Vapnikite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Vapnikite
Yevgeny Vapnik, Irina Galuskina, and Evgeny Galuskin
Formula:
Ca2CaUO6
Colour:
Yellow-brown
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
5
Specific Gravity:
5.322 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
For Yevgeny Vapnik (Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel), who initiated a new program of geological, geophysical, petrological and mineralogical studies of the Hatrurim Formation in Israel and Jordan.
An analogue of the synthetic ordered double-perovskite β-Ca3UO6 and is isostructural with the natural fluorperovskite: cryolite Na3AlF6.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
45941
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:45941:5
Similar Names
| Kapnikite (of Huot) | A synonym of Rhodonite |
| Kapnikite (of Kenngott) | A synonym of Wavellite |
IMA Classification of Vapnikite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ca3U6+O6
Approval year:
2013
First published:
2014
Type description reference:
Galuskin, E. V., Galuskina, I. O., Kusz, J., Armbruster, T., Marzec, K. M., Dzierżanowski, P., Murashko, M. (2014) Vapnikite Ca3UO6 – a new double-perovskite mineral from pyrometamorphic larnite rocks of the Jabel Harmun, Palestinian Autonomy, Israel. Mineralogical Magazine, 78 (3) 571-581 doi:10.1180/minmag.2014.078.3.07
Classification of Vapnikite
4.00.
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
0 :
0 :
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
0 :
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vpn | 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 Vapnikite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Strong vitreous lustre
Colour:
Yellow-brown
Streak:
White with a yellow hue
Hardness:
5 on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN25=534 kg/mm2 - Vickers
Comment:
Corresponding to the hardness of ~5
Cleavage:
None Observed
Parting:
None observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
5.322 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Vapnikite
Type:
Biaxial
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Comments:
Average RI 1.78(3)
Chemistry of Vapnikite
Mindat Formula:
Ca2CaUO6
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Vapnikite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.739(1) Å, b = 5.951(1) Å, c = 8.312(1) Å
β = 90.4(1)°
β = 90.4(1)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.964 : 1 : 1.397
Unit Cell V:
283.9 ų
Z:
2
Morphology:
Xenomorphic grains
Comment:
P21/n
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0020159 | Vapnikite | Galuskin E V, Galuskina I O, Kusz J, Armbruster T, Marzec K M, Dzierzanowski P, Murashko M (2014) Vapnikite Ca3UO6 - a new double-perovskite mineral from pyrometamorphic larnite rocks of the Jabel Harum, Palestinian Autonomy, Israel Mineralogical Magazine 78 571-581 | 2014 | Hatrurim Formation, Israel | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.838 Å | (78) |
| 4.706 Å | (39) |
| 4.131 Å | (79) |
| 2.975 Å | (47) |
| 2.938 Å | (100) |
| 2.922 Å | (99) |
| 2.870 Å | (43) |
| 2.065 Å | (47) |
Reference:
Galuskin, E. V., Galuskina, I. O., Kusz, J., Armbruster, T., Marzec, K. M., Dzierżanowski, P., Murashko, M. (2014) Vapnikite Ca3UO6 – a new double-perovskite mineral from pyrometamorphic larnite rocks of the Jabel Harmun, Palestinian Autonomy, Israel. Mineralogical Magazine, 78 (3) 571-581 doi:10.1180/minmag.2014.078.3.07
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 51 : Pyrometamorphic minerals (see also #54 and #56) | <0.36 |
Type Occurrence of Vapnikite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Small grains up to 20–30 μm in size wedged between larnite, brownmillerite and ye'elimite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
The Museum of Natural History in Bern, Bern, Switzerland, Catalogue number NMBE 42401
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Larnite pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Formation
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Galuskin, E. V., Galuskina, I. O., Kusz, J., Armbruster, T., Marzec, K. M., Dzierżanowski, P., Murashko, M. (2014) Vapnikite Ca3UO6 – a new double-perovskite mineral from pyrometamorphic larnite rocks of the Jabel Harmun, Palestinian Autonomy, Israel. Mineralogical Magazine, 78 (3) 571-581 doi:10.1180/minmag.2014.078.3.07
Synonyms of Vapnikite
Other Language Names for Vapnikite
Relationship of Vapnikite to other Species
Other Members of Vapnikite Subgroup:
| Latrappite | Ca2NbFe3+O6 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 2 photos of Vapnikite associated with Larnite | Ca2SiO4 |
| 1 photo of Vapnikite associated with Srebrodolskite | Ca2Fe3+2O5 |
| 1 photo of Vapnikite associated with Ye'elimite | Ca4Al6(SO4)O12 |
| 1 photo of Vapnikite associated with Brownmillerite | Ca2Fe3+AlO5 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.00. | Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S | (Be,Zn,Mg)FeAl4O8 |
| 4.00. | Mapiquiroite | (Sr,Pb)(U,Y)Fe2(Ti,Fe3+,Cr3+)18O38 |
| 4.00. | 'UM2004-19-O:AlCeGdZr' | (Gd,Ce)4Al2Zr4O17 |
| 4.00. | Almeidaite | PbZn2(Mn,Y)(Ti,Fe3+)18O37(OH,O) |
| 4.00. | Microlite Group | A2-mTa2X6-wZ1-n |
| 4.00. | 'UM2004-21-O:CaFeGdZr' | Ca2Gd4Fe5ZrO15 |
| 4.00. | 'UM2004-27-O:GdTi' | Gd2Ti4O11 |
| 4.00. | Písekite-(Y) | (Y,As,Ca,Fe,U)(Nb,Ti,Ta)O4 |
| 4.00. | Pyrochlore Group | A2Nb2(O,OH)6Z |
| 4.00.20 | Yttrotungstite-(Nd) | NdW2O7(OH) · H2O |
| 4.00.25 | Heisenbergite | U6+O2(OH)2 · H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 52.3993% | 13,099,825 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 0.0000% | 0 | 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
Fluorescence of Vapnikite
sometimes weak-yellowish fluorescence
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 Vapnikite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-45941.html
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References for Vapnikite
Reference List:
Williams, P. A., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2013) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2013. CNMNC Newsletter No 18. Mineralogical Magazine, 77 (8) 3249-3258 doi:10.1180/minmag.2013.077.8.15
Galuskin, E. V., Galuskina, I. O., Kusz, J., Armbruster, T., Marzec, K. M., Dzierżanowski, P., Murashko, M. (2014) Vapnikite Ca3UO6 – a new double-perovskite mineral from pyrometamorphic larnite rocks of the Jabel Harmun, Palestinian Autonomy, Israel. Mineralogical Magazine, 78 (3) 571-581 doi:10.1180/minmag.2014.078.3.07
Localities for Vapnikite
Showing 5 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 | |
| in the collection of Christof Schäfer |
Jordan | |
| Khoury et al. (2016) |
| Galuskina et al. (2021) | |
Middle East | |
| Vapnik et al. (2014) | |
Palestine (TL) | |
| Galuskin et al. (2014) |
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Jebel Harmun, Quds Governorate, West Bank, Palestine