Zaherite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Zaherite
Formula:
Al12(SO4)5(OH)26 · 20H2O
Colour:
White to blue-green
Lustre:
Pearly, Earthy
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
2.007
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named in 1977 by A. P. Ruotsala and L. L. Babcock in honour of Mohammed Abduz Zaher (1932, Bancharampur, Bangladesh - 27 August 2017, Dhaka, Bangladesh), geologist and director-general of the Geological Survey of Bangladesh. He discovered the mineral in the course of his master's thesis.
Type Locality:
Dehydrates reversibly at room temperature.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4381
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4381:2
Similar Names
| Zoharite | A valid IMA mineral species | (Ba,K)6(Fe,Cu,Ni)25S27 |
IMA Classification of Zaherite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Al12(S6+O4)5(OH)26·20H2O
Approval year:
1977
First published:
1977
Classification of Zaherite
7.DE.65
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations; unclassified
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations; unclassified
31.10.3.1
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
10 : Miscellaneous
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
10 : Miscellaneous
25.6.11
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zah | 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 Zaherite
Pearly, Earthy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
White to blue-green
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Comment:
Aggregate hardness
Cleavage:
Very Good
In one direction
In one direction
Density:
2.007 g/cm3 (Measured)
Comment:
Measured with a gas pycnometer
Optical Data of Zaherite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.498 nβ = 1.4981 nγ = 1.499
2V:
Calculated: 38°
Birefringence:
Extremely low
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.001
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:
very weak
Chemistry of Zaherite
Mindat Formula:
Al12(SO4)5(OH)26 · 20H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Zaherite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Cell Parameters:
a = 18.47 Å, b = 19.45 Å, c = 3.77 Å
α = 95.24°, β = 91.48°, γ = 80.24°
α = 95.24°, β = 91.48°, γ = 80.24°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.95 : 1 : 0.194
Unit Cell V:
1,329.09 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Comment:
Space group P1 or P-1.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 17.9 Å | (100) |
| 9.5 Å | (5) |
| 4.82 Å | (5) |
| 4.61 Å | (7) |
| 4.58 Å | (7) |
| 4.56 Å | (7) |
| 3.55 Å | (6) |
| 3.22 Å | (8) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 46 : Near-surface hydrothermal alteration of minerals (see also #22) | |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] |
Type Occurrence of Zaherite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Veinlets (up to 1 cm across) that cut massive kaolinite-boehmite rock. Densely packed aggregates of extremely small grains.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 143793.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Kaolinite-boehmite rock.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Zaherite
Other Language Names for Zaherite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 1 photo of Zaherite associated with Sillimanite | Al2(SiO4)O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DE. | Magnesioalterite | Mg2Fe3+4(SO4)4(C2O4)2(OH)4 · 17H2O |
| 7.DE. | Fabritzite | Zn9(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DE. | Cossaite | (Mg0.5,◻)Al6(SO4)6(HSO4)F6 · 36H2O |
| 7.DE. | Downsite | K2(MoO3)3(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 7.DE. | Liangjunite | K2(Mo2O5)(SO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 7.DE.05 | Mangazeite | Al2(SO4)(OH)4 · 3H2O |
| 7.DE.10 | 'UKI-1975-(SO:AlCu)' | (Cu, Al, SO4, H2O) |
| 7.DE.10 | Carbonatecyanotrichite | Cu4Al2(CO3,SO4)(OH)12 · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.10 | Cyanotrichite | Cu4Al2(SO4)(OH)12 · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.15 | Schwertmannite | Fe3+16(OH,SO4)12-13O16 · 10-12H2O |
| 7.DE.20 | Tlalocite | Cu10Zn6(Te6+O4)2(Te4+O3)(OH)25Cl · 27H2O |
| 7.DE.25 | Utahite | MgCu4Zn2Te6+3O14(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 7.DE.35 | Coquandite | Sb6+xO8+x(SO4)(OH)x(H2O)1- x (x = 0.3) |
| 7.DE.40 | Osakaite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 5H2O |
| 7.DE.42 | Alterite | Zn2Fe3+4(SO4)4(C2O4)2(OH)4 · 17H2O |
| 7.DE.45 | Barrotite | Cu9Al(HSiO4)2[(SO4)(HAsO4)0.5](OH)12 · 8H2O |
| 7.DE.45 | Wilcoxite | MgAl(SO4)2F · 17H2O |
| 7.DE.47 | Tiberiobardiite | {Cu9Al[SiO3(OH)]2(OH)12(H2O)6}(SO4)1.5 · 10H2O |
| 7.DE.50 | Bouškaite | (MoO2)2O(SO3OH)2(H2O)4 |
| 7.DE.50 | Stanleyite | (V4+O)(SO4) · 6H2O |
| 7.DE.57 | 'Khangalasite' | Fe(SO4)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.60 | Hydrobasaluminite | Al4(SO4)(OH)10 · 12-36H2O |
| 7.DE.62 | Volaschioite | Fe4(SO4)O2(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 7.DE.75 | Camérolaite | Cu6Al3(OH)18(H2O)2[Sb(OH)6](SO4) |
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Hydrates and dehydrates reversibly at room temperature.
200 C = loss of hydrated water; 360 C = loss of hydroxyl; 855 C, 890 C = loss of SO2.
200 C = loss of hydrated water; 360 C = loss of hydroxyl; 855 C, 890 C = loss of SO2.
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 Zaherite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4381.html
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References for Zaherite
Reference List:
Routsala, A. P., Babcock, L. L. (1977) Zaherite, a new hydrated aluminum sulfate. American Mineralogist, 62 (11-12) 1125-1128
Beukes, G. J., Schoch, A. E., de Bruiyn, H., Van der Westhuizen, W. A., Bok, L. D. C. (1984) A new occurrence of the hydrated aluminium sulphate zaherite, from Pofadder, South Africa. Mineralogical Magazine, 48 (346) 131-135 doi:10.1180/minmag.1984.048.346.18
De Bruiyn, H., Schoch, A. E., Beukes, G. J., Bok, L. D. C., Van Der Westhuizen, W. A. (1985) Note on cell parameters of zaherite. Mineralogical Magazine, 49 (350) 145-146 doi:10.1180/minmag.1985.049.350.26
Schoch, A. E., Beukes, G. J., Praekelt, H. E. (1985) A natroalunite - zaherite - hotsonite paragenesis from Pofadder, Bushmanland, South Africa. The Canadian Mineralogist, 23 (1) 29-34
Localities for Zaherite
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.
Australia | |
| Harris et al. (2003) |
Italy | |
| P.Forti (1994) |
Lebanon | |
| Kruszewski (2019) |
Pakistan | |
| Khubab et al. (2025) |
| Routsala et al. (1977) +1 other reference |
Romania | |
| Januszewska et al. (2023) |
South Africa | |
| Beukes et al. (1984) +1 other reference |
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Hotson 6 Mine, Koenabib farm, Khâi-Ma Local Municipality, Namakwa District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa