Römerite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Römerite
Friedrich A. Römer
Formula:
Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 14H2O
Colour:
Brown, yellow, violet-brown; yellow-brown in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous, Greasy
Hardness:
3 - 3½
Specific Gravity:
2.174
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named in honor of Friedrich Adolph Römer (15 April 1809, Hildesheim – 25 November 1869, Clausthal), German geologist and Director of the School of Mines, Clausthal, Germany, for his work in northern Germany.
Forms from the oxidation of iron sulphides (pyrite, marcasite, pyrrhotite) and often found with other iron sulphates such as rhomboclase.
Other ferrous-ferric sulfate minerals include bílinite and copiapite (purely Fe minerals); metavoltine, voltaite, and pertlikite. Compare 'UM1988-20-SO:FeH'.
An unnamed supposed Mg-analogue is reported ('UM1968-03-SO:FeHMg'), but is has more water and different PXRD pattern.
Other ferrous-ferric sulfate minerals include bílinite and copiapite (purely Fe minerals); metavoltine, voltaite, and pertlikite. Compare 'UM1988-20-SO:FeH'.
An unnamed supposed Mg-analogue is reported ('UM1968-03-SO:FeHMg'), but is has more water and different PXRD pattern.
Name Encoding
ASCII-7:
Romerite
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3428
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3428:5
Similar Names
| Ramirite | A synonym of Descloizite |
| Roméite | A solid-solution series between two end-member minerals |
IMA Classification of Römerite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Fe2+Fe3+2(S6+O4)4·14H2O
First published:
1858
Classification of Römerite
7.CB.75
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations
29.7.2.1
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
7 : AB2(XO4)4·H2O
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
7 : AB2(XO4)4·H2O
25.10.20
25 : Sulphates
10 : Sulphates of Fe alone
25 : Sulphates
10 : Sulphates of Fe alone
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Röm | 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 Römerite
Vitreous, Greasy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Brown, yellow, violet-brown; yellow-brown in transmitted light.
Hardness:
3 - 3½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on {010}
Less perfect on {001}
Perfect on {010}
Less perfect on {001}
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
2.174 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.173 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Römerite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.519 - 1.524 nβ = 1.570 - 1.571 nγ = 1.580 - 1.583
2V:
Measured: 45° to 51°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.059 - 0.061
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:
Low (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:
relatively strong r> v
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X= reddish yellow
Y= pale yellow
Z= yellow-brown
Y= pale yellow
Z= yellow-brown
Chemistry of Römerite
Mindat Formula:
Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 14H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Römerite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.463(8) Å, b = 15.309(18) Å, c = 6.341(8) Å
α = 90.5°, β = 101.09°, γ = 85.73°
α = 90.5°, β = 101.09°, γ = 85.73°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.422 : 1 : 0.414
Unit Cell V:
613.96 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1
Morphology:
Pseudo-cubic, with prominent development of [001]; thick tabular {010}. Crystal aggregates; granular; stalactitic.
Comment:
Non-reduced cell-setting. Reduced cell is: a = 6.319, b = 6.452, 15.316 Å, α = 85.86, β = 89.83, γ = 79.07° (Mereiter, 2018).
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.79 Å | (100) |
| 4.03 Å | (90) |
| 5.05 Å | (50) |
| 2.38 Å | (30) |
| 3.16 Å | (20) |
| 2.62 Å | (20) |
| 1.907 Å | (20) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] | |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] |
Geological Setting:
Early alteration product of pyrite or pyrrhotite. Rarely as fumarolic product.
Type Occurrence of Römerite
Synonyms of Römerite
Other Language Names for Römerite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 92 photos of Römerite associated with Halotrichite | Fe2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 82 photos of Römerite associated with Coquimbite | AlFe3(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 41 photos of Römerite associated with Krausite | KFe(SO4)2 · H2O |
| 40 photos of Römerite associated with Voltaite | K2Fe2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 20 photos of Römerite associated with Chalcanthite | CuSO4 · 5H2O |
| 19 photos of Römerite associated with Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| 18 photos of Römerite associated with Copiapite | Fe2+Fe3+4(SO4)6(OH)2 · 20H2O |
| 18 photos of Römerite associated with Goldichite | KFe(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 18 photos of Römerite associated with Magnesiocopiapite | MgFe3+4(SO4)6(OH)2 · 20H2O |
| 14 photos of Römerite associated with Native Sulphur | S8 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.CB. | Sarvodaite | Al2(SO4)3 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.02 | Voudourisite | CdSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Szmikite | MnSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Szomolnokite | FeSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Cobaltkieserite | CoSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Dwornikite | Ni(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Kieserite | MgSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Poitevinite | (Cu,Fe)SO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Gunningite | ZnSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.07 | Sanderite | MgSO4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CB.10 | Bonattite | CuSO4 · 3H2O |
| 7.CB.12 | Belogubite | CuZn(SO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Drobecite | CdSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Aplowite | CoSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Cranswickite | MgSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Rozenite | FeSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Starkeyite | MgSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Ilesite | Mn2+(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Boyleite | ZnSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Siderotil | FeSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Jôkokuite | MnSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Pentahydrite | MgSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Chalcanthite | CuSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.25 | Chvaleticeite | Mn2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Nickelhexahydrite | Ni2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Hexahydrite | Mg(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Bianchite | Zn(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Moorhouseite | Co2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Ferrohexahydrite | Fe2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.30 | Retgersite | NiSO4 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Zincmelanterite | Zn(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Melanterite | Fe2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Alpersite | (Mg,Cu2+)(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Bieberite | Co2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Boothite | Cu2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Mallardite | Mn2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Epsomite | MgSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Goslarite | ZnSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Morenosite | NiSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.45 | Meta-alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| 7.CB.45 | Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| 7.CB.50 | Aluminocoquimbite | Al2Fe2(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.50 | Lazaridisite | Cd3(SO4)3 · 8H2O |
| 7.CB.52 | Pararaisaite | CuMg[Te6+O4(OH)2] · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Paracoquimbite | Fe4(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Rhomboclase | (H5O2)Fe3+(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Raisaite | CuMg[Te6+O4(OH)2] · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Coquimbite | AlFe3(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.57 | 'Caichengyunite' | Fe2+3Al2(SO4)6 · 30H2O |
| 7.CB.60 | Kornelite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.65 | Quenstedtite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 11H2O |
| 7.CB.70 | Lausenite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.75 | Lishizhenite | ZnFe2(SO4)4 · 14H2O |
| 7.CB.80 | Ransomite | CuFe2(SO4)4 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Dietrichite | ZnAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Halotrichite | Fe2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Apjohnite | Mn2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Redingtonite | Fe2+Cr3+2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Pickeringite | MgAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Bílinite | Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Wupatkiite | Co2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.90 | Meridianiite | MgSO4 · 11H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in water, saline taste.
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 Römerite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3428.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 Römerite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.127
Merwin, H. E., F.Posnjak, (1937) Sulphate incrustations in the Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee, Arizona. American Mineralogist, 22 (5) 567-571
Pearl, Richard M. (1950) New data on lossenite, louderbackite, zepharovichite, peganite, and sphaerite. American Mineralogist, 35 (11-12) 1055-1059
Loan, Paul R. Van; Nuffield, Edward Wilfrid (1959) An x-ray study of roemerite [California]. The Canadian Mineralogist, 6 (3). 348-356
Fanfani, L., Nunzi, A., Zanazzi, and F. F. (1970) The crystal structure of roemerite. American Mineralogist, 55 (1-2) 78-89
Frost, Ray L.; Palmer, Sara J.; Čejka, Jiří; Sejkora, Jiří; Plášil, Jakub; Jebavá, Ivana; Keeffe, Eloise C. (2010) A Raman spectroscopic study of M2+M3+ sulfate minerals, römerite Fe2+Fe23+ (SO4)4· 14H2O and botryogen Mg2+Fe3+ (SO4)2(OH)·7H2O. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 42 (4). 825-830 doi:10.1002/jrs.2782
Localities for Römerite
Showing 165 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 | |
| Brodtkorb (2002) |
| Angelelli et al. (1941) |
| Perelló et al. (2023) |
Australia | |
| Red River Resources |
| Anthony et al. (2016) |
| Sielecki (1988) | |
| Sielecki (1985) | |
| Noble R.J et al. (1983) |
Austria | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Hammer et al. (2004) |
| Kolitsch et al. (2022) |
| Taucher (1992) +1 other reference |
| Hollerer (1999) |
| Exel (1993) |
| Moser & Postl (1990) |
Bolivia | |
| Alfredo Petrov field collected specimens (visual ID) +1 other reference |
| Petrov et al. (2006) |
Brazil | |
| ATENCIO +2 other references |
Bulgaria | |
| Dimitrova +2 other references |
Canada | |
| Peatfield (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Sabina (1967) |
| Norman Wilson personal collection |
| Zodrow (1989) |
| Ontario Division of Mines |
| HENDERSON (2007) |
Chile | |
| identified by Gerhard Möhn |
| M.Dini & A.Molina collection | |
| Kampf +6 other references |
| Gerhard Möhn Collection. | |
| Bandy (1938) +1 other reference |
| Natural History Museum Vienna collection (Uwe Kolitsch SXRD on Arturo Molina material) |
| Samples analysed by Tony Kampf of LAC ... +1 other reference |
| Kampf et al. (2013) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Lohmeier et al. (2025) | |
| Lohmeier et al. (2022) | |
China | |
| Zhaolong Li et al. (1981) |
| Guangzhi Tu et al. (1964) +1 other reference |
| Niu et al. (2023) |
| Niu et al. (2023) | |
| Yingxia Xu et al. (2007) |
Costa Rica | |
| Rodríguez et al. (2017) |
| Ulloa et al. (2018) |
Czech Republic | |
| Ondruš et al. (1989) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
France | |
| Lacroix (1913) |
| Gol et al. (2010) |
| Gol et al. (2010) | |
| Personal Information from Uwe Kolitsch +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) +1 other reference |
| Mangold et al. (11/21) |
| Habel (2003) +1 other reference |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Wittern (2001) |
| |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) |
| Košek (2018) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1988) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Schnorrer et al. (1998) |
| Thalheim +1 other reference |
| Witzke et al. (1998) |
Greece | |
| Rieck (n.d.) |
| Katerinopoulos et al. (1994) |
| Schnorrer (1995) +1 other reference | |
| Rieck (n.d.) | |
| Rieck et al. (2018) | |
| Branko Rieck |
| Rieck (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
| Markus J. Stark Collection |
Greenland | |
| Jakobsen (1989) |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll: Minerals of Rudabánya |
| collector: Gábor Koller +1 other reference |
| |
| Szakáll et al. (1997) +1 other reference | |
| Szakáll et al. (1997) | |
| Anthony et al. (2016) |
Indonesia | |
| Scotney et al. (2005) |
Iran | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Khorasanipour (2015) |
| Bariand et al. (1977) |
Italy | |
| Russo et al. (2017) |
| Adorni F. (1997) |
| Ciriotti et al. (2019) |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) |
| Fernando Caboni et al. (2024) | |
| Capperi M. |
| Brizzi G. |
| Brizzi G. & Meli R. (1995) |
| Mauro (2020) |
| Biagioni et al. (2008) +1 other reference | |
| Biagioni et al. (2019) +1 other reference |
| Borselli G. +2 other references |
Japan | |
| A. Petrov specimen |
| Y. Okazaki collection |
Peru | |
| Hyršl (2010) +1 other reference |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Portugal | |
| Marques de Sá et al. (2010) |
| Miguel Rocha's mineral collection |
| Alves (n.d.) | |
| Oliveira et al. (2024) |
Romania | |
| Szakáll et al. (2010) |
| |
| Januszewska et al. (2023) |
| Ł. Kruszewski visual identification & ... +1 other reference | |
Slovakia | |
| |
| Bohuslav Burev collection |
| Ďuďa (1993) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Sejkora J. et al. (SO4) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Spain | |
| Rewitzer et al. (2023) |
| Calvo (1999) |
| Castro et al. (2001) |
| Joan Abella i Creus (Joanabellacreus@gmail.com) |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Perroud et al. (1987) +2 other references |
| Meisser (2012) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
UK | |
| Livingstone et al. (1983) |
USA | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Anthony et al. (1995) | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) | |
| Grant et al. (2005) |
| Merwin et al. (1937) +3 other references |
| Galbraith (1959) +2 other references |
| Committee et al. (1989) |
| Committee et al. (1989) | |
| Rocks & Min.: 16: 411. +6 other references |
| Ross (1940a) +4 other references |
| Anonymous (1958) +1 other reference |
| Murdoch (1966) +2 other references |
| part 2 +5 other references |
| Majzlan et al. (2011) |
| Jamieson et al. (2005) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +6 other references |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Pearl (1971) +1 other reference |
| MinRec 28 (5) |
| Goldstein (1997) +1 other reference | |
| Guilbert and Zeihen 1964 +1 other reference |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Paris (2011) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Rosenzweig et al. (1955) +1 other reference | |
| Collection of Alex Earl | |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Plášil et al. (2013) |
| Travis Olds collection | |
| Patrick Haynes. IDs by the late Howard ... | |
| Kampf et al. (2018) | |
| Min News 5:10 p1-5 | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Kilburn et al. (1996) |
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Cava del Ferro, Fornovolasco, Fabbriche di Vergemoli, Lucca Province, Tuscany, Italy