Sicklerite
A variety of Lithiophilite
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About Sicklerite
Formula:
Li1-x(Mn3+xMn2+1-x)PO4
Colour:
Dark brown to yellow-brown
Lustre:
Dull
Hardness:
4
Specific Gravity:
3.2 - 3.4
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named after the Sickler family, mineral collectors of Pala, San Diego County, California (USA).
DISCREDITED (intermediate phases in the lithiophilite–purpurite series).
Occurs only as an alteration product of Triphylite and Lithiophilite, commonly as rims around partly altered masses or crystals of the latter species.
Ferrisicklerite and Sicklerite are intermediate varieties between the unoxidized and unleached lithiophilite and triphylite end-members and the completely leached and appropriately oxidized end-products, the Heterosite-Purpurite Series, and are not valid species (Lyalina et al. 2023).
Occurs only as an alteration product of Triphylite and Lithiophilite, commonly as rims around partly altered masses or crystals of the latter species.
Ferrisicklerite and Sicklerite are intermediate varieties between the unoxidized and unleached lithiophilite and triphylite end-members and the completely leached and appropriately oxidized end-products, the Heterosite-Purpurite Series, and are not valid species (Lyalina et al. 2023).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3645 (as Sicklerite)
2418 (as Lithiophilite)
2418 (as Lithiophilite)
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3645:6 (as Sicklerite)
mindat:1:1:2418:7 (as Lithiophilite)
mindat:1:1:2418:7 (as Lithiophilite)
Similar Names
| Sclarite | A valid IMA mineral species | Zn7(CO3)2(OH)10 |
| Seglerite | A synonym of Segelerite |
IMA Classification of Sicklerite
Discredited, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
LiMn2+(PO4)
Approval history:
Discredited by IMA October 2022 (establishment of Triphylite Group); cf. Lyalina et al. (2023).
Classification of Sicklerite
8.AB.10
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
A : Phosphates, etc. without additional anions, without H2O
B : With medium-sized cations
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
A : Phosphates, etc. without additional anions, without H2O
B : With medium-sized cations
Dana 7th ed.:
38.1.4.2
38.1.4.2
38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
1 : ABXO4
38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
1 : ABXO4
19.1.11
19 : Phosphates
1 : Phosphates of the alkali metals
19 : Phosphates
1 : Phosphates of the alkali metals
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sik | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Sck | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Pronunciation of Sicklerite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Sicklerite
Dull
Transparency:
Translucent, Opaque
Colour:
Dark brown to yellow-brown
Streak:
Light yellow-brown, brown, reddish brown
Hardness:
4 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
On {100}, good.
On {100}, good.
Density:
3.2 - 3.4 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.54 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Sicklerite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.710 - 1.720 nβ = 1.730 - 1.738 nγ = 1.745
2V:
Measured: 60° to 90°, Calculated: 68° to 74°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.025 - 0.035
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:
relatively strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = a = Dark reddish
Y = Lighter reddish
Z = Very light reddish
Y = Lighter reddish
Z = Very light reddish
Chemistry of Sicklerite
Mindat Formula:
Li1-x(Mn3+xMn2+1-x)PO4
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Sicklerite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.96.030(15) Å, b = 10.082(9) Å, c = 4.750(5) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.591 : 1 : 0.471
Unit Cell V:
285.42 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Comment:
Space Group: Pmnb.
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
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0019733 | Sicklerite | Hatert F, Ottolini L, Wouters J, Fontan F (2012) A structural study of the lithiophilite-sicklerite series Sample 5, deep orange The Canadian Mineralogist 50 843-854 | 2012 | Koktokay No. 3 granitic pegmatite, Altai Mountains, northwestern China | 0 | 293 | |
| 0019732 | Sicklerite | Hatert F, Ottolini L, Wouters J, Fontan F (2012) A structural study of the lithiophilite-sicklerite series Sample 4, orange The Canadian Mineralogist 50 843-854 | 2012 | Koktokay No. 3 granitic pegmatite, Altai Mountains, northwestern China | 0 | 293 | |
| 0019731 | Sicklerite | Hatert F, Ottolini L, Wouters J, Fontan F (2012) A structural study of the lithiophilite-sicklerite series Sample 3, yellow The Canadian Mineralogist 50 843-854 | 2012 | Koktokay No. 3 granitic pegmatite, Altai Mountains, northwestern China | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.971 Å | (100) |
| 2.495 Å | (75) |
| 3.497 Å | (40) |
| 2.448 Å | (35) |
| 5.037 Å | (30) |
| 4.327 Å | (30) |
| 1.6081 Å | (25) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
First Recorded Occurrence of Sicklerite
Place of Conservation of First Recorded Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 101195; National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 93653.
Geological Setting of First Recorded Material:
Lithium-bearing pegmatite.
Associated Minerals at First Recorded Locality:
Synonyms of Sicklerite
Other Language Names for Sicklerite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 15 photos of Sicklerite associated with Lithiophilite | LiMn2+PO4 |
| 6 photos of Sicklerite associated with Hureaulite | Mn2+5(PO3OH)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 5 photos of Sicklerite associated with Alluaudite | (Na,Ca)Mn2+(Fe3+,Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)2(PO4)3 |
| 5 photos of Sicklerite associated with Purpurite | Mn3+(PO4) |
| 3 photos of Sicklerite associated with 'Salmonsite' | |
| 2 photos of Sicklerite associated with 'Cleavelandite' | Na(AlSi3O8) |
| 2 photos of Sicklerite associated with Montebrasite | LiAl(PO4)(OH) |
| 1 photo of Sicklerite associated with Jahnsite-(CaMnFe) | {Ca}{Mn2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 1 photo of Sicklerite associated with Lepidolite | |
| 1 photo of Sicklerite associated with Stewartite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.AB. | Kryzaite | Na4(MgCr)(PO4)3 |
| 8.AB. | Niasite | Ni2+4.5(AsO4)3 |
| 8.AB. | Johanngeorgenstadtite | Ni2+4.5(AsO4)3 |
| 8.AB. | Rodolicoite | Fe3+PO4 |
| 8.AB. | Karwowskiite | Ca9Mg(Fe2+0.5◻0.5)(PO4)7 |
| 8.AB. | Olsenite | KFe4(PO4)3 |
| 8.AB. | Borisenkoite | Cu3[(V,As)O4]2 |
| 8.AB.05 | Farringtonite | Mg3(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.10 | Natrophilite | NaMn2+PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | Simferite | LiMg(PO4) |
| 8.AB.10 | Heterosite | Fe3+(PO4) |
| 8.AB.10 | Lithiophilite | LiMn2+PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | Karenwebberite | NaFe2+PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | Triphylite | LiFe2+PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | 'Ferrisicklerite' | Li1-x(Fe3+xFe2+1-x)PO4 |
| 8.AB.10 | Purpurite | Mn3+(PO4) |
| 8.AB.15 | Zavalíaite | Mn2+3(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.15 | Chopinite | Mg3(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.15 | Sarcopside | Fe2+3(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Beusite | Mn2+Mn2+2 (PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Graftonite-(Ca) | CaFe2+2(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Graftonite-(Mn) | MnFe2+2(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Graftonite | Fe2+Fe2+2(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.20 | Beusite-(Ca) | CaMn2+2(PO4)2 |
| 8.AB.25 | Xanthiosite | Ni3(AsO4)2 |
| 8.AB.30 | Lammerite | Cu3(AsO4)2 |
| 8.AB.30 | Paralammerite | Cu3(AsO4)2 |
| 8.AB.35 | Mcbirneyite | Cu3(VO4)2 |
| 8.AB.35 | Pseudolyonsite | Cu3(VO4)2 |
| 8.AB.35 | Stranskiite | Zn2Cu(AsO4)2 |
| 8.AB.40 | Michalskiite | Fe3+1.33Cu2+2(MgFe3+)2(VO4)6 |
| 8.AB.40 | Lyonsite | Cu3Fe4(VO4)6 |
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in acids.
Alters to the Heterosite-Purpurite Series by oxidation of the Mn'' and leaching of the Li.
Alters to the Heterosite-Purpurite Series by oxidation of the Mn'' and leaching of the Li.
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 Sicklerite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3645.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Sicklerite
Reference List:
Lacroix, A. (1910) Minéralogie de la France et de ses colonies Vol. 4. Library Polytechnique, Paris. p.469 - as Pseudohétérosite
Shigley, James E., Brown, Gordon E. (1985) Occurrence and alteration of phosphate minerals at the Stewart Pegmatite, Pala District, San Diego County, California. American Mineralogist, 70 (3-4) 395-408
Hatert, F., Ottolini, L., Wouters, J., Fontan, F. (2012) A Structural study of the Lithiophilite-sicklerite series. The Canadian Mineralogist, 50 (4) 843-854 doi:10.3749/canmin.50.4.843
Localities for Sicklerite
Showing 78 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 | |
| OYARZABAL et al. (H2O) +1 other reference |
| Roda-Robles et al. (2012) |
Australia | |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference | |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) |
Brazil | |
| Amores et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
China | |
| Rao et al. (2017) |
| Li +4 other references |
| Zhang Rubo (1981) |
| Denghong Wang et al. (2001) |
| Ma (2005) | |
Finland | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Lahti (ed.) | |
| Teertstra et al. (1993) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Jyrki Autio collection |
Morocco | |
| Fontan (1978) |
Namibia | |
| Keller (1991) |
| Keller (1991) | |
| Keller (1991) |
| Keller (1991) |
| Keller (1991) | |
| Keller (1991) |
| Keller (1991) | |
| Keller (1991) | |
| Keller (1991) | |
| von Bezing (2007) |
Norway | |
| Neumann (1985) |
Poland | |
| Pieczka et al. (2018) +1 other reference |
Portugal | |
| Schnorrer-Köhler et al. (1991) |
| Self-find by Nuno Afonso +1 other reference |
| |
Romania | |
| Calin et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
Russia | |
| Dmitriy Belakovskiy |
Rwanda | |
| Bertossa (1968) +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| Roda-Robles M E et al. (2014) |
| Roda-Robles et al. (2010) | |
Sweden | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
USA | |
| Jahns (1952) +1 other reference |
| London et al. (1982) | |
| San Diego Natural History Museum |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| Fisher (2002) |
| Dana 6:A3:72. |
| Schaller (1912) |
| San Diego Mining Company (2022) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| King et al. (1991) |
| Januzzi et al. (1976) +1 other reference |
| Schooner (circa 1985) |
| www.mindat.org (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Found during study of Ryerson Hill ... |
| Fred E. Davis collection 2007 |
| Rocks & Min.: 17:250. +2 other references |
| Francis (1985) +1 other reference |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Roberts et al. (1965) | |
| Roberts et al. (1965) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Roberts et al. (1965) |
| Roberts et al. (1965) |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Falster et al. (1996) |
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Stewart Mine, Tourmaline Queen Mountain, Pala, Pala Mining District, San Diego County, California, USA