031.236.11
Moore, Paul Brian, Araki, Takaharu (1976) Painite, CaZrB[Al9O18]: Its crystal structure and relation to jeremejevite, B5[◻3Al6(OH)3O15], and fluoborite, B3[Mg9(F,OH)9O9]. American Mineralogist, 61 (1-2) 88-94
Shigley, James E., Kampf, Anthony R., Rossman, George R. (1986) New data on painite. Mineralogical Magazine, 50 (356) 267-270 doi:10.1180/minmag.1986.050.356.09
Localities for Painite
Showing 11 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.
Myanmar | |
| Rossman GR et al. (2005) +2 other references |
| Kyaw Thu (2007) |
| Themelis (2008) | |
| Themelis (2008) | |
| Jordi Fabre collection | |
| Kyaw Thu (2007) +1 other reference |
| Themelis (2008) | |
| Kyaw Thu (2007) +1 other reference | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
| Claringbull et al. (1957) +1 other reference |
| Kyaw Thu (2007) |
Quick NavTopAbout PainiteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Hinthar-taung, Wet-loo, Kyauk-Pyat-That, Mogok Township, Pyin-Oo-Lwin District, Mandalay Region, Myanmar