Tschermigite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Tschermigite
Formula:
(NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O
Colour:
Colourless, white; colourless in transmitted light
Lustre:
Vitreous, Silky
Hardness:
1½ - 2
Specific Gravity:
1.645
Crystal System:
Isometric
Member of:
Name:
Named after its discovery locality, Tschermig (now Cermniky), near Kadan, Czech Republic.
Note: Specimens frequently offered for sale of 'tschermigite' as large, good quality purple crystals on matrix are artificially created specimens made by growing crystals of this ammonium alum in a laboratory.
Godovikovite is a dehydration product of tschermigite sometimes occurring on burning coal dumps.
Godovikovite is a dehydration product of tschermigite sometimes occurring on burning coal dumps.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4036
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4036:1
Similar Names
| Chernykhite | A valid IMA mineral species | (Ba,Na)(V3+,Al,Mg)2((Si,Al)4O10)(OH)2 |
| Tschermakite | A valid IMA mineral species | ◻Ca2(Mg3Al2)(Al2Si6O22)(OH)2 |
| Tschernichite | A valid IMA mineral species | (Ca,Na2)[Al2Si4O12] · 4-8H2O |
IMA Classification of Tschermigite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
N3-H4Al(S6+O4)2·12H2O
Classification of Tschermigite
7.CC.20
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
C : With medium-sized and large cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
C : With medium-sized and large cations
29.5.5.3
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
5 : AB(XO4)2·xH2O
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
5 : AB(XO4)2·xH2O
25.6.20
25 : Sulphates
6 : Sulphates of Al and Tl
25 : Sulphates
6 : Sulphates of Al and Tl
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tmi | 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 Tschermigite
Vitreous, Silky
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Crystals vitreous; fibrous masses silky
Colour:
Colourless, white; colourless in transmitted light
Hardness:
1½ - 2 on Mohs scale
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
1.645 g/cm3 (Measured) 1.641 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Tschermigite
Type:
Isotropic
RI values:
n = 1.458
Birefringence:
Anomalous - due to strain arising in mechanical deformation or compositional variation.
Surface Relief:
High (negative)
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
Chemistry of Tschermigite
Mindat Formula:
(NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Tschermigite
Crystal System:
Isometric
Class (H-M):
m3(2/m3) - Diploidal
Space Group:
Pa3
Setting:
Pa3
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.242(1) Å
Unit Cell V:
1,834.67 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Octahedral (artificial crystals from pure water solutions); fibrous, columnar massive; as efflorescences.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0010843 | Tschermigite | Abdeen A M, Will G, Schaefer W, Kirfel A, Bargouth M O, Recker K, Weiss A (1981) X-ray and neutron diffraction study of alums II. The crystal structure of methylammonium aluminium alum III. The crystal structure of ammonium aluminium alum Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 157 147-166 |  | 1981 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
| 0019048 | Tschermigite | Larson A C, Cromer D T (1967) Refinement of the alum structures. III. X-ray study of the a alums, K, Rb and NH4Al(SO4)2*12H2O Acta Crystallographica 22 793-800 |  | 1967 | Synthetic | 0 | 293 |
| 0010844 | Tschermigite | Abdeen A M, Will G, Schafer W, Kirfel A, Bargouth M O, Recker K, Weiss A (1981) X-ray and neutron diffraction study of alums: II. The crystal structure of methylammonium aluminium alum III. The crystal structure of ammonium aluminium alum Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 157 147-166 | | 1981 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Loading XRD data...
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.327 Å | (100) |
| 4.079 Å | (80) |
| 3.273 Å | (75) |
| 7.07 Å | (55) |
| 5.48 Å | (55) |
| 4.998 Å | (35) |
| 3.691 Å | (35) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] | |
| 45b : [Other oxidized fumarolic minerals] | |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 50 : Coal and/or oil shale minerals | <0.36 |
| 53 : Other minerals with taphonomic origins | <0.4 |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 54 : Coal and other mine fire minerals (see also #51 and #56) | |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Geological Setting:
In lignite (brown-coal) beds and bituminous shales; in fumaroles; in burning coal seams and coal mine waste heaps.
Type Occurrence of Tschermigite
Synonyms of Tschermigite
Other Language Names for Tschermigite
Relationship of Tschermigite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Alum Group:
| Alum-(K) | KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O | Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3 |
| Alum-(Na) | NaAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O | Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3 |
| Lanmuchangite | Tl+Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O | Iso. m3(2/m3) : Pa3 |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Tschermigite associated with Mohrite | (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 3 photos of Tschermigite associated with Ammoniomagnesiovoltaite | (NH4)2Mg2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 3 photos of Tschermigite associated with Godovikovite | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 |
| 2 photos of Tschermigite associated with Boussingaultite | (NH4)2Mg(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 2 photos of Tschermigite associated with Sabieite | (NH4)Fe3+(SO4)2 |
| 2 photos of Tschermigite associated with Metavoltine | K2Na6Fe2+Fe3+6O2(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 2 photos of Tschermigite associated with Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| 2 photos of Tschermigite associated with Hexahydrite | Mg(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 1 photo of Tschermigite associated with Clairite | (NH4)2Fe3(SO4)4(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 1 photo of Tschermigite associated with Ammonioalunite | (NH4)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.CC. | Cobaltoblödite | Na2Co(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC. | Andychristyite | PbCu2+Te6+O5(H2O) |
| 7.CC. | Ammoniovoltaite | (NH4)2Fe2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12(H2O)18 |
| 7.CC.05 | Krausite | KFe(SO4)2 · H2O |
| 7.CC.10 | Tamarugite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.15 | Mendozite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.CC.15 | Kalinite | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Alum-(Na) | NaAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Lonecreekite | (NH4)Fe3+(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Alum-(K) | KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Lanmuchangite | Tl+Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Zincovoltaite | K2Zn5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Voltaite | K2Fe2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Magnesiovoltaite | K2Mg5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Pertlikite | K2(Fe2+,Mg)2(Mg,Fe3+)4Fe3+2Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Ammoniomagnesiovoltaite | (NH4)2Mg2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.30 | Kröhnkite | Na2Cu(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.CC.35 | Ferrinatrite | Na3Fe(SO4)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.CC.40 | Goldichite | KFe(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.45 | Löweite | Na12Mg7(SO4)13 · 15H2O |
| 7.CC.50 | Nickelblödite | Na2Ni(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.50 | Blödite | Na2Mg(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.50 | Changoite | Na2Zn(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.55 | Leonite | K2Mg(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.55 | Mereiterite | K2Fe(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Nickelpicromerite | K2Ni(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Nickelboussingaultite | (NH4)2Ni(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Katerinopoulosite | (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Picromerite | K2Mg(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Cyanochroite | K2Cu(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Mohrite | (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Boussingaultite | (NH4)2Mg(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.65 | Polyhalite | K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CC.70 | Leightonite | K2Ca2Cu(SO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CC.75 | Amarillite | NaFe(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.80 | Konyaite | Na2Mg(SO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 7.CC.85 | Wattevilleite | Na2Ca(SO4)2 · 4H2O (?) |
| 7.CC.85 | Xocolatlite | Ca2Mn4+2(Te6+O6)2 · H2O |
| 7.CC.90 | Eckhardite | (Ca,Pb)Cu2+Te6+O5(H2O) |
Other Information
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 Tschermigite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4036.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Tschermigite
Reference List:
Beudant, François-Sulpice (1832) Traité élémentaire de minéralogie. Deuxiéme Edition [Elementary Treatise on Mineralogy. Second Edition] (2nd ed.) Vol. 2 - Tome II [Volume II]. Chez Verdière. p.497 - as Ammonalun
von Kobell, Franz [Franz Wolffgang Kobel] (1853) Die Mineral-Namen und die mineralogische Nomenklatur. J.G. Cotta'schen Buchhandlung. p.44 - as Tschermigit
Klug, Harold P., Alexander, Leroy (1940) Crystal-Chemical Studies of the Alums. I. Solid Solutions of Potassium Aluminum Alum and Ammonium Aluminum Alum. Journal Of The American Chemical Society, 62 (6) 1492-1493 doi:10.1021/ja01863a046
Larson, A. C., Cromer, D. T. (1967) Refinement of the alum structures. III. X-ray study of the α alums, K, Rb and NH4Al(SO4)2.12H2O. Acta Crystallographica, 22 (6) 793-800 doi:10.1107/s0365110x67001586
Abdeen, A. M., Will, G., Schäfer, W., Kirfel, A., Bargouth, M. O., Recker, K., Weiss, A. (1981) X-Ray and neutron diffraction study of alums. II. The crystal structure of methylammonium aluminium alum. III. The crystal structure of ammonium aluminium alum. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, 157 (3-4). 147-166 doi:10.1524/zkri.1981.157.3-4.147
Localities for Tschermigite
Showing 102 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.
Austria | |
| Postl et al. (2020) |
| Meixner (1954) |
Belgium | |
| Leduc et al. (2012) |
Brazil | |
| Waber et al. (1992) +2 other references |
Bulgaria | |
| Elena Shcherbakova (2010) |
China | |
| Stracher et al. (2005) |
Czech Republic | |
| Žáček et al. (1995) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +2 other references |
| Breiter K. (1976) |
| Breiter K. (1976) | |
| Breiter K. (1976) |
| Harapát |
| Jirásek (2001) |
| Breiter K. (1976) |
| Breiter K. (1976) |
| Scharm +7 other references | |
| Matýsek et al. (2022) |
| Košek (2018) +1 other reference | |
| Hofmanovi P. a R.: Příspěvek k ... |
| Hršelová et al. (2013) |
| www.handbookofmineralogy.org (n.d.) |
| Sekanina (1948) +1 other reference |
| Duda +1 other reference |
| Varilová et al. (2011) |
DR Congo | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
France | |
| Audra et al. (2007) |
| Naze-Nancy Masalehdani et al. (2009) |
| www.geoforum.fr (2018) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Giesler et al. (2020) |
| Dr.Thomas Witzke on www.strahlen.org +3 other references |
| Košek (2018) +1 other reference | |
| Thomas Kleser Collection / Analyses by ... |
| Thalheim +1 other reference |
| Witzke et al. (1998) |
Hungary | |
| Sándor et al. (2005) |
| Szakáll et al. (2008) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference | |
Italy | |
| D’Angeli et al. (2017) +1 other reference |
| Russo et al. (2017) |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| Russo et al. (2017) | |
| Ciriotti et al. (2020) +1 other reference |
| D'Angeli et al. (2018) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Campostrini et al. (2011) |
| Rögner et al. (2007) |
| Coradossi (1973) |
| Brizzi G. et al. (1986) +1 other reference |
Japan | |
| SHIMOBAYASHI et al. (2011) |
Kenya | |
| Bowell et al. (1996) |
New Zealand | |
| Martin et al. (1999) |
| Johnstone (1979) |
| Rod Martin et al. (NZ) |
| Johnstone (1979) | |
Peru | |
| Ciesielczuk et al. (2013) |
Poland | |
| Ciesielczuk et al. (2014) |
| Fabiańska et al. (2013) |
| Lukasz Kruszewski Minerals arising in cause of underground fires of "Skalny" coal mine dump in Laziska (unpublished) +1 other reference |
| Parafiniuk et al. (2009) |
| Kruszewski (2012) |
| doi.org (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Ł. Kruszewski (PXRD data) +1 other reference |
Portugal | |
| Marques de Sá et al. (2010) |
Russia | |
| Cesnokov et al. (1998) |
| Zhitova et al. (2018) |
| Active Volcanoes of Kamchatka |
| Okrugin (2004) | |
| Zhitova et al. (2022) |
Slovakia | |
| Duda et al. (1992) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) | |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Spain | |
| Sainz de Baranda Graf et al. (2025) +1 other reference |
| Calvo Rebollar (2018) |
| Crespo et al. (2017) |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
Tajikistan | |
| D.I.Belakovskiy data |
| Lukasz Kruszewski (PXRD) |
USA | |
| Adams et al. (2014) |
| Adams et al. (2014) | |
| Becker (1888b) +2 other references |
| Kampf et al. (2024) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Allen (1927) +4 other references |
| GSA Field Guide 10 (2007) |
| Carnegie Museum of Natural History ... |
| Carnegie Museum of Natural History ... | |
| Hower et al. (2013) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Richards et al. (2017) |
| Lapham (Oct, 1972) +2 other references |
| Matt Livingood |
| Montgomery (Sep, 1972) +1 other reference |
| Finkelman et al. (1974) +1 other reference |
| Excalibur Mineral specimen and label +1 other reference |
| Lapham (Oct, 1972) +2 other references |
| Coskren et al. (2000) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Wendlandt et al. (2006) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
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Pécs-Vasas, Pécs District, Baranya County, Hungary