Heklaite
About Heklaite
NOTE: The much finer heklaite crystals from Polk County, Florida, are an accidentally formed anthropogenic compound in gypsum industrial waste piles, a product of reaction between clay minerals and the hydrofluoric acid-rich byproducts of superphosphate fertilizer production.
Unique Identifiers
Similar Names
| Heikolite | A synonym of 'Crossite' |
IMA Classification of Heklaite
Classification of Heklaite
3 : HALIDES
C : Complex halides
H : Silicofluorides
11 : HALIDE COMPLEXES
5 : AmBX6
Mineral Symbols
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Hek | 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 Heklaite
Chemistry of Heklaite
Crystallography of Heklaite
Crystal Structure
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Stop | Start
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0014361 | Heklaite | Fischer J, Kramer V (1991) Crystal structure of KNaSiF_6_ Materials Research Bulletin 26 925-930 | 1991 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.33 Å | (53) |
| 4.26 Å | (56) |
| 3.40 Å | (49) |
| 3.37 Å | (47) |
| 3.34 Å | (100) |
| 2.251 Å | (27) |
| 2.050 Å | (52) |
| 2.016 Å | (29) |
Geological Environment
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45b : [Other oxidized fumarolic minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Heklaite
Synonyms of Heklaite
Other Language Names for Heklaite
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.CH.05 | Malladrite | Na2[SiF6] |
| 3.CH.10 | Bararite | (NH4)2[SiF6] |
| 3.CH.15 | Hieratite | K2[SiF6] |
| 3.CH.15 | Cryptohalite | (NH4)2[SiF6] |
| 3.CH.20 | Demartinite | K2[SiF6] |
| 3.CH.25 | Knasibfite | K3Na4[SiF6]3[BF4] |
Radioactivity
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 19.1504% | 5,937 | β, γ |
For comparison:
- Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
- Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
- EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg
Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.
Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!
Activity: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | ||
| 10 cm | ||
| 1 m |
The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).
D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield
Fluorescence of Heklaite
Other Information
Internet Links for Heklaite
Please feel free to link to this page.
References for Heklaite
Localities for Heklaite
Showing 5 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.
Iceland (TL) | |
| Garavelli et al. (2010) |
Italy | |
| Russo et al. (2022) |
USA | |
| Isaias Casanova specimens +1 other reference |
| RRUFF Database Specimen I.D RO90034 | |
| Hon et al. (2009) |
Central Florida Phosphate Mining District, Polk County, Florida, USA