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Spheniscidite

A valid IMA mineral species
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07541590017271926711449.jpg
Spheniscidite, etc.

Kamysh-Burun Trough, Kerchenskoe deposit, Kerchenskyi iron ore basin, Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine
05691540017271926979718.jpg
Spheniscidite

Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine
09374380017271927031095.jpg
Spheniscidite

Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine
07541590017271926711449.jpg
Spheniscidite, etc.

Kamysh-Burun Trough, Kerchenskoe deposit, Kerchenskyi iron ore basin, Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine
05691540017271926979718.jpg
Spheniscidite

Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine
09374380017271927031095.jpg
Spheniscidite

Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine
07541590017271926711449.jpg
Spheniscidite, etc.

Kamysh-Burun Trough, Kerchenskoe deposit, Kerchenskyi iron ore basin, Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine
05691540017271926979718.jpg
Spheniscidite

Kerch Peninsula, Crimea, Ukraine
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About SphenisciditeHide

08593810017271927086132.jpg
Chinstrap penguins

Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, West Antarctica, Antarctica
Formula:
(NH4,K)(Fe3+,Al)2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O
Colour:
Brownish, colorless
Lustre:
Dull, Earthy
Hardness:
1 - 1½
Specific Gravity:
3.08 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
The name is from 'Sphenisciformes', the order name for penguins. The mineral is formed by reaction of penguin guano and the phyllitic soil of Elephant Island, British Antarctic Territory, Antarctica, the discovery locality.
The ammonium analogue of leucophosphite. The Fe analogue of ammoniotinsleyite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
3728
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3728:6

IMA Classification of SphenisciditeHide

Classification of SphenisciditeHide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
8.DH.10

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
H : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 < 1:1
Dana 8th ed.:
42.11.6.3

42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
11 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
Hey's CIM Ref.:
19.14.8

19 : Phosphates
14 : Phosphates of Fe and other metals

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
SncIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of SphenisciditeHide

Lustre:
Dull, Earthy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Brownish, colorless
Hardness:
1 - 1½ on Mohs scale
Comment:
Very soft
Density:
3.08 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of SphenisciditeHide

Type:
Biaxial
Dispersion:
relatively weak
Comments:
Refractive indices close to 1.7

Chemistry of SphenisciditeHide

Mindat Formula:
(NH4,K)(Fe3+,Al)2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O47.220 %
Fe29.967 %
P16.621 %
N3.758 %
H2.434 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Elements listed:
Al, Fe, H, K, N, O, P - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of SphenisciditeHide

Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.75(1) Å, b = 9.63(2) Å, c = 9.70(1) Å
β = 102.57°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.012 : 1 : 1.007
Unit Cell V:
888.93 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Comment:
Space Group: [P21/n] (by analogy to leucophosphite).

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0010294SphenisciditeCavellec M, Riou D, Ferey G (1994) Synthetic spheniscidite Acta Crystallographica C50 1379-13811994synthetic0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
6.79 Å(100)
5.99 Å(90)
3.053 Å(45)
7.62 Å(40)
4.75 Å(35)
4.26 Å(35)
3.358 Å(35)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates]
Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere<0.6
52 : Guano- and urine-derived minerals<0.4

Type Occurrence of SphenisciditeHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, West Antarctica, Antarctica
General Appearance of Type Material:
Fine-grained, brown aggregates concentrated mainly in the 75-2000 um fraction.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
1) Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Aberdeen, Scotland.
2) The Natural History Museum, London, England.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In the soil profile in an area of nesting penguins. The till is derived from dark grey and green chloritic
phyllites.
Reference:
Wilson, M. J., Bain, D. C. (1976) Occurrence of leucophosphite in a soil from Elephant Island, British Antarctic Territory. American Mineralogist, 61 (9-10) 1027-1028

Synonyms of SphenisciditeHide

Other Language Names for SphenisciditeHide

Relationship of Spheniscidite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Leucophosphite Group
Other Members of Leucophosphite Group:
Ammoniotinsleyite(NH4)Al2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
LeucophosphiteKFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
TinsleyiteKAl2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon.

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
2 photos of Spheniscidite associated with MitridatiteCa2Fe3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.DH.Thebaite-(NH4)(NH4)3Al(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.Whiteite-(MnMnMn)Mn2+Mn2+Mn2+2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.Ammoniotinsleyite(NH4)Al2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DH.Bergbauerite(H2O)2Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4(OH)2(H2O)10 · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.Dendoraite-(NH4)(NH4)2NaAl(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O)2Mon. 2/m
8.DH.Rowleyite[Na(NH4,K)9Cl4][V5+,4+2(P,As)O8]6 · n[H2O,Na,NH4,K,Cl]Iso.
8.DH.HochleitneriteMn2Ti3(PO4)4O2(H2O)2 · 14H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.Whiteite-(CaMnFe)CaMnFe2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.05MinyuliteKAl2(PO4)2F · 4H2OOrth. mm2 : Pba2
8.DH.10LeucophosphiteKFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.10TinsleyiteKAl2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon.
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnFe){Ca}{Mn2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(NaMnMn){Na}{Mn2+}{(Mn2+,Fe3+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnMg){Ca}{Mn2+}{(Mg,Fe2+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnMn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(MnMnMg)MnMnMg2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnZn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Zn2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnMg){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnFe){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15'Jahnsite-(CaFeFe)'{Ca}{Fe2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon.
8.DH.15Rittmannite{(Mn2+,Ca)}{Mn2+}{(Fe2+,Mn2+,Mg)2}{(Al,Fe3+)2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15KeckiteCaMn2+(Fe3+Mn2+)Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)3 · 7H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(NaMnMg){(Na,Ca)}{(Mn2+,Fe3+)}{(Mg,Fe3+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15'Jahnsite-(CaMgMg)'{Ca}{Mg}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnZn){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Zn2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaMgMg)CaMg3Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaFeMg){Ca}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaMnMg){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.15Whiteite-(MnFeMg){(Mn2+,Ca)}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnMn){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Mn2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.15'Kaluginite'(Mn2+,Ca)MgFe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth.
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaFeMg){Ca}{Fe2+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaMnMn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(NaFeMg){Na}{Fe3+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.20SegeleriteCa2 Mg2 Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pcca
8.DH.20Lun'okite(Mn,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Mn)Al(PO4)2OH · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20Manganosegelerite(Mn2+,Ca)(Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20WilhelmvierlingiteCaMnFe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20JuonniiteCaMgSc(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20OveriteCaMgAl(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.25CalcioferriteCa4MgFe3+4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.25ZodaciteCa4Mn2+Fe3+4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon.
8.DH.25FanfaniiteCa4Mn2+Al4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.25KingsmountiteCa3Mn2+FeAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.25MontgomeryiteCa4MgAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon. 2 : B2
8.DH.30PararobertsiteCa2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.30RobertsiteCa2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. m : Bb
8.DH.30ArseniosideriteCa2Fe3+3(AsO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.30Sailaufite(Ca,Na,◻)2Mn3+3(AsO4)2(CO3)O2 · 3H2OMon. m : Bm
8.DH.30MitridatiteCa2Fe3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.30KolfaniteCa2Fe3+3O2(AsO4)3 · 2H2OMon.
8.DH.35MantienneiteKMg2Al2Ti(PO4)4(OH)3 · 15H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.35Sperlingite (H2O)K(Mn2+Fe3+)(Al2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)] [(H2O)9(OH)] · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.35PaulkerriteK(Mg,Mn2+)2(Fe3+,Al,Ti,Mg)2Ti(PO4)4(OH)3 · 15H2OMon. m
8.DH.35Hydroxylbenyacarite(H2O)2Mn2(Ti2Fe)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10 · 4H2O Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.35MacraeiteK(H2O)Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.35Benyacarite(H2O)2Mn2Ti2Fe3+(PO4)4(OF)(H2O)10 · 4H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.35Fluormacraeite [(H2O)K]Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4(OF)(H2O)10 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.40XanthoxeniteCa4Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 3H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.45MahnertiteNaCu3(AsO4)2Cl · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
8.DH.50AndyrobertsiteKCdCu5(AsO4)4(H2AsO4) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DH.50CalcioandyrobertsiteKCaCu5(AsO4)4(H2AsO4) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DH.55EnglishiteK3Na2Ca10Al15(PO4)21(OH)7 · 26H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.60BouazzeriteBi6(Mg,Co)11Fe3+14(AsO4)18(OH)4O12 · 86H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.65GalliskiiteCa4Al2(PO4)2F8 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.70JoteiteCa2CuAl(AsO4)[AsO3(OH)]2(OH)2 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.75KampeliteBa6Mg3Sc8(PO4)12(OH)6 · 7H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
8.DH.80KapundaiteNaCaFe4(PO4)4(OH)3 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.85VaniniiteCa2Mn2+3Mn3+2O2(AsO4)4 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b

Other InformationHide

Thermal Behaviour:
Two marked endothermic peaks at 110 and 195°C associated with loss of water of crystallization, and two exothermic reactions at 538 and 572 °C which are presumed to be due to decomposition and recrystallization.
Notes:
Soluble in acids but insoluble in water.
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 SphenisciditeHide

References for SphenisciditeHide

Localities for SphenisciditeHide

Showing 18 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Antarctica (TL)
 
  • West Antarctica
    • Antarctic Peninsula
      • South Shetland Islands
Wilson et al. (1976) +1 other reference
Australia
 
  • Tasmania
    • Huon Valley municipality
      • Southern Islands
Bottrill et al. (2008)
Brazil
 
  • Pará
    • Canaã dos Carajás
      • Serra Sul complex
        • S11D deposit
Piló et al. (2023)
Piló et al. (2023)
    • Parauapebas
      • Carajás iron complex
        • N4WS Pit
Piló et al. (2023)
Figueira et al. (2019)
France
 
  • Occitanie
    • Hérault
      • Béziers
        • Saint-Vincent-d'Olargues
Audra et al. (2019)
Hungary
 
  • Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County
    • Putnok District
      • Aggtelek
Audra et al. (2019)
Iran
 
  • Kurdistan Province
    • Divandarreh County
Amin et al. (2022)
Italy
 
  • Sardinia
    • South Sardinia Province
      • Carbonia
        • Barbusi
Baldoni et al. (2013) +2 other references
Malaysia
 
  • Selangor
    • Gombak District
Wurster et al. (2015)
Morocco
 
  • Oriental Region
    • Berkane Province
      • Zegzel commune
Audra et al. (2021)
Philippines
 
  • Visayas
    • Western Visayas Region
      • Palawan Province
        • Palawan Island
          • Bataraza
Wurster et al. (2015)
          • El Nido
Wurster et al. (2015)
          • Quezon
Choa et al. (2014)
Poland
 
  • Silesian Voivodeship
    • Wodzisław County
      • Radlin
Cu +2 other references
Ukraine
 
  • Crimea
Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie - Abhandlungen: Journal of Mineralogy and Geochemistry et al. (5) +1 other reference
      • Kerchenskyi iron ore basin
        • Kerchenskoe deposit
Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.)
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