Sørensenite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Sørensenite
Henning Sørensen
Formula:
Na4SnBe2Si6O16(OH)4
Colour:
Colourless to pink, milky white (altered); colourless in transmitted light
Lustre:
Silky
Hardness:
5½
Specific Gravity:
2.9
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after Henning Sund Sørensen (20 April 1926, Frederiksberg, Denmark - 1 June 1, 2013), mineralogist and petrographer, Professor of Geology, University of Copenhagen (Denmark).
This page provides mineralogical data about Sørensenite.
Name Encoding
ASCII-7:
Sorensenite
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3716
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3716:3
IMA Classification of Sørensenite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Na4Be2Sn4+(Si3O9)2·2H2O
Approval year:
1965
First published:
1965
Classification of Sørensenite
9.DG.30
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
G : Inosilicates with 3-periodic single and multiple chains
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
G : Inosilicates with 3-periodic single and multiple chains
65.2.4.1
65 : INOSILICATES Single-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=1)
2 : Single-Width Unbranched Chains, W=1 with chains P=3
65 : INOSILICATES Single-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=1)
2 : Single-Width Unbranched Chains, W=1 with chains P=3
14.3.16
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
3 : Silicates of Be
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
3 : Silicates of Be
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sør | 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 Sørensenite
Silky
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless to pink, milky white (altered); colourless in transmitted light
Streak:
White
Hardness:
5½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
On {101} and {100}. The angle (101) ∧ (100) = 63°.
On {101} and {100}. The angle (101) ∧ (100) = 63°.
Density:
2.9 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.92 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Sørensenite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.576 - 1.579 nβ = 1.581 - 1.585 nγ = 1.584 - 1.586
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.007 - 0.008
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:
Moderate (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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (62°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (62°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
Dispersion:
Very weak. The type desciption describes 'strong inclined dispersion'.
Comments:
Anomalous interference colors in shades of blue and yellowish brown.
Chemistry of Sørensenite
Mindat Formula:
Na4SnBe2Si6O16(OH)4
Element Weights:
Chemical Analysis
Oxide wt%:
| 1 | 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| SnO2 | 20.07 % | 18.40 % |
| SiO2 | 49.73 % | 50.41 % |
| Nb2O5 | 0.75 % | 1.36 % |
| Fe2O3 | 0.04 % | |
| BeO | 8.02 % | 7.43 % |
| Na2O | 15.95 % | 17.21 % |
| K2O | 0.34 % | 0.08 % |
| H2O | 5.24 % | 5.01 % |
| Total: | 100.14 % | 99.9 % |
Sample references:
| ID | Type | Locality | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Type Specimen | Mount Nakkaalaaq, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland | Analysis by M. E. Kazakova | |
| 2 | Type Specimen | Kuannersuit Plateau, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland | Analyzis by M. Mouritzen |
Crystallography of Sørensenite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/b
Cell Parameters:
a = 20.698 Å, b = 7.442 Å, c = 12.037 Å
β = 117.28°
β = 117.28°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.781 : 1 : 1.617
Unit Cell V:
1,647.89 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals lath-shaped to acicular parallel to [010]. Forms fan-like and bowtie aggregates by branching from the base of the crystals. Single crystals have a rhombic cross section.
Twinning:
Complex and uncommon. Twin axis is perpendicular to [011] in {100}.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.918 Å | (100) |
| 3.41 Å | (85) |
| 2.960 Å | (85) |
| 3.06 Å | (75) |
| 6.31 Å | (60) |
| 2.837 Å | (50) |
| 2.676 Å | (50) |
Comments:
On material from Nákâlâq, Greenland.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks |
Type Occurrence of Sørensenite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
Well developed crystals (0.05 mm to 10 cm in size). Elongated tabular or acicular crystals (up to 10 x 1 x 1 cm in size). Single crystals are straight or bent; groups of needles can cross each other in an irregular way. Sheaf-like or radiating growth is rare.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, number 1965.222.
The Natural History Museum, London, England.
The Natural History Museum, London, England.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Miarolitic cavities in hydrothermal vents cutting coarse-grained nepheline syenites.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Sørensenite
Other Language Names for Sørensenite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 9 photos of Sørensenite associated with Analcime | Na(AlSi2O6) · H2O |
| 8 photos of Sørensenite associated with Tugtupite | (BeAlSi)Na4(SiO4)3Cl |
| 5 photos of Sørensenite associated with Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
| 2 photos of Sørensenite associated with 'Apatite' | Ca5(PO4)3A |
| 2 photos of Sørensenite associated with Fluorapatite | Ca5(PO4)3F |
| 1 photo of Sørensenite associated with Tetrawickmanite | Mn2+[Sn4+(OH)6] |
| 1 photo of Sørensenite associated with Albite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
| 1 photo of Sørensenite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.DG. | Barrydawsonite-(Y) | Na1.5Y0.5CaSi3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG. | Paratobermorite | Ca5AlSi5O16(OH) · 5H2O |
| 9.DG. | Calcinaksite | KNaCa(Si4O10) · H2O |
| 9.DG. | Alvesite | NaKZrSi6O15 · 2H2O |
| 9.DG.02 | Steedeite | NaMn2[Si3BO9](OH)2 |
| 9.DG.02 | Nolzeite | NaMn2[Si3BO9](OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 9.DG.05 | Murakamiite | LiCa2Si3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.05 | Serandite | NaMn2+2Si3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.05 | Bustamite | CaMn2+(Si2O6) |
| 9.DG.05 | Pectolite | NaCa2Si3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.05 | Tanohataite | LiMn2Si3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.05 | Dalnegorskite | Ca5Mn2+(Si3O9)2 |
| 9.DG.05 | 'Wollastonite-1A' | CaSiO3 |
| 9.DG.05 | Wollastonite | Ca3(Si3O9) |
| 9.DG.05 | Ferrobustamite | CaFe2+(Si2O6) |
| 9.DG.05 | Schizolite | NaCaMnSi3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.07 | Cascandite | CaScSi3O8(OH) |
| 9.DG.08 | Plombièrite | Ca5Si6O16(OH)2 · 7H2O |
| 9.DG.10 | Clinotobermorite | Ca5Si6O17 · 5H2O |
| 9.DG.10 | Riversideite | Ca5Si6O16(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 9.DG.10 | Tobermorite | Ca5Si6O17 · 5H2O |
| 9.DG.12 | Jusite | Na2Ca15Al4Si16O54 · 17H2O |
| 9.DG.12 | Kenotobermorite | Ca4Si6O15(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 9.DG.15 | Foshagite | Ca4(Si3O9)(OH)2 |
| 9.DG.20 | Jennite | Ca9(Si3O9)2(OH)8 · 8H2O |
| 9.DG.20 | Kamenevite | K2TiSi3O9 · H2O |
| 9.DG.25 | Paraumbite | K3Zr2H(Si3O9)2 · nH2O |
| 9.DG.25 | Umbite | K2(Zr,Ti)Si3O9 · H2O |
| 9.DG.32 | Escheite | Ca2NaMnTi5[Si12O34]O2(OH)3 · 12H2O |
| 9.DG.35 | Xonotlite | Ca6(Si6O17)(OH)2 |
| 9.DG.40 | Hillebrandite | Ca2(SiO3)(OH)2 |
| 9.DG.45 | Zorite | Na8(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,O)5 · 14H2O |
| 9.DG.45 | Chivruaiite | Ca4(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,O)5 · 13-14H2O |
| 9.DG.50 | Haineaultite | (Na,Ca)5Ca(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,F)8 · 5H2O |
| 9.DG.55 | Epididymite | Na2Be2Si6O15 · H2O |
| 9.DG.60 | Eudidymite | Na2Be2Si6O15 · H2O |
| 9.DG.65 | Elpidite | Na2ZrSi6O15 · 3H2O |
| 9.DG.65 | Patynite | NaKCa4[Si9O23] |
| 9.DG.67 | Whelanite | Cu2+2Ca6[Si6O17(OH)](CO3)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
| 9.DG.70 | Enricofrancoite | KNaCaSi4O10 |
| 9.DG.70 | Yusupovite | Na2Zr(Si6O15) · 2.5H2O |
| 9.DG.70 | Litidionite | KNaCuSi4O10 |
| 9.DG.70 | Fenaksite | (K,Na)4(Fe,Mn)2(Si4O10)2(OH,F) |
| 9.DG.70 | Manaksite | KNaMnSi4O10 |
| 9.DG.75 | Senkevichite | CsKNaCa2TiO[Si7O18](OH) |
| 9.DG.75 | Tinaksite | K2Na(Ca,Mn2+)2TiO[Si7O18(OH)] |
| 9.DG.75 | Tokkoite | K2Ca4[Si7O18(OH)](OH,F) |
| 9.DG.80 | Fluorcanasite | K3Na3Ca5Si12O30F4 · H2O |
| 9.DG.80 | Canasite | K3Na3Ca5Si12O30(OH)4 |
| 9.DG.85 | Miserite | K1.5-x(Ca,Y,REE)5(Si6O15)(Si2O7)(OH,F)2 · yH2O |
| 9.DG.90 | Frankamenite | K3Na3Ca5(Si12O30)(F,OH)4 · H2O |
| 9.DG.92 | Charoite | (K,Sr)15-16(Ca,Na)32[Si6O11(O,OH)6]2[Si12O18(O,OH)12]2[Si17O25(O,OH)18]2(OH,F)4 · ~3H2O |
| 9.DG.95 | Yuksporite | K4(Ca,Na)14(Sr,Ba)2(◻,Mn,Fe)(Ti,Nb)4(O,OH)4(Si6O17)2(Si2O7)3(H2O,OH)3 |
| 9.DG.97 | Eveslogite | (Na,K,Ca,Sr,Ba)48 [(Ti,Nb,Mn,Fe2+)12Si48O144(OH)12](F,OH,Cl)14 |
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Melts at 920 °C.
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 Sørensenite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3716.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Sørensenite
Reference List:
Metcalf-Johansen, J., Hazell, R. G. (1976) The crystal structure of sorensenite, Na4SnBe2(Si3O9)2.2H2O. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 32 (9) 2553-2556 doi:10.1107/s0567740876008236
Localities for Sørensenite
Showing 9 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.
Greenland | |
| Petersen (2001) |
| Semenov et al. (1965) | |
| Petersen et al. (2005) | |
| Conti (2023) | |
| Reiner Mielke specimen and photo ( collected by Charles Gould) | |
| Semenov et al. (1965) |
Norway | |
| Larsen (2025) |
Spain | |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
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Slope between Kvanefjeld Mt and Steenstrups Mt, Kuannersuit Plateau, Ilímaussaq complex, Kujalleq, Greenland