Zirklerite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered - questionable
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Formula:
(Fe,Mg,Ca)9Al4Cl18(OH)12 · 14H2O (?)
Colour:
Light grey
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
2.6
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Name:
Named after Bergrat Zirkler, Director of the potash works at Aschersleben (Germany).
This page provides mineralogical data about Zirklerite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4426
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4426:0
IMA Classification of Zirklerite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959), Questionable
IMA Formula:
(Fe,Mg)9Al4Cl18(OH)12 · 14H2O (?)
First published:
1928
Classification of Zirklerite
3.CJ.30
3 : HALIDES
C : Complex halides
J : With MX6 complexes; M = Fe, Mn, Cu
3 : HALIDES
C : Complex halides
J : With MX6 complexes; M = Fe, Mn, Cu
10.6.5.1
10 : OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES
6 : AmBn(O,OH)pXq
10 : OXYHALIDES AND HYDROXYHALIDES
6 : AmBn(O,OH)pXq
8.6.19
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
6 : Halides of Al
8 : Halides - Fluorides, Chlorides, Bromides and Iodides; also Fluoborates and Fluosilicates
6 : Halides of Al
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zkl | 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 Zirklerite
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Light grey
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Rhombohedral
Rhombohedral
Density:
2.6 g/cm3 (Measured)
Optical Data of Zirklerite
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.522 nε = 1.552
Birefringence:
birefringence < 0.009.
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.030
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
Chemistry of Zirklerite
Mindat Formula:
(Fe,Mg,Ca)9Al4Cl18(OH)12 · 14H2O (?)
Common Impurities:
Ca
Crystallography of Zirklerite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Morphology:
Massive; granular to fibrous.
Comment:
Point Group: n.d.; Space Group: n.d. Z =n.d.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| - Å | () |
Comments:
No published powder pattern data.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 25 : Evaporites (prebiotic) |
Type Occurrence of Zirklerite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
The Natural History Museum, London, England, 1929,40.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Breccia-like layers in a bedded evaporite deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Zirklerite
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.CJ.05 | Rinneite | K3Na[FeCl6] |
| 3.CJ.05 | Saltonseaite | K3NaMnCl6 |
| 3.CJ.05 | Chlormanganokalite | K4[MnCl6] |
| 3.CJ.10 | Erythrosiderite | K2[Fe3+Cl5(H2O)] |
| 3.CJ.10 | Kremersite | (NH4,K)2[Fe3+Cl5(H2O)] |
| 3.CJ.15 | Mitscherlichite | K2CuCl4 · 2H2O |
| 3.CJ.20 | Douglasite | K2[Fe2+Cl4(OH2)2] |
| 3.CJ.25 | 'Redikortsevite' | (NH4)MgCl3 · 6H2O |
| 3.CJ.30 | Kalithallite | K3Tl3+Cl6 · 2H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Decomposed by water with separation of Al203 and Fe(OH)2
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 Zirklerite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4426.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Zirklerite
Reference List:
Localities for Zirklerite
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.
Germany (TL) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
