Samuelsonite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Samuelsonite
Peter B.Samuelson 2001
Formula:
(Ca,Ba)Ca8Fe2+2Mn2+2Al2(PO4)10(OH)2
Colour:
Pale yellow, colorless, white
Lustre:
Adamantine, Sub-Adamantine
Hardness:
5
Specific Gravity:
3.24 - 3.35
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in 1975 by Paul B. Moore, Anthony J. Irving, and Anthony R. Kampf in honor of Peter Bogardus ("Topaz") Samuelson (Nov. 10, 1941 at Lynn, MA - Jan. 23, 2023 at ...). Peter was raised in Conway, NH and was a well-known mineralogist in northern New England. He also was a one-time miner at the Palermo No. 1 Mine, the type locality.
This page provides mineralogical data about Samuelsonite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3517
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3517:6
IMA Classification of Samuelsonite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ca9Mn2+4Al2(PO4)10(OH)2
Approval year:
1974
First published:
1975
Type description reference:
Moore, Paul B., Irving, Anthony J., Kampf, Anthony R. (1975) Foggite, CaAl(OH)2(H2O)[PO4]; goedkenite, (Sr,Ca)2Al(OH)[PO4]2; and samuelsonite, (Ca,Ba)Fe2+2Mn2+2Ca8Al2(OH)2[PO4]10: Three new species from the Palermo No. I pegmatite, North Groton, New Hampshire. American Mineralogist, 60 (11-12) 957-964
Classification of Samuelsonite
8.BF.10
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
F : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH, etc.):RO4< 0.5:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
F : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH, etc.):RO4< 0.5:1
41.10.8.1
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
10 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
10 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq
19.12.65
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates of Mn
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates of Mn
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sms | 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 Samuelsonite
Adamantine, Sub-Adamantine
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Pale yellow, colorless, white
Streak:
White
Hardness:
5 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Imperfect/Fair
{001}
{001}
Density:
3.24 - 3.35 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.355 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Samuelsonite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.645 - 1.648 nβ = 1.65 - 1.655 nγ = 1.655 - 1.667
2V:
Measured: 70° to 85°, Calculated: 75°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.010 - 0.019
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:
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:
r < v weak
Optical Extinction:
Y = b; OAP ∼⊥ {001} cleavage, extinction inclined
22°.
22°.
Chemistry of Samuelsonite
Mindat Formula:
(Ca,Ba)Ca8Fe2+2Mn2+2Al2(PO4)10(OH)2
Element Weights:
Chemical Analysis
Oxide wt%:
| 1 | |
|---|---|
| P2O5 | 42,76 % |
| Al2O3 | 6,37 % |
| Fe2O3 | 1,48 % |
| FeO | 7,26 % |
| MnO | 8,81 % |
| CaO | 26,96 % |
| Na2O | 0,44 % |
| K2O | 0,07 % |
| Li2O | 0,42 % |
| H2O+ | 1,88 % |
| H2O- | 0,03 % |
| Insol | 0,28 % |
| Total: | 91 % |
Sample references:
| ID | Locality | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buranga pegmatite, Muhororo, Ngororero District, Western Province, Rwanda |
Crystallography of Samuelsonite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 18.495(5) Å, b = 6.805(2) Å, c = 14.000(5) Å
β = 112.75(6)°
β = 112.75(6)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.718 : 1 : 2.057
Unit Cell V:
1,624.94 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Flattened striated prisms, generally with etched terminations. Also as lamellar plates and blades. Elongated and striated parallel to [010]. Forms observed are c{001}, a{100}, d{101}, f{101}, j{201}, e{012}, t{211} and r{112}.
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
Remove metal-metal sticks
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000561 | Samuelsonite | Moore P B, Araki T (1977) Samuelsonite: its crystal structure and relation to apatite and octacalcium phosphate American Mineralogist 62 229-245 |  | 1977 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.058 Å | (100) |
| 2.657 Å | (70b) |
| 3.032 Å | (60) |
| 1.706 Å | (60) |
| 3.389 Å | (50) |
| 2.734 Å | (50) |
| 3.245 Å | (40) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 22 : Hydration and low-? subsurface aqueous alteration (see also #23) |
Type Occurrence of Samuelsonite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Colorless flattened striated prisms up to 1 mm in length, occasionally with terminations although they tend to be badly etched.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National School of Mines, Paris, France.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 128071.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 128071.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In masses of whitlockite-carbonate apatite rock, in a complex granite pegmatite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Moore, Paul B., Irving, Anthony J., Kampf, Anthony R. (1975) Foggite, CaAl(OH)2(H2O)[PO4]; goedkenite, (Sr,Ca)2Al(OH)[PO4]2; and samuelsonite, (Ca,Ba)Fe2+2Mn2+2Ca8Al2(OH)2[PO4]10: Three new species from the Palermo No. I pegmatite, North Groton, New Hampshire. American Mineralogist, 60 (11-12) 957-964
Synonyms of Samuelsonite
Other Language Names for Samuelsonite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BF. | Manganoarrojadite-(KNa) | (KNa)(NaNa)Mn2+(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF. | Sigismundite | (Ba◻)(Fe2+◻)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | Dickinsonite-(KMnNa) | (KNa)(Mn2+◻)Ca(Na2Na)Mn2+13Al(PO4)11(PO4)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | Arrojadite-(KNa) | (KNa)(NaNa)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | Fluorarrojadite-(BaNa) | (Ba◻)(NaNa)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)F2 |
| 8.BF.05 | Arrojadite-(KFe) | (KNa)(Fe2+◻)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | Arrojadite-(PbFe) | (Pb◻)(Fe2+◻)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | Fluorarrojadite-(BaFe) | (Ba◻)(Fe2+◻)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)F2 |
| 8.BF.05 | 'Unnamed (Ba-dominant member of dickinsonite group)' | |
| 8.BF.05 | 'Unnamed (Pb-dominant member of dickinsonite group)' | |
| 8.BF.05 | Arrojadite-(SrFe) | (Sr◻)(Fe2+◻)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | 'Arrojadite-(NaFe)' | (NaNa)(Fe2+◻)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | Arrojadite-(BaNa) | (Ba◻)(NaNa)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | 'Arrojadite-(KFeNa)' | (KNa)(Fe2+◻)Ca(Na2Na)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO4)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | 'Ferri-arrojadite-(BaNa)' | (Ba◻)(NaNa)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Fe3+(PO4)11(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.05 | 'Fluorarrojadite-(KNa)' | (KNa)(NaNa)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)F2 |
| 8.BF.05 | 'Fluorarrojadite-(NaFe)' | (NaNa)(Fe2+◻)Ca(Na2◻)Fe2+13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)F2 |
| 8.BF.05 | Fluorcarmoite-(BaNa) | (Ba◻)(NaNa)Ca(Na2◻)Mg13Al(PO4)11(PO3OH)F2 |
| 8.BF.15 | Griphite | Na4Li2Ca6(Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)19Al8(PO4)24(F,OH)8 |
| 8.BF.20 | Nabiasite | BaMn9(VO4)6(OH)2 |
| 8.BF.25 | Starovaite | KCu5O(VO4)3 |
| 8.BF.30 | Achyrophanite | (K,Na)3(Fe3+,Ti,Al,Mg)5O2(AsO4)5 |
| 8.BF.35 | Cryptochalcite | K2Cu5O(SO4)5 |
| 8.BF.35 | Cesiodymite | CsKCu5O(SO4)5 |
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 Samuelsonite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3517.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Samuelsonite
Reference List:
Moore, Paul B., Irving, Anthony J., Kampf, Anthony R. (1975) Foggite, CaAl(OH)2(H2O)[PO4]; goedkenite, (Sr,Ca)2Al(OH)[PO4]2; and samuelsonite, (Ca,Ba)Fe2+2Mn2+2Ca8Al2(OH)2[PO4]10: Three new species from the Palermo No. I pegmatite, North Groton, New Hampshire. American Mineralogist, 60 (11-12) 957-964
Moore, Paul B., Araki, Takaharu (1977) Samuelsonite: its crystal structure and relation to apatite and octacalcium phosphate. American Mineralogist, 62 (3-4) 229-245
Localities for Samuelsonite
Showing 4 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.
Czech Republic | |
| Masau +2 other references |
Rwanda | |
| von Knorring (1972) +4 other references |
Spain | |
| Roda et al. (2001) |
USA (TL) | |
| Moore et al. (1975) |
Quick NavTopAbout SamuelsoniteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Chemical AnalysisCrystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Palermo No. 1 Mine, Groton, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA