Rasvumite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Rasvumite
Formula:
KFe2S3
Colour:
Steel-gray
Lustre:
Metallic
Hardness:
4 - 5
Specific Gravity:
3.1
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named after the type locality: Rasvumchorr Mt, Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast', Northern Region, Russia.
Co-Type Localities:
Isostructural with:
Partially alters to orange-brown FexSy in open air, within days or hours.
Compare bartonite, gmalimite, djerfisherite, 'Unnamed (K sulfides solid solution)', and UM1997-44-S:FeK.
Compare bartonite, gmalimite, djerfisherite, 'Unnamed (K sulfides solid solution)', and UM1997-44-S:FeK.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3369
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3369:1
IMA Classification of Rasvumite
Approved
IMA Formula:
KFe2+Fe3+S2-3
Approval year:
1970
First published:
1970
Classification of Rasvumite
2.FB.20
2 : SULFIDES and SULFOSALTS (sulfides, selenides, tellurides; arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides; sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites, etc.)
F : Sulfides of arsenic, alkalies; sulfides with halide, oxide, hydroxide, H2O
B : With alkalies (without Cl, etc.)
2 : SULFIDES and SULFOSALTS (sulfides, selenides, tellurides; arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides; sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites, etc.)
F : Sulfides of arsenic, alkalies; sulfides with halide, oxide, hydroxide, H2O
B : With alkalies (without Cl, etc.)
2.9.11.1
2 : SULFIDES
9 : AmBnXp, with (m+n):p = 1:1
2 : SULFIDES
9 : AmBnXp, with (m+n):p = 1:1
3.0.4
3 : Sulphides, Selenides, Tellurides, Arsenides and Bismuthides (except the arsenides, antimonides and bismuthides of Cu, Ag and Au, which are included in Section 1)
0 : Sulphides etc. of the alkalis
3 : Sulphides, Selenides, Tellurides, Arsenides and Bismuthides (except the arsenides, antimonides and bismuthides of Cu, Ag and Au, which are included in Section 1)
0 : Sulphides etc. of the alkalis
Mineral Symbols
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.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Rsv | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Rsv | The 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 Rasvumite
Metallic
Transparency:
Opaque
Colour:
Steel-gray
Comment:
Turns iridescent purple or bronze, to dull on oxidation.
Hardness:
4 - 5 on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=33.9 - Vickers
Cleavage:
Perfect
perfect on {110}
perfect on {110}
Density:
3.1 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.029 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Rasvumite
Anisotropism:
Strong
Bireflectance:
Strong
Reflectivity:
| Wavelength | R1 (%) | R2 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 400nm | 16.7% | 30.1% |
| 420nm | 16.9% | 30.5% |
| 440nm | 17.1% | 30.8% |
| 460nm | 17.3% | 30.2% |
| 480nm | 17.5% | 29.6% |
| 500nm | 17.6% | 29.4% |
| 520nm | 17.9% | 29.4% |
| 540nm | 18.1% | 29.4% |
| 560nm | 18.5% | 29.8% |
| 580nm | 19.0% | 30.3% |
| 600nm | 19.6% | 31.0% |
| 620nm | 20.1% | 31.7% |
| 640nm | 20.6% | 32.5% |
| 660nm | 20.8% | 33.2% |
| 680nm | 20.9% | 33.6% |
| 700nm | 21.0% | 33.8% |
Graph shows reflectance levels at different wavelengths (in nm). Peak reflectance is 33.8%.
R1 shown in black, R2 shown in red
Pleochroism:
Strong
Chemistry of Rasvumite
Mindat Formula:
KFe2S3
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Na,Mg,Ca,Cu
Crystallography of Rasvumite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Cmcm
Setting:
Cmcm
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.04 Å, b = 11.01 Å, c = 5.43 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.821 : 1 : 0.493
Unit Cell V:
540.45 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0014047 | Rasvumite | Mitchell R H, Ross K C, Potter E G (2004) Crystal structures of CsFe2S3 and RbFe2S3: Synthetic analogs of rasvumite KFe2S3 Journal of Solid State Chemistry 177 1867-1872 | 2004 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0014046 | Rasvumite | Mitchell R H, Ross K C, Potter E G (2004) Crystal structures of CsFe2S3 and RbFe2S3: Synthetic analogs of rasvumite KFe2S3 Journal of Solid State Chemistry 177 1867-1872 | 2004 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0014044 | Rasvumite | Mitchell R H, Ross K C, Potter E G (2004) Crystal structures of CsFe2S3 and RbFe2S3: Synthetic analogs of rasvumite KFe2S3 Journal of Solid State Chemistry 177 1867-1872 | 2004 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000782 | Rasvumite | Clark J R, Brown G E (1980) Crystal structure of rasvumite, KFe2S3 American Mineralogist 65 477-482 |  | 1980 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.513 Å | (100) |
| 6.98 Å | (62) |
| 3.403 Å | (43) |
| 3.492 Å | (17) |
| 1.778 Å | (14) |
| 2.935 Å | (12) |
| 2.905 Å | (12) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4a: Earth’s earliest continental crust | >4.4-3.0 |
| 20 : Acidic volcanic rocks | |
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 33 : Minerals deposited by hydrothermal metal-rich fluids (see also [#12]) | |
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks | |
| 36 : Carbonatites, kimberlites, and related igneous rocks | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47i : [Terrestrial weathering of meteorites] |
Type Occurrence of Rasvumite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
Grains, usually less than a mm in size, but up to 2 mm. The aggregates are composed of very fine, often curved needles. Commonly along grain boundaries of K feldspar, nepheline, and aegirine.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Geology Museum, Kola Branch, Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russia, 3627.
Mining Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia, 1095/1.
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 73142, 73143, 73584, 73975.
Mining Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia, 1095/1.
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 73142, 73143, 73584, 73975.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Pegmatite
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Rasvumite
Other Language Names for Rasvumite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 5 photos of Rasvumite associated with Vaterite | CaCO3 |
| 4 photos of Rasvumite associated with Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
| 3 photos of Rasvumite associated with Natrolite | Na2Al2Si3O10 · 2H2O |
| 2 photos of Rasvumite associated with Erdite | NaFeS2 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Rasvumite associated with Lamprophyllite | (Na,Mn2+)3(Sr,Na)2(Ti,Fe3+)3(Si2O7)2O2(OH,O,F)2 |
| 1 photo of Rasvumite associated with Aegirine-augite | (NaaCabFe2+cMgd)(Fe3+eAlfFe2+gMgh)Si2O6 |
| 1 photo of Rasvumite associated with Coyoteite | NaFe3S5 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Rasvumite associated with Bartonite | K6Fe20S26S |
| 1 photo of Rasvumite associated with Phlogopite | KMg3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Rasvumite associated with Nepheline | Na3K(Al4Si4O16) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 2.FB.05 | Schöllhornite | Na0.3CrS2 · H2O |
| 2.FB.05 | Caswellsilverite | NaCrS2 |
| 2.FB.05 | Cronusite | Ca0.2CrS2 · 2 H2O |
| 2.FB.10 | Chvilevaite | Na(Cu,Fe,Zn)2S4 |
| 2.FB.15 | Orickite | 2CuFeS2 · H2O |
| 2.FB.20 | Pautovite | CsFe2S3 |
| 2.FB.25 | Colimaite | K3VS4 |
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) | 15.8303% | 4,907 | 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
Magnetism:
Ferromagnetic
Notes:
Slightly magnetic.
Polishes poorly, easily splitting into fine needles.
Polishes poorly, easily splitting into fine needles.
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 Rasvumite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3369.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Rasvumite
Reference List:
Czamanske, Gerald K., Erd, Richard C., Sokolova, Maja N., Dobrovol'skaya, Maja G., Dmitrieva, Margret T. (1979) New data on rasvumite and djerfisherite. American Mineralogist, 64 (7-8) 776-778
Clark, Joan R., Brown, Gordon E. (1980) Crystal structure of rasvumite, KFe2S3. American Mineralogist, 65 (5-6) 477-482
Mitchell, Roger H., Ross, Kirk C., Potter, Eric G. (2004) Crystal structures of CsFe2S3 and RbFe2S3: synthetic analogs of rasvumite KFe2S3. Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 177. 1867-1872 doi:10.1016/j.jssc.2004.01.007
Sharygin, V. V., Kamenetsky, V. S., Kamenetskaya, M. B., Seretkin, Yu. V., Pokhilenko, N. P. (2007) Rasvumite from the Udachnaya-East Pipe: The first finding in kimberlites. Doklady Earth Sciences, 415 (2) 929-934 doi:10.1134/s1028334x07060232
Sharygin, V. V., Kamenetsky, V. S., Kamenetsky, M. B. (2008) Potassium sulfides in kimberlite-hosted chloride-"neyerereite" and chloride clasts of Udachnaya-East Pipe, Yakutia, Russia. The Canadian Mineralogist, 46 (4) 1079-1095 doi:10.3749/canmin.46.4.1079
Coloma, Leire, Aramendia, Julene, Población, Iratxe, Huidobro, Jennifer, García-Florentino, Cristina, Arana, Gorka, Manuel Madariaga, Juan (2024) High resolution Raman microscopy and imaging to propose a jarosite formation process in the MIL 090030 Martian Meteorite. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 305. 123454 doi:10.1016/j.saa.2023.123454
Localities for Rasvumite
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.
Antarctica | |
| Ling et al. (2015) |
| Coloma et al. (2024) | |
Canada | |
| Chen et al. (2013) |
| Horváth et al. (1990) +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| Juroszek et al. (Ti 5 Fe) +1 other reference |
Israel | |
| Britvin et al. (2025) |
Jordan | |
| Sokol +9 other references |
Norway | |
| Jamtveit et al. (1997) |
Russia | |
| Sokol et al. (2019) +1 other reference |
| N. V. Sorokhtina et al. (2010) +1 other reference |
| Potter et al. (2017) |
| Mandarino (1997) +1 other reference |
| [World of Stones 95:5-6 +3 other references |
| ZRMO 138 (2) | |
| Sokolova et al. (1970) +2 other references |
| Pekov (1998) | |
| Henderson et al. (1999) | |
| Pekov (2000) +1 other reference |
| Am Min 79:1011 +2 other references | |
| Sokolova et al. (1970) +2 other references |
| Sokolova et al. (2005) +1 other reference | |
| Pekov (1998) +1 other reference | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
| Sharygin et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
South Africa | |
| Clarke et al. (1977) |
Tanzania | |
| Jago et al. (1999) |
USA | |
| ... +7 other references |
| 4th Annual New Mexico Mineral Symposium (1985) |
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Kirovskii apatite mine, Kukisvumchorr Mt, Murmansk Oblast, Russia