Teschemacherite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Teschemacherite
Frederick E. Teschemacher
Formula:
(NH4)HCO3
Colour:
Colourless, white, light yellow; colourless in transmitted light.
Hardness:
1½
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named in honor of Frederick Edward Teschemacher (31 December 1791, Clarborough, Eastretford, Nottinghamshire, England - 10 January 1863, Highbury Park North, Middlesex, England), chemist who first described the mineral.
This page provides mineralogical data about Teschemacherite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3918
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3918:1
IMA Classification of Teschemacherite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
(N3-H4)HCO3
Classification of Teschemacherite
5.AA.25
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
A : Carbonates without additional anions, without H2O
A : Alkali carbonates
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
A : Carbonates without additional anions, without H2O
A : Alkali carbonates
13.1.3.1
13 : ACID CARBONATES
1 : Miscellaneous
13 : ACID CARBONATES
1 : Miscellaneous
11.1.18
11 : Carbonates
1 : Carbonates of the alkali metals and ammonium
11 : Carbonates
1 : Carbonates of the alkali metals and ammonium
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tmh | 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 Teschemacherite
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, white, light yellow; colourless in transmitted light.
Hardness:
1½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {110}.
On {110}.
Optical Data of Teschemacherite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.4227 nβ = 1.5358 nγ = 1.5545
2V:
Measured: 41° , Calculated: 40°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.132
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.
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.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively strong
Optical Extinction:
X = a; Y = b; Z = c.
Chemistry of Teschemacherite
Mindat Formula:
(NH4)HCO3
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Teschemacherite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pccn
Setting:
Pccn
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.255 Å, b = 10.709 Å, c = 8.746 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.677 : 1 : 0.817
Unit Cell V:
679.51 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
8
Morphology:
Compact crystalline masses. Crystals short prismatic (artificial material).
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0015683 | Teschemacherite | Pertlik F (1981) Verfeinerung der kristallstruktur des teschemacherits, (NH4)CO2(OH) Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen 29 67-74 | 1981 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.998 Å | (100) |
| 5.34 Å | (60) |
| 3.62 Å | (55) |
| 4.05 Å | (45) |
| 3.005 Å | (45) |
| 3.068 Å | (30) |
| 2.1547 Å | (30) |
Comments:
Synthetic.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 52 : Guano- and urine-derived minerals | <0.4 |
Type Occurrence of Teschemacherite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
No designated type material.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In a guano deposit.
Synonyms of Teschemacherite
Other Language Names for Teschemacherite
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.AA.05 | Zabuyelite | Li2CO3 |
| 5.AA.10 | Natrite | Na2CO3 |
| 5.AA.10 | Gregoryite | (Na2,K2,Ca)CO3 |
| 5.AA.15 | Nahcolite | NaHCO3 |
| 5.AA.20 | Kalicinite | KHCO3 |
| 5.AA.30 | Wegscheiderite | Na5H3(CO3)4 |
Other Information
Notes:
Slowly decomposes in humid atmosphere. Soluble in water. Soluble with effervescence in dilute acid.
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 Teschemacherite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3918.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Teschemacherite
Reference List:
BROOKS, R., ALCOCK, T. C. (1950) Crystal Structure of Ammonium Bicarbonate and a Possible Relationship with Ammonium Hypophosphate. Nature, 166 (4219). 435-436 doi:10.1038/166435b0
Browne,, P. R. L. (1972) Occurrence of teschemacherite in a geothermal well at Broadlands, New Zealand. American Mineralogist, 57 (7-8). 1304-1305
Localities for Teschemacherite
Showing 7 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.
Azerbaijan | |
Bolivia | |
| Camacho (2014) |
Chile | |
New Zealand | |
| Browne et al. (1972) |
Peru | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
South Africa (TL) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
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North Chincha Island, Chincha Islands, San Clemente District, Pisco Province, Ica, Peru