Souzalite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Souzalite
Formula:
Mg3Al4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O
Colour:
Blue-green, dark gray-green
Lustre:
Vitreous, Silky
Hardness:
5½ - 6
Specific Gravity:
3.087
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named after Antonio José Alves de Souza (4 March 1896 - 19 December 1961), Director of the Departamento National da Producao Mineral, Brazil. Pronounced sōze'-a-lite.
Gormanite-Souzalite Series. The magnesium analogue of Gormanite.
Occurs as a hydrothermal alteration product of Scorzalite in pegmatite.
Occurs as a hydrothermal alteration product of Scorzalite in pegmatite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3719
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3719:4
IMA Classification of Souzalite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Mg3Al4(PO4)4(OH)6·2H2O
First published:
1949
Classification of Souzalite
8.DC.45
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 1:1 and < 2:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 1:1 and < 2:1
42.9.2.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
9 : (AB)7(XO4)4Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
9 : (AB)7(XO4)4Zq·xH2O
19.14.31
19 : Phosphates
14 : Phosphates of Fe and other metals
19 : Phosphates
14 : Phosphates of Fe and other 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sou | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Sou | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Souzalite
Vitreous, Silky
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Blue-green, dark gray-green
Streak:
Pale green
Hardness:
5½ - 6 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Two directions at approximate right angles. One good {001) and one fair perpendicular to {001}.
Sturman et al. (1981) write that they could find only one poor cleavage parallel to {001}. However, the mineral breaks along the composition planes of the
Two directions at approximate right angles. One good {001) and one fair perpendicular to {001}.
Sturman et al. (1981) write that they could find only one poor cleavage parallel to {001}. However, the mineral breaks along the composition planes of the
Density:
3.087 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.07 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Souzalite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.617 - 1.618 nβ = 1.642 nγ = 1.652 - 1.653
2V:
Measured: 66° to 68°, Calculated: 66° to 68°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 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:
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
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X perpendicular to cleavage = Green
Y = Blue
Z = elongation to Yellow
Y = Blue
Z = elongation to Yellow
Chemistry of Souzalite
Mindat Formula:
Mg3Al4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Souzalite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.2223 Å, b = 11.7801 Å, c = 5.1169 Å
α = 90.158°, β = 109.938°, γ = 81.330°
α = 90.158°, β = 109.938°, γ = 81.330°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.613 : 1 : 0.434
Unit Cell V:
404.02 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1
Morphology:
Crystals are bladed, to 1 cm, in aggregates; as coarse fibrous masses.
Twinning:
Polysynthetic twinning with the composition plane parallel to the good cleavage direction.
Comment:
boundary between souzalite (Mg dominant) and gormanite (Fe2+ dominant)
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
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Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
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Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
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Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Rotation
Stop | Start
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0007014 | Souzalite | Le Bail A, Stephens P W, Hubert F (2003) A crystal structure for the souzalite/gormanite series from synchrotron powder diffraction data European Journal of Mineralogy 15 719-723 | 2003 | Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.386 Å | (100) |
| 2.553 Å | (90) |
| 2.921 Å | (80) |
| 4.760 Å | (60) |
| 3.152 Å | (60) |
| 3.06 Å | (40) |
| 6.72 Å | (30) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 21 : Chemically precipitated carbonate, phosphate, iron formations | |
| 22 : Hydration and low-? subsurface aqueous alteration (see also #23) | |
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations |
Geological Setting:
Sedimentary phosphate nodules, and in a high-pressure kyanite deposit.
Type Occurrence of Souzalite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Irregular, fibrous masses intimately associated with scorzalite.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M34010.
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 100680.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, C5863, 159981, 160114.
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 100680.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, C5863, 159981, 160114.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Rare hydrothermal alteration product of scorzalite in complex zoned granite pegmatites.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Souzalite
Relationship of Souzalite to other Species
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 11 photos of Souzalite associated with Siderite | FeCO3 |
| 8 photos of Souzalite associated with Gormanite | (Fe2+,Mg)3(Al,Fe3+)4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 7 photos of Souzalite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 2 photos of Souzalite associated with Lazulite | MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Souzalite associated with Kulanite | Ba(Fe2+,Mn2+,Mg)2(Al,Fe3+)2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 1 photo of Souzalite associated with Brazilianite | NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4 |
| 1 photo of Souzalite associated with Zanazziite | Ca2Mg5Be4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 1 photo of Souzalite associated with Scorzalite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Souzalite associated with Moraesite | Be2(PO4)(OH) · 4H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DC. | Ferroberaunite | Fe2+Fe3+5(PO4)4(OH)5 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC. | Césarferreiraite | Fe2+ Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC. | Ferrivauxite | Fe3+Al2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC. | Ianbruceite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.05 | Nissonite | Cu2Mg2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.07 | Euchroite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.10 | Legrandite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) · H2O |
| 8.DC.12 | Strashimirite | Cu8(AsO4)4(OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Earlshannonite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Kunatite | CuFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | 'UM2006-27-PO:FeHZn' | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | 'UKI-2006-(PO:AlCuFeH)' | Fe2+Al3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Cobaltarthurite | CoFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Arthurite | CuFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Ojuelaite | ZnFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Whitmoreite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Bendadaite | Fe2+Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.17 | Kleemanite | ZnAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.20 | Magnesiobermanite | MgMn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.20 | Bermanite | Mn2+Mn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.20 | Coralloite | Mn2+Mn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.22 | Kovdorskite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Zincostrunzite | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6.5H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Metavauxite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Metavivianite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Ferristrunzite | Fe3+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Strunzite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Ferrostrunzite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.27 | Beraunite | Fe3+6(PO4)4O(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.27 | Tvrdýite | Fe2+Fe3+2Al3(PO4)4(OH)5(H2O)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.DC.27 | Zincoberaunite | ZnFe3+5(PO4)4(OH)5 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Maghrebite | MgAl2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Ferrolaueite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Ushkovite | MgFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Laueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Paravauxite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Sigloite | Fe3+Al2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 7H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Nordgauite | MnAl2(PO4)2(F,OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Kayrobertsonite | [MnAl2(PO4)2(OH)2(H2O)4] · 2H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Kummerite | Mn2+Fe3+Al(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Mangangordonite | Mn2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Stewartite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Gordonite | MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Kastningite | (Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Pseudolaueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.32 | Kamarizaite | Fe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.32 | Tinticite | Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.35 | Vauxite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.37 | Vantasselite | Al4(PO4)3(OH)3 · 9H2O |
| 8.DC.40 | Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
| 8.DC.45 | Gormanite | (Fe2+,Mg)3(Al,Fe3+)4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.DC.47 | Kingite | Al3(PO4)2F2(OH) · 7H2O |
| 8.DC.50 | Allanpringite | Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.50 | Fluorwavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH)2F · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.50 | Wavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.52 | Kribergite | Al5(PO4)3(SO4)(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.55 | Mapimite | Zn2Fe3+3(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 10H2O |
| 8.DC.57 | Ogdensburgite | Ca2Fe3+4(Zn,Mn2+)(AsO4)4(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.60 | Cloncurryite | Cu0.5(VO)0.5Al2(PO4)2F2 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.60 | Nevadaite | (Cu2+,Al,V3+)6Al8(PO4)8F8(OH)2 · 22H2O |
| 8.DC.62 | Kenngottite | Mn2+3Fe3+4(PO4)4(OH)6(H2O)2 |
| 8.DC.67 | Molinelloite | Cu(H2O)(OH)V4+O(V5+O4) |
| 8.DC.70 | Whitecapsite | H16Fe2+5Fe3+14Sb3+6(AsO4)18O16 · 120H2O |
| 8.DC.75 | Heimite | PbCu2(AsO4)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
| 8.DC.80 | Lednevite | Cu[PO3(OH)] · H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble with difficulty in HCl.
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 Souzalite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3719.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Souzalite
Reference List:
Pecora, William T., Fahey, Joseph J. (1949) The Corrego Frio pegmatite, Minas Gerais: scorzalite and souzalite, two new phosphate minerals. American Mineralogist, 34 (1-2) 83-93
Sturman, B. D., Mandarino, J. A., Mrose, M. E., Dunn, P. J. (1981) Gormanite, Fe2+3Al4(PO4)4(OH)6·2H2O, the ferrous analogue of souzalite, and new data for souzalite. The Canadian Mineralogist, 19 (3) 381-387
Localities for Souzalite
Showing 19 localities.
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.
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The
Rapid Creek, Dawson mining district, Yukon, Canada