Vernadite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered - questionable
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About Vernadite
Vladimir Vernadsky
Formula:
(Mn4+,Fe3+,Ca,Na)(O,OH)2 · nH2O
Colour:
Black
Lustre:
Resinous, Dull
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
2.9 - 3.0
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadskii (Владимир Иванович Вернадский) (12 March [OS: 28 February] 1863, Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire - 6 January 1945, Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union), professor of geochemistry, Moscow University (Russia). Russian, Ukrainian, and Soviet mineralogist and geochemist who is considered one of the founders of geochemistry, biogeochemistry, and radiogeology. Founder of the Ukrainian academy of sciences. Vernadsky is most noted for his 1926 book The Biosphere, in which he inadvertently worked to popularize Eduard Suess' 1875 term biosphere, by hypothesizing that life is the geological force that shapes the earth.
Type Locality:
According to Giovanoli (1980), vernadite is random-stacked birnessite, however in reply Chukrov & Gorshkov (1980) disagree with this due to the comparison of diffraction data and the absence of transitional forms from birnessite to vernadite.
A modern study of vernadite was done by Lee et al. (2019).
May be confused with feroxyhyte.
A modern study of vernadite was done by Lee et al. (2019).
May be confused with feroxyhyte.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4171
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4171:9
IMA Classification of Vernadite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959), Questionable
IMA Formula:
(Mn4+,Fe3+,Ca,Na)(O,OH)2·nH2O
Type description reference:
Classification of Vernadite
4.FE.40
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
E : Hydroxides with OH, without H2O; sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
E : Hydroxides with OH, without H2O; sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
4.4.9.1
4 : SIMPLE OXIDES
4 : AX2
4 : SIMPLE OXIDES
4 : AX2
7.19.4
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
19 : Oxides of Mn and Fe
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
19 : Oxides of Mn and Fe
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vnd | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Vnd | Warr (2020) | Warr, L.N. (2020) Recommended abbreviations for the names of clay minerals and associated phases. Clay Minerals, 55, 261–264 doi:10.1180/clm.2020.30 |
Physical Properties of Vernadite
Resinous, Dull
Colour:
Black
Streak:
Chocolate-brown, black
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=20 - 45 - Vickers
Cleavage:
None Observed
Density:
2.9 - 3.0 g/cm3 (Measured)
Chemistry of Vernadite
Mindat Formula:
(Mn4+,Fe3+,Ca,Na)(O,OH)2 · nH2O
Crystallography of Vernadite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 4.952-4.962(6) Å, b = 2.828-2.833(4) Å, c = 7.20 Å
β = 97.3-96.8(2)°
β = 97.3-96.8(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.751 : 1 : 2.546
Unit Cell V:
100.01 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Comment:
formerly here as: hexagonal, space group unknown, a=2.85Å, c=4.7Å; modern data from Lee et al. (2019), with synthetic P-3 polymorph/polytype (of Manceau et al., 2013) also listed
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.45 Å | (b) |
| 1.42 Å | (b) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 5: Initiation of plate tectonics | <3.5-2.5 |
| 42 : Sea-floor Mn nodules | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] | |
| 47h : [Near-surface oxidized, dehydrated minerals] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 49 : Oxic cellular biomineralization (see also #44) | <0.54 |
Type Occurrence of Vernadite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 43441, 43442.
Other Language Names for Vernadite
Varieties of Vernadite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 3 photos of Vernadite associated with Todorokite | (Na,Ca,K,Ba,Sr)1-x(Mn,Mg,Al)6O12 · 3-4H2O |
| 3 photos of Vernadite associated with Birnessite | (Na,Ca)0.5(Mn4+,Mn3+)2O4 · 1.5H2O |
| 2 photos of Vernadite associated with Serrabrancaite | MnPO4 · H2O |
| 2 photos of Vernadite associated with Phosphosiderite | FePO4 · 2H2O |
| 2 photos of Vernadite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 2 photos of Vernadite associated with Ferrihydrite | Fe3+10O14(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Vernadite associated with Rockbridgeite | (Fe2+0.5Fe3+0.5)2Fe3+3(PO4)3(OH)5 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.FE. | Nannoniite | Al2(OH)5F |
| 4.FE.05 | Brucite | Mg(OH)2 |
| 4.FE.05 | Theophrastite | Ni(OH)2 |
| 4.FE.05 | Amakinite | Fe2+(OH)2 |
| 4.FE.05 | Portlandite | Ca(OH)2 |
| 4.FE.05 | Pyrochroite | Mn(OH)2 |
| 4.FE.10 | Doyleite | Al(OH)3 |
| 4.FE.10 | Bayerite | Al(OH)3 |
| 4.FE.10 | Nordstrandite | Al(OH)3 |
| 4.FE.10 | Gibbsite | Al(OH)3 |
| 4.FE.15 | Lepidocrocite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 4.FE.15 | Böhmite | AlO(OH) |
| 4.FE.20 | Heterogenite | Co3+O(OH) |
| 4.FE.20 | Grimaldiite | CrO(OH) |
| 4.FE.25 | Lithiophorite | (Al,Li)MnO2(OH)2 |
| 4.FE.25 | Feitknechtite | Mn3+O(OH) |
| 4.FE.30 | Quenselite | PbMnO2(OH) |
| 4.FE.35 | Ferrihydrite | Fe3+10O14(OH)2 |
| 4.FE.40 | Feroxyhyte | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 4.FE.45 | Quetzalcoatlite | Zn6Cu3(TeO6)2(OH)6 · AgxPbyClx+2y |
| 4.FE.50 | Fuettererite | Pb3Cu2+6Te6+O6(OH)7Cl5 |
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 Vernadite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4171.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Vernadite
Reference List:
Fleischer, Michael, Burns, Roger G., Cabri, Louis J., Chao, George Y., Hogarth, D. D., Pabst, Adolf (1979) New Mineral Names. American Mineralogist, 64 (11-12) 1329-1334
Giovanoli, R. (1980) Vernadite is random-stacked birnessite. Mineralium Deposita, 15 (2). 251-253 doi:10.1007/bf00206520
Chukhrov, F.V., Gorshkov, A.I. (1980) Reply to R. Giovanoli's comment. Mineralium Deposita, 15 (2). 255-257 doi:10.1007/bf00206521
Ostwald, J. (1984) Ferruginous vernadite in an Indian Ocean ferromanganese nodule. Geological Magazine, 121 (5) 483-488 doi:10.1017/s0016756800030016
Manceau, Alain, Gorshkov, Anatolii I., Drits, Victor A. (1992) Structural chemistry of Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni in manganese hydrous oxides: Part II. Information from EXAFS spectroscopy and electron and X-ray diffraction. American Mineralogist, 77 (11-12) 1144-1157
Manceau, A., Lanson, M., Takahashi, Y. (2014) Mineralogy and crystal chemistry of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu in a deep-sea Pacific polymetallic nodule. American Mineralogist, 99 (10) 2068-2083 doi:10.2138/am-2014-4742
Lee, Seungyeol, Xu, Huifang, Xu, Wenqian, Sun, Xiaoming (2019) The structure and crystal chemistry of vernadite in ferromanganese crusts. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials, 75 (4). 591-598 doi:10.1107/s2052520619006528
Localities for Vernadite
Showing 116 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.
Andaman Sea | |
| Varghese et al. (2026) | |
Arctic Ocean | |
| Murdmaa et al. (2000) | |
| Bogdanov et al. (1995) | |
Atlantic Ocean | |
| Varentsov et al. (2009, April) | |
| Benites +4 other references | |
| Bogdanov et al. (2008) |
| Bogdanov et al. (2008) | |
| Bogdanov et al. (2008) |
| Bogdanov et al. (2008) | |
| Decrée et al. (2026) | |
| Decrée et al. (2026) | |
| Jovane et al. (2026) | |
Australia | |
| ENGLAND et al. (1988) |
| GEMCO (Groote Eylandt Mining Company Operation) |
Austria | |
| Autorenkollektiv (Red. M. A. Götzinger und P. Huber) |
Brazil | |
| Witzke et al. (2000) |
Bulgaria | |
| Onac et al. (2011) | |
China | |
| Jiuling Zhang (1982) |
| Huacai Chen (1989) +1 other reference |
| Lisheng Luo (1988) | |
| Liangkai Gu (1986) |
| Liangkai Gu (1986) |
| Liangkai Gu (1986) |
| Jiuling Zhang (1982) |
| Jiuling Zhang (1982) |
| Hunan Metallurgical Geology Research Team 236 (1977) +1 other reference |
| Jiuling Zhang (1982) |
| Jiuling Zhang (1982) |
| Jingqu Yao (1992) |
| Jingqu Yao (1992) | |
| Jingqu Yao (1992) |
| Jiuling Zhang (1982) |
| Ziqiang Wei (1976) |
| Ziqiang Wei (1976) |
| Ziqiang Wei (1976) |
| Fan et al. (1999) |
| Jiuling Zhang (1982) |
| Wenxin Yu (1980) +1 other reference |
Czech Republic | |
| Matýsek et al. (2021) |
| Jirásek et al. (2018) |
Germany | |
| Petitjean et al. (2007) |
| Hentschel (1989) |
Greece | |
| |
| Rieck et al. (1999) +1 other reference | |
| Hochleitner (1979) +1 other reference |
| Kilias +7 other references |
Indian Ocean | |
| Maciąg et al. (2019) | |
Japan | |
| Jose Carlos Mañuz Sanz collection |
Kazakhstan | |
| Konopelko et al. (2025) |
Marshall Islands | |
| Rex (1967) | |
Nazca Plate | |
| Zawadzki et al. (2022) | |
Pacific Ocean | |
| Wegorzewski et al. (2014) |
| Skowronek et al. (2021) +1 other reference | |
| Fan et al. (2024) | |
| Mikhailik et al. (2021) | |
| Novikov et al. (2006) |
| Mikhailik +4 other references |
| Sun et al. (2026) |
| Deng et al. (2024) | |
| Xu et al. (2024) | |
| Peretyazhko et al. (2025) | |
| Deng et al. (2024) +1 other reference | |
| [var: Iron-bearing vernadite] Novikov et al. (2023) +1 other reference | |
| Park et al. (2023) +1 other reference | |
| Deng et al. (2022) +1 other reference | |
| Ren et al. (2026) | |
| Fengyou Chu et al. (2006) |
| Deng et al. (2024) | |
| Volokhina et al. (2020) +2 other references |
| Glasby et al. (2006) |
| Mikhailik et al. (2021) | |
| Mikhailik et al. (2021) | |
Poland | |
| Szakáll (2002) |
Romania | |
| minerals-of-the-carpathians.eu (2008) |
| Hîrtopanu (1997) +1 other reference |
Russia (TL) | |
| Pekov (1998) |
| Varentsov (1996) | |
| Weiß (1992) |
| Pekov et al. (2020) |
| Seltmann et al. (2010) |
| Kuleshov et al. (2002) | |
| Filimonova et al. (2008) |
| Filimonova et al. (2010) | |
| ... |
| Ivanyuk et al. (2006) |
| Sharkov (2009) |
| Anthony et al. (1997) |
| Glasby et al. (2006) |
| Glasby et al. (2006) | |
| Kasatkin et al. (2021) |
| Petrov (2005) |
| Kasatkin et al. (2014) |
| Yurgenson et al. (2011) |
Rwanda | |
| Jochem Hentsch |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) | |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
South China Sea | |
| Zhou et al. (2022) |
South Korea | |
| Choi et al. (2005) |
Spain | |
| Jorge (2000) +1 other reference |
| Marino et al. (2019) |
| Joan Abella i Creus (2008) |
Ukraine | |
| myself investigation +2 other references |
| Alexander Tischenko Collection |
| Alexander I. Tischenko (1996) |
USA | |
| Huebner +3 other references |
| Rocks & Minerals (July-August, 2002) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Hower et al. (2024) |
Vietnam | |
| Xuan et al. (2020) |
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