Sanguite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Sanguite
Formula:
KCuCl3
Colour:
Bright red
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3
Specific Gravity:
2.86
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
The mineral is named from the Latin sanguis (blood), alluding to its color.
(NH4)CdCl3 structure type.
The structure is based on almost planar and discrete [Cu2+2Cl6] dimers. There are also KCl9 polyhedra that share faces to form interrupted layers; the layers are linked to each other by the common edges of the K-bearing polyhedra.
The structure is based on almost planar and discrete [Cu2+2Cl6] dimers. There are also KCl9 polyhedra that share faces to form interrupted layers; the layers are linked to each other by the common edges of the K-bearing polyhedra.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
43869
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:43869:8
Similar Names
IMA Classification of Sanguite
Classification of Sanguite
3.A0.
3 : HALIDES
A : Simple halides, without H2O
0 :
3 : HALIDES
A : Simple halides, without H2O
0 :
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sgu | 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 Sanguite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Bright red
Comment:
Slightly altered samples are dark red to brownish red.
Streak:
Reddish orange
Hardness:
3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on (010); another distinct cleavage observed under the microscope is probably on (102), based on angles measured on cleaved
pieces and by analogy with the synthetic crystals.
Perfect on (010); another distinct cleavage observed under the microscope is probably on (102), based on angles measured on cleaved
pieces and by analogy with the synthetic crystals.
Fracture:
Step-Like
Density:
2.86(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.88 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Sanguite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.653(3) nβ = 1.780(6) nγ = 1.900(8)
2V:
Measured: 85° (5), Calculated: 82°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.247
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 strong, r > v
Optical Extinction:
Y = b; Z ∧ a = 48°.
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X = yellowish grey to colorless; Y = grey to pinkish grey; Z = brownish red.
Comments:
Absorption: Z > Y > X.
Chemistry of Sanguite
Mindat Formula:
KCuCl3
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Sanguite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 4.0281(2) Å, b = 13.7906(5) Å, c = 8.7335(4) Å
γ = 97.137(4)°
γ = 97.137(4)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.292 : 1 : 0.633
Unit Cell V:
481.38 ų
Z:
4
Morphology:
Prismatic crystals up to 1 mm long and up to 0.2 mm thick, groups, crusts. Crystal forms are {011}, {100}, and {010}.
Twinning:
Areas with polysynthetic twinning have been observed in some crystals under the microscope. On the section coplanar to (010); the twin lamellae are wedge-shaped and elongated along [100].
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0019972 | Sanguite | Willett R D, Dwiggins C, Kruth R F, Rundle R E (1963) Crystal strucutres of KCuCl3 and NH4CuCl3 Journal of Chemical Physics 38 2429-2436 | 1963 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.36 Å | (78) |
| 6.92 Å | (100) |
| 3.684 Å | (69) |
| 3.146 Å | (64) |
| 3.068 Å | (63) |
| 2.857 Å | (73) |
| 2.709 Å | (82) |
| 2.574 Å | (56) |
Comments:
From Type Description.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45b : [Other oxidized fumarolic minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Sanguite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Prismatic crystals up to 1 mm long and up to 0.2 mm thick, typically combined in groups, dense clusters, or crusts up to several dozens of cm2 in area.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Type material is deposited in the collections of the collections of the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, registration number 4363/1.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Volcanic fumarole.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Sanguite
Other Language Names for Sanguite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 1 photo of Sanguite associated with Romanorlovite | K8Cu6Cl17(OH)3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.A0. | Flinteite | K2ZnCl4 |
| 3.A0. | Mellizinkalite | K3Zn2Cl7 |
| 3.A0. | Oskarssonite | AlF3 |
| 3.A0. | Waimirite-(Y) | YF3 |
Radioactivity
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) | 18.7070% | 5,799 | 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.
Interactive Simulator:
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
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 Sanguite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-43869.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
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References for Sanguite
Reference List:
Williams, P. A., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2013) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2013. CNMNC Newsletter No 16. Mineralogical Magazine, 77 (6) 2695-2709 doi:10.1180/minmag.2013.077.6.01
Pekov, Igor V., Zubkova, Natalia V., Belakovskiy, Dmitry I., Lykova, Inna S., Yapaskurt, Vasiliy O., Vigasina, Marina F., Sidorov, Evgeny G., Pushcharovsky, Dmitry Yu. (2015) Sanguite, KCuCl3, A New Mineral From the Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. The Canadian Mineralogist, 53 (4) 633-641 doi:10.3749/canmin.1500012
Localities for Sanguite
Showing 1 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.
Russia (TL) | |
| Pekov et al. (2015) |
Quick NavTopAbout SanguiteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Glavnaya Tenoritovaya fumarole, Second scoria cone, Northern Breakthrough, Great Fissure eruption, Tolbachik Volcanic field, Milkovsky District, Kamchatka Krai, Russia