Paranatrolite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Paranatrolite
Formula:
Na2Al2Si3O10 · 3H2O
Colour:
Colourless, grey, pale yellow, pale pink
Lustre:
Greasy
Hardness:
5 - 5½
Specific Gravity:
2.21
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named from the Greek 'para' for near, and natrolite for its close association with that mineral and the similarity in their chemical compositions.
Zeolite Group. Natrolite Subgroup.
Paranatrolite is another natrolite analog with a high water content (Chao 1980; Ross et al. 1992).
Paranatrolite is reported to transform to tetranatrolite upon exposure to the atmosphere after removal from its aqueous environment (Chao 1980; Lee et al. 2006; Seryotkin & Bakakin, 2007). This may happen within several hours (Postl, 1996, Taucher et al., 1989).
The dehydration of paranatrolite to tetranatrolite has been believed to be irreversible, but Seryotkin & Bakakin (2007) showed that it can be reversible. Paranatrolite to tetranatrolite transformation is also reversible through pressure-induced hydration. Paranatrolite is indeed a distinct mineral species, which can be formed at high pressure either from natrolite or tetranatrolite with a stability field that varies with composition (Lee et al. 2006).
Paranatrolite is another natrolite analog with a high water content (Chao 1980; Ross et al. 1992).
Paranatrolite is reported to transform to tetranatrolite upon exposure to the atmosphere after removal from its aqueous environment (Chao 1980; Lee et al. 2006; Seryotkin & Bakakin, 2007). This may happen within several hours (Postl, 1996, Taucher et al., 1989).
The dehydration of paranatrolite to tetranatrolite has been believed to be irreversible, but Seryotkin & Bakakin (2007) showed that it can be reversible. Paranatrolite to tetranatrolite transformation is also reversible through pressure-induced hydration. Paranatrolite is indeed a distinct mineral species, which can be formed at high pressure either from natrolite or tetranatrolite with a stability field that varies with composition (Lee et al. 2006).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3102
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3102:4
IMA Classification of Paranatrolite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Na2(Si3Al2)O10·3H2O
Approval year:
1978
First published:
1980
Classification of Paranatrolite
9.GA.05
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
G : Tektosilicates with zeolitic H2O; zeolite family
A : Zeolites with T5O10 Units – The Fibrous Zeolites
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
G : Tektosilicates with zeolitic H2O; zeolite family
A : Zeolites with T5O10 Units – The Fibrous Zeolites
77.1.5.3
77 : TECTOSILICATES Zeolites
1 : Zeolite group - True zeolites
77 : TECTOSILICATES Zeolites
1 : Zeolite group - True zeolites
16.2.7
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
2 : Aluminosilicates of Na
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
2 : Aluminosilicates of Na
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pntr | 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 Paranatrolite
Greasy
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, grey, pale yellow, pale pink
Streak:
White
Hardness:
5 - 5½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
2.21(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.20 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Paranatrolite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.493(2) nβ = 1.499(2) nγ = 1.505(2)
2V:
Measured: <10°
Birefringence:
Very low birefringence.
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.012
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
Optical Extinction:
Slightly undulatory extinction.
Comments:
The indices of refraction of paranatrolite are slightly higher than those of natrolite.
Chemistry of Paranatrolite
Mindat Formula:
Na2Al2Si3O10 · 3H2O
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Ca,K
Crystallography of Paranatrolite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
m - Domatic
Space Group:
Bb
Setting:
Cc
Cell Parameters:
a = 18.971(4) Å, b = 19.204(3) Å, c = 6.5952(12) Å
β = 91.601°
β = 91.601°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.988 : 1 : 0.343
Unit Cell V:
2401.7 ų
Z:
8
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0004007 | Paranatrolite | Lee Y, Hriljac J A, Parise J B, Vogt T (2006) Pressure-induced hydration in zeolite tetranatrolite American Mineralogist 91 247-251 |  | 2006 | Mt. Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada | 0.4 | 293 |
| 0004008 | Paranatrolite | Lee Y, Hriljac J A, Parise J B, Vogt T (2006) Pressure-induced hydration in zeolite tetranatrolite American Mineralogist 91 247-251 | | 2006 | Mt. Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada | 0.8 | 293 |
| 0004009 | Paranatrolite | Lee Y, Hriljac J A, Parise J B, Vogt T (2006) Pressure-induced hydration in zeolite tetranatrolite American Mineralogist 91 247-251 | | 2006 | Mt. Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada | 1.1 | 293 |
| 0004010 | Paranatrolite | Lee Y, Hriljac J A, Parise J B, Vogt T (2006) Pressure-induced hydration in zeolite tetranatrolite American Mineralogist 91 247-251 | | 2006 | Mt. Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada | 2.5 | 293 |
| 0007077 | Paranatrolite | Seryotkin Y V, Bakakin V V, Belitsky I A (2004) The crystal structure of paranatrolite European Journal of Mineralogy 16 545-550 | 2004 | 0 | 293 | ||
| 0003732 | Paranatrolite | Lee Y, Hriljac J A, Parise J B, Vogt T, (2005) Pressure-induced stabilization of ordered paranatrolite: A new insight into the paranatrolite controversy American Mineralogist 90 252-257 | | 2005 | 0.99 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
Epitaxial Relationships of Paranatrolite
Epitaxial Minerals:
| 'Natrolite' | Na2Al2Si3O10 · 2H2O |
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.94 Å | (100) |
| 5.92 Å | (60) |
| 4.44 Å | (40) |
| 4.78 Å | (30) |
| 6.76 Å | (20) |
| 3.26 Å | (15) |
| 3.12 Å | (15) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 3a: Earth’s earliest Hadean crust | >4.50 |
| 9 : Lava/xenolith minerals (hornfels, sanidinite facies) | |
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks |
Type Occurrence of Paranatrolite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Colorless, transparent epitactic overgrowths up to 1 mm in thickness on large natrolite crystals (average 5x5x25 mm) that have been preserved in water from the time of collection.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, number M35546.
Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada, number 37132.
Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada, number 37132.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Miarolitic cavities and pegmatitic dikes in nepheline syenite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Paranatrolite
Other Language Names for Paranatrolite
Relationship of Paranatrolite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Natrolite Subgroup:
| Gonnardite | (Na,Ca)2(Si,Al)5O10 · 3H2O | Orth. |
| Mesolite | Na2Ca2Si9Al6O30 · 8H2O | Orth. mm2 : Fdd2 |
| Natrolite | Na2Al2Si3O10 · 2H2O | Orth. mm2 : Fdd2 |
| Scolecite | CaAl2Si3O10 · 3H2O | Mon. m : Bb |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.GA.05 | Scolecite | CaAl2Si3O10 · 3H2O |
| 9.GA.05 | Mesolite | Na2Ca2Si9Al6O30 · 8H2O |
| 9.GA.05 | Natrolite | Na2Al2Si3O10 · 2H2O |
| 9.GA.05 | Gonnardite | (Na,Ca)2(Si,Al)5O10 · 3H2O |
| 9.GA.10 | Thomsonite-Ca | NaCa2[Al5Si5O20] · 6H2O |
| 9.GA.10 | Thomsonite-Sr | Na(Sr,Ca)2[Al5Si5O20] · 7H2O |
| 9.GA.15 | Edingtonite | Ba[Al2Si3O10] · 4H2O |
| 9.GA.15 | Kalborsite | K6Al4BSi6O20(OH)4Cl |
| 9.GA.15 | Arzamastsevite | K6Al5Si6O20(OH)4Cl |
Other Information
Notes:
Unstable in air and alters to 'tetranatrolite'.
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 Paranatrolite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3102.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Paranatrolite
Reference List:
Chao, George Y. (1980) Paranatrolite a new zeolite from Mont St-Hilaire, Quebec. The Canadian Mineralogist, 18 (1) 85-88
Alberti, Alberto, Cruciani, Giuseppe, Dauru’, Ilaria (1995) Order-disorder in natrolite-group minerals. European Journal of Mineralogy, 7 (3) 501-508 doi:10.1127/ejm/7/3/0501
Coombs, Douglas S., Alberti, Alberto, Armbruster, Thomas, Artioli, Gilberto, Colella, Carmine, Galli, Ermanno, Grice, Joel D., Liebau, Friedrich, Mandarino, Joseph A., Minato, Hideo, et al. (1997) Recommended nomenclature for zeolite minerals; report of the Subcommittee on Zeolites of the International Mineralogical Association, Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. The Canadian Mineralogist, 35 (6). 1571-1606
Evans, Howard T., Konnert, Judith A., Ross, Malcolm (2000) The crystal structure of tetranatrolite from Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, and its chemical and structural relationship to paranatrolite and gonnardite. American Mineralogist, 85 (11) 1808-1815 doi:10.2138/am-2000-11-1225
Seryotkin, Yurii V., Bakakin, Vladimir V., Belitsky, Igor A. (2004) The crystal structure of paranatrolite. European Journal of Mineralogy, 16 (3) 545-550 doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2004/0016-0545
Lee, Yongjae, Hriljac, Joseph A., Parise, John B., Vogt, Thomas (2005) Pressure-induced stabilization of ordered paranatrolite: A new insight into the paranatrolite controversy. American Mineralogist, 90 (1) 252-257 doi:10.2138/am.2005.1588
Lee, Y. (2006) Pressure-induced hydration in zeolite tetranatrolite. American Mineralogist, 91 (2) 247-251 doi:10.2138/am.2006.1847
Localities for Paranatrolite
Showing 28 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.
Argentina | |
| R. S. Bowman and S. E. Delap (Eds.) |
| Vattuone et al. (2001) |
Austria | |
| Postl et al. (1996) |
| Exel (1993) |
Bolivia | |
| PXRD by John Attard (Attards Minerals) |
Canada (TL) | |
| Chao (1980) +2 other references |
| Horváth et al. (1998) |
| Horváth et al. (1998) | |
Costa Rica | |
| Zeledón (2004) |
Germany | |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Keck (2008) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Hentschel (1983) |
Hungary | |
| KÓNYA (2015) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) +1 other reference |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
Norway | |
| Andresen (2011) |
| Peter Andresen collection |
Russia | |
| |
| Nishanbaev et al. (2016) |
| PEKOV et al. (2013) |
| Pekov et al. (2004) | |
| ... +1 other reference | |
| Igor Pekov data |
UK | |
| Nawaz +1 other reference |
| Nawaz +2 other references |
USA | |
| Rocks & Min.: 60:229. |
| - (2010) |
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