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Whiteite-(CaMgMg)

A valid IMA mineral species
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08597610017271927687613.jpg
John S. White
Formula:
CaMg3Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
Colour:
Colourless
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
4
Specific Gravity:
2.48
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named for the chemical composition, in accordance with whiteite-group nomenclature. The suffix indicates sequentially the dominant atom in the X, M1, and M2 structural positions. The root name is for John Sampson White, Jr. (30 September 1933, Monessen, Pennsylvania, USA -), associate curator of minerals, Smithsonian institution; founder, editor, and publisher (1970-1982) of the Mineralogical Record.
Chemically similar to angastonite, montgomeryite, and overite.
A low temperature, secondary mineral formed as a result of hydrothermal alteration.


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Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
47786
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:47786:4

Similar NamesHide

WadeiteA valid IMA mineral species - grandfatheredK2Zr(Si3O9)
WhiteitA synonym of 'Whiteite'
WhiteiteA synonym of Whiteite SubgroupXM1M22M32(H2O)8(OH)2(PO4)4
Whiteite-(CaFeMg)A valid IMA mineral species{Ca}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
Whiteite-(CaMnFe)A valid IMA mineral speciesCaMnFe2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
Whiteite-(CaMnMg)A valid IMA mineral species{Ca}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
Whiteite-(CaMnMn)A valid IMA mineral species{Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
Whiteite-(MnFeMg)A valid IMA mineral species{(Mn2+,Ca)}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
Whiteite-(MnMnMg)A valid IMA mineral speciesMnMnMg2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
Whiteite-(MnMnMn)A valid IMA mineral speciesMn2+Mn2+Mn22+Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
WittiteA valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered - questionablePb9Bi12(S,Se)27

Classification of Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

04249070017684452162373.jpg
The jahnsite structure archetype

The structure archetype of jahnsite group minerals, which includes the jahnsite and whiteite subgroups.

IMA Classification of Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

IMA status:
Approved
Approval year:
2016
First published:
2016
Type description reference:
Kampf, Anthony R., Adams, Paul M., Nash, Barbara P. (2016) Whiteite-(CaMgMg), CaMg3Al2(PO4)4(OH)2·8H2O, A New Jahnsite-Group Mineral From the Northern Belle Mine, Candelaria, Nevada, U.S.A. The Canadian Mineralogist, 54 (6) 1513-1523 doi:10.3749/canmin.1600051
Strunz-mindat (2026):
8.DH.15

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
H : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 < 1:1

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
Wt-CaMgMgIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

Lustre:
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless
Hardness:
4 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
on {001}
Density:
2.48 g/cm3 (Measured)    2.477 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.564(1) nβ = 1.565(1) nγ = 1.575(1)
2V:
Measured: 24° (1), Calculated: 35.3°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.011
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
None obeserved
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic

Chemistry of Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

Mindat Formula:
CaMg3Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O57.379 %
P17.090 %
Mg10.058 %
Al7.443 %
Ca5.528 %
H2.503 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Elements listed:
Al, Ca, H, Mg, O, P - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P2/b
Setting:
P2/a
Cell Parameters:
a = 14.824(2) Å, b = 7.0302(3) Å, c = 9.946(3) Å
β = 110.115(12)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.109 : 1 : 1.415
Unit Cell V:
973.3 ų
Z:
2
Morphology:
As tapering blades, elongated parallel to [100] and flattened on {001}, commonly forming radial fans on fracture surfaces. Forms observed:{100}, {010}, {001},{11-1} and {13-1}

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks>3.0
34 : Complex granite pegmatites

Type Occurrence of Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Argentum Mining Co. Mine (Northern Belle Mine; Holmes Mine), Candelaria Mining District, Mineral County, Nevada, USA
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Cotypes: Mineral Sciences Department, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90007, USA (catalogue numbers 65642 and
65643)
Chemical Analysis of Type Material:
CaO8.18 %
MgO16.47 %
FeO0.13 %
Al2O313.35 %
P2O538.84 %
H2O22.32 %
Total:99.29 %
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Hydrothermally altered phosphate nodules from the lower Candelaria Formation
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
CrandalliteFluorwavelliteMetavarisciteMontgomeryitePyrite
QuartzVariscite
Reference:
Kampf, Anthony R., Adams, Paul M., Nash, Barbara P. (2016) Whiteite-(CaMgMg), CaMg3Al2(PO4)4(OH)2·8H2O, A New Jahnsite-Group Mineral From the Northern Belle Mine, Candelaria, Nevada, U.S.A. The Canadian Mineralogist, 54 (6) 1513-1523 doi:10.3749/canmin.1600051

Synonyms of Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

Other Language Names for Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

Relationship of Whiteite-(CaMgMg) to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Whiteite Subgroup > Jahnsite Group
Other Members of Whiteite Subgroup:
Rittmannite{(Mn2+,Ca)}{Mn2+}{(Fe2+,Mn2+,Mg)2}{(Al,Fe3+)2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
Whiteite-(CaFeMg){Ca}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
Whiteite-(CaMnFe)CaMnFe2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
Whiteite-(CaMnMg){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
Whiteite-(CaMnMn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
Whiteite-(MnFeMg){(Mn2+,Ca)}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
Whiteite-(MnMnMg)MnMnMg2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
Whiteite-(MnMnMn)Mn2+Mn2+Mn2+2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.DH.Thebaite-(NH4)(NH4)3Al(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O)Mon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.Whiteite-(MnMnMn)Mn2+Mn2+Mn2+2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.FerroberauniteFe2+Fe3+5(PO4)4(OH)5 · 6H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.RegeriteKFe6(PO4)4(OH)7(H2O)6 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.Ammoniotinsleyite(NH4)Al2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DH.Dendoraite-(NH4)(NH4)2NaAl(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O)2Mon. 2/m
8.DH.Rowleyite[Na(NH4,K)9Cl4][V5+,4+2(P,As)O8]6 · n[H2O,Na,NH4,K,Cl]Iso.
8.DH.HochleitneriteMn2Ti3(PO4)4O2(H2O)2 · 14H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.Whiteite-(CaMnFe)CaMnFe2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.05MinyuliteKAl2(PO4)2F · 4H2OOrth. mm2 : Pba2
8.DH.10LeucophosphiteKFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.10TinsleyiteKAl2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon.
8.DH.10Spheniscidite(NH4,K)(Fe3+,Al)2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnFe){Ca}{Mn2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(NaMnMn){Na}{Mn2+}{(Mn2+,Fe3+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnMg){Ca}{Mn2+}{(Mg,Fe2+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnMn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(MnMnMg)MnMnMg2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaMnZn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Zn2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnMg){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnFe){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15'Jahnsite-(CaFeFe)'{Ca}{Fe2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon.
8.DH.15Rittmannite{(Mn2+,Ca)}{Mn2+}{(Fe2+,Mn2+,Mg)2}{(Al,Fe3+)2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15KeckiteCaMn2+(Fe3+Mn2+)Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)3 · 7H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(NaMnMg){(Na,Ca)}{(Mn2+,Fe3+)}{(Mg,Fe3+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15'Jahnsite-(CaMgMg)'{Ca}{Mg}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnZn){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Zn2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaFeMg){Ca}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaMnMg){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.15Whiteite-(MnFeMg){(Mn2+,Ca)}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(MnMnMn){Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Mn2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.15'Kaluginite'(Mn2+,Ca)MgFe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth.
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(CaFeMg){Ca}{Fe2+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Whiteite-(CaMnMn){Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.15Jahnsite-(NaFeMg){Na}{Fe3+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.DH.20SegeleriteCa2 Mg2 Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pcca
8.DH.20Lun'okite(Mn,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Mn)Al(PO4)2OH · 4H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20Manganosegelerite(Mn2+,Ca)(Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20WilhelmvierlingiteCaMnFe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20JuonniiteCaMgSc(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.20OveriteCaMgAl(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.25CalcioferriteCa2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH) · 7H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.25ZodaciteCa4Mn2+Fe3+4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon.
8.DH.25FanfaniiteCa4MnAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.25KingsmountiteCa3MnFeAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.25MontgomeryiteCa4MgAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2OMon. 2 : B2
8.DH.30PararobertsiteCa2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.30RobertsiteCa2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. m : Bb
8.DH.30ArseniosideriteCa2Fe3+3(AsO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.30Sailaufite(Ca,Na,◻)2Mn3+3(AsO4)2(CO3)O2 · 3H2OMon. m : Bm
8.DH.30MitridatiteCa2Fe3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.DH.30KolfaniteCa2Fe3+3O2(AsO4)3 · 2H2OMon.
8.DH.35MantienneiteKMg2Al2Ti(PO4)4(OH)3 · 15H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.35Sperlingite (H2O)K(Mn2+Fe3+)(Al2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)] [(H2O)9(OH)] · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.35PaulkerriteK(Mg,Mn2+)2(Fe3+,Al,Ti,Mg)2Ti(PO4)4(OH)3 · 15H2OMon. m
8.DH.35Hydroxylbenyacarite(H2O)2Mn2(Ti2Fe)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10 · 4H2O Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.35MacraeiteK(H2O)Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.35Benyacarite(H2O)2Mn2Ti2Fe3+(PO4)4(OF)(H2O)10 · 4H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
8.DH.35Fluormacraeite [(H2O)K]Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4(OF)(H2O)10 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b
8.DH.40XanthoxeniteCa4Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 3H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.45MahnertiteNaCu3(AsO4)2Cl · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm
8.DH.50AndyrobertsiteKCdCu5(AsO4)4(H2AsO4) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DH.50CalcioandyrobertsiteKCaCu5(AsO4)4(H2AsO4) · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
8.DH.55EnglishiteK3Na2Ca10Al15(PO4)21(OH)7 · 26H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.60BouazzeriteBi6(Mg,Co)11Fe3+14(AsO4)18(OH)4O12 · 86H2OMon. 2/m
8.DH.65GalliskiiteCa4Al2(PO4)2F8 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.70JoteiteCa2CuAl(AsO4)[AsO3(OH)]2(OH)2 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.75KampeliteBa6Mg3Sc8(PO4)12(OH)6 · 7H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
8.DH.80KapundaiteNaCaFe4(PO4)4(OH)3 · 5H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.DH.85VaniniiteCa2Mn2+3Mn3+2O2(AsO4)4 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : P21/b

Fluorescence of Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

In UV light:
None observed under SW or LW ultraviolet light

Other InformationHide

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 Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

References for Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

Localities for Whiteite-(CaMgMg)Hide

Showing 2 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
USA (TL)
 
  • Nevada
    • Mineral County
      • Candelaria Mining District
Hålenius et al. (2016) +1 other reference
        • Candelaria Silver Mine
Adams (2019)
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