Retzian-(La)
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Retzian-(La)
Anders Jahan Retzius
Formula:
Mn2+2La(AsO4)(OH)4
Colour:
Dark reddish-brown
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Hardness:
3 - 4
Specific Gravity:
4.49 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1984 by Pete J. Dunn, Donald Ralph Peacor, and William B. Simmons for its relationship to retzian-(Ce). The -(La) suffix denotes the dominance of lanthanum in the composition relative to the earlier cerium-dominant mineral.
The root name is in honor of Anders Jahan Retzius [October 3, 1742 Kristianstad, Sweden - October 6, 1821 Stockholm, Sweden], Swedish naturalist and Professor of Botany, chemist, and natural history at Lund University.
The root name is in honor of Anders Jahan Retzius [October 3, 1742 Kristianstad, Sweden - October 6, 1821 Stockholm, Sweden], Swedish naturalist and Professor of Botany, chemist, and natural history at Lund University.
Isostructural with:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3393
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3393:6
Similar Names
| Retzian-(Ce) | A valid IMA mineral species | Mn22+Ce(AsO4)(OH)4 |
| Retzian-(Nd) | A valid IMA mineral species | Mn22+Nd(AsO4)(OH)4 |
IMA Classification of Retzian-(La)
Classification of Retzian-(La)
8.BM.05
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
M : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 4:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
M : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 4:1
41.3.4.3
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
3 : (AB)3(XO4)Zq
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
3 : (AB)3(XO4)Zq
20.4.17
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
4 : Arsenates of Group III metals (Al, rare earths)
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
4 : Arsenates of Group III metals (Al, rare earths)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rtz-La | 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 Retzian-(La)
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Sub-vitreous on fractures, otherwise dull
Colour:
Dark reddish-brown
Streak:
Light brown
Hardness:
3 - 4 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Sub-Conchoidal
Comment:
Fracture even
Density:
4.49 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Measured > 4.2
Optical Data of Retzian-(La)
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.766 nβ = 1.773 nγ = 1.788
2V:
Measured: 82° , Calculated: 70°
Birefringence:
0.022
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.022
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 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:
Strong, r > v.
Optical Extinction:
Parallel. X = c; Y = b; Z = a.
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
Pale brown to pale violet brown.
Comments:
Absorption: Z > Y > X.
Chemistry of Retzian-(La)
Mindat Formula:
Mn2+2La(AsO4)(OH)4
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Retzian-(La)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pban
Setting:
Pban
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.670 Å, b = 12.01 Å, c = 4.869 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.472 : 1 : 0.405
Unit Cell V:
331.56 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Pseudohexagonal, also blocky. Forms include {001}, {010}, {110}, and {150}.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.98 Å | (30) |
| 4.84 Å | (30) |
| 3.51 Å | (80) |
| 2.715 Å | (100) |
| 1.848 Å | (50) |
| 1.615 Å | (30) |
| 1.456 Å | (40) |
Comments:
Similar to retzian-(Ce) and retzian-(Nd).
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] |
Type Occurrence of Retzian-(La)
General Appearance of Type Material:
Euhedral, pseudohexagonal crystals to 0.5 mm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 160290.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Metamorphosed stratiform zinc orebody.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Retzian-(La)
Other Language Names for Retzian-(La)
Relationship of Retzian-(La) to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Retzian Group:
| Retzian-(Ce) | Mn2+2Ce(AsO4)(OH)4 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pban |
| Retzian-(Nd) | Mn2+2Nd(AsO4)(OH)4 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pban |
Structurally related to group(s):
| Retzian Group | Mn2+2REE(AsO4)(OH)4 |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 1 photo of Retzian-(La) associated with Sarkinite | Mn2+2(AsO4)(OH) |
| 1 photo of Retzian-(La) associated with Serpierite | Ca(Cu2+,Zn2+)4(S6+O4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BM. | Gunmaite | (Na2Sr)Sr2Al10(PO4)4F14(OH)12 |
| 8.BM. | Betpakdalite-NaNa | [Na2(H2O)16Na(H2O)6][Mo8As2Fe3+3O33(OH)4] |
| 8.BM.05 | Retzian-(Ce) | Mn2+2Ce(AsO4)(OH)4 |
| 8.BM.05 | Retzian-(Nd) | Mn2+2Nd(AsO4)(OH)4 |
| 8.BM.10 | Paulkellerite | (BiO)2Fe3+(PO4)(OH)2 |
| 8.BM.10 | Kolitschite | PbZn0.5Fe3(AsO4)2(OH)6 |
| 8.BM.15 | Brendelite | (Bi3+,Pb)2(Fe3+,Fe2+)(PO4)O2(OH) |
Fluorescence of Retzian-(La)
Not fluorescent in UV.
Other Information
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 Retzian-(La)
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3393.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Retzian-(La)
Reference List:
Moore, Paul B. (1967) Crystal chemistry of the basic manganese arsenate minerals: I. The crystal structures of flinkite, Mn2+2Mn3+(OH)4(AsO4) and retzian, Mn2+2Y3+(OH)4(AsO4) American Mineralogist, 52 (11-12) 1603-1613
Dunn, Pete J., Peacor, Donald R., Simmons, William B. (1984) Retzian-(La), a new mineral from Sterling Hill, Sussex County, New Jersey. Mineralogical Magazine, 48 (349) 533-535 doi:10.1180/minmag.1984.048.349.08
Localities for Retzian-(La)
Showing 3 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.
Kazakhstan | |
| Vereshchagin et al. (2019) |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
USA (TL) | |
| Dunn et al. (1984) +1 other reference |
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Sterling Mine, Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA