Bermanite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Bermanite
Harry and Bessie Berman
Formula:
Mn2+Mn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O
Colour:
Reddish-brown; yellowish brown to brownish red with red internal reflections in transmitted light
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Greasy, Dull
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
2.84 - 2.85
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named by Cornelius S. Hurlbut in 1936 in honour of Dr. Harry Berman [February 16, 1902 Boston, Massachusetts, USA - August 27, 1944 Prestwick, Scotland], co-author of seventh edition of Dana's System of Mineralogy, systematic mineralogist, early classifier of the structures of silicates, Professor of Mineralogy, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
A late-stage secondary hydrothermal mineral replacing primary phosphate species.
The Mn2+ analogue of magnesiobermanite.
Structurally related to ercitite, mengeite and coralloite (chemically the arsenate analogue of bermanite).
The Mn2+ analogue of magnesiobermanite.
Structurally related to ercitite, mengeite and coralloite (chemically the arsenate analogue of bermanite).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
634
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:634:7
Similar Names
| Bergmanite | A synonym of 'Serpentinite' | |
| Germanite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Cu13Fe2Ge2S16 |
| Termanite | A synonym of Emplectite |
IMA Classification of Bermanite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Mn2+Mn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2·4H2O
First published:
1936
Classification of Bermanite
8.DC.20
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 1:1 and < 2:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
C : With only medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 1:1 and < 2:1
42.11.17.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
11 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
11 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
19.12.2
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates of Mn
19 : Phosphates
12 : Phosphates of Mn
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Brm | 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 Bermanite
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Greasy, Dull
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Reddish-brown; yellowish brown to brownish red with red internal reflections in transmitted light
Comment:
Colour darkens on exposure.
Streak:
Light red brown
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {001}, perfect; on {110}, imperfect.
On {001}, perfect; on {110}, imperfect.
Density:
2.84 - 2.85 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.87 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Bermanite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.685 - 1.690 nβ = 1.725 - 1.729 nγ = 1.748 - 1.751
2V:
Measured: 72° to 75°, Calculated: 74°
Birefringence:
0.062
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.061 - 0.063
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. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
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. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Dispersion:
r > v weak
Optical Extinction:
Y ∧ a = 32.5°, Y ∧ c = -36.5°, X = b.
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Light red
Y = Pale yellow
Z = Deep red
Y = Pale yellow
Z = Deep red
Chemistry of Bermanite
Mindat Formula:
Mn2+Mn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Bermanite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P2/b
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.425 Å, b = 19.206 Å, c = 5.425 Å
β = 110.29°
β = 110.29°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.282 : 1 : 0.282
Unit Cell V:
530.17 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals tabular {010}. Sheaflike aggregates and rosettes commonly as thin films or druses on fractures.
Twinning:
Polysynthetic about [101] with composition plane {101} or about [101] with composition plane {101}, common. As reflection twins on {001} about [100], or with two or more individuals twinned on {301} about [100], producing composite fourlings.
Comment:
Pseudo-orthorhombic; Space group: P21
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
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View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Rotation
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Labels
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000544 | Bermanite | Kampf A R, Moore P B (1976) The crystal structure of bermanite, a hydrated manganese phosphate American Mineralogist 61 1241-1248 |  | 1976 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.63 Å | (100) |
| 5.10 Å | (16) |
| 4.82 Å | (28) |
| 3.673 Å | (19) |
| 3.263 Å | (23) |
| 3.062 Å | (11) |
| 2.905 Å | (36) |
| 1.828 Å | (10) |
Comments:
ICDD 20-712
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits | |
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] |
Geological Setting:
In late-stages of phosphate mineralization in complex granite pegmatites.
Type Occurrence of Bermanite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Narrow veinlets and in drusy cavities in triplite.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: #97863 thru #97865.; U.S. National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA: #120405.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In granite pegmatite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Bermanite
Other Language Names for Bermanite
Relationship of Bermanite to other Species
Structurally related to group(s):
| Arthurite Group | M2+M3+2(TO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 50 photos of Bermanite associated with Strengite | FePO4 · 2H2O |
| 46 photos of Bermanite associated with Phosphosiderite | FePO4 · 2H2O |
| 18 photos of Bermanite associated with Rockbridgeite | (Fe2+0.5Fe3+0.5)2Fe3+3(PO4)3(OH)5 |
| 13 photos of Bermanite associated with Stewartite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 11 photos of Bermanite associated with Laueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 10 photos of Bermanite associated with Serrabrancaite | MnPO4 · H2O |
| 9 photos of Bermanite associated with Hureaulite | Mn2+5(PO3OH)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8 photos of Bermanite associated with Robertsite | Ca2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2O |
| 8 photos of Bermanite associated with Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
| 7 photos of Bermanite associated with Leucophosphite | KFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DC. | Ferroberaunite | Fe2+Fe3+5(PO4)4(OH)5 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC. | Césarferreiraite | Fe2+ Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC. | Ferrivauxite | Fe3+Al2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC. | Ianbruceite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.05 | Nissonite | Cu2Mg2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.07 | Euchroite | Cu2(AsO4)(OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.10 | Legrandite | Zn2(AsO4)(OH) · H2O |
| 8.DC.12 | Strashimirite | Cu8(AsO4)4(OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Earlshannonite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Kunatite | CuFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | 'UM2006-27-PO:FeHZn' | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | 'UKI-2006-(PO:AlCuFeH)' | Fe2+Al3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Cobaltarthurite | CoFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Arthurite | CuFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Ojuelaite | ZnFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Whitmoreite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.15 | Bendadaite | Fe2+Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.17 | Kleemanite | ZnAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.20 | Magnesiobermanite | MgMn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.20 | Coralloite | Mn2+Mn3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.22 | Kovdorskite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Zincostrunzite | ZnFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6.5H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Metavauxite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Metavivianite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Ferristrunzite | Fe3+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Strunzite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.25 | Ferrostrunzite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.27 | Beraunite | Fe3+6(PO4)4O(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.27 | Tvrdýite | Fe2+Fe3+2Al3(PO4)4(OH)5(H2O)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.DC.27 | Zincoberaunite | ZnFe3+5(PO4)4(OH)5 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Maghrebite | MgAl2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Ferrolaueite | Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Ushkovite | MgFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Laueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Paravauxite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Sigloite | Fe3+Al2(PO4)2(OH)3 · 7H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Nordgauite | MnAl2(PO4)2(F,OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Kayrobertsonite | [MnAl2(PO4)2(OH)2(H2O)4] · 2H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Kummerite | Mn2+Fe3+Al(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Mangangordonite | Mn2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Stewartite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Gordonite | MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Kastningite | (Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.30 | Pseudolaueite | Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DC.32 | Kamarizaite | Fe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.32 | Tinticite | Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 8.DC.35 | Vauxite | Fe2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.37 | Vantasselite | Al4(PO4)3(OH)3 · 9H2O |
| 8.DC.40 | Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
| 8.DC.45 | Souzalite | Mg3Al4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.DC.45 | Gormanite | (Fe2+,Mg)3(Al,Fe3+)4(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.DC.47 | Kingite | Al3(PO4)2F2(OH) · 7H2O |
| 8.DC.50 | Allanpringite | Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.50 | Fluorwavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH)2F · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.50 | Wavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.52 | Kribergite | Al5(PO4)3(SO4)(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.DC.55 | Mapimite | Zn2Fe3+3(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 10H2O |
| 8.DC.57 | Ogdensburgite | Ca2Fe3+4(Zn,Mn2+)(AsO4)4(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 8.DC.60 | Cloncurryite | Cu0.5(VO)0.5Al2(PO4)2F2 · 5H2O |
| 8.DC.60 | Nevadaite | (Cu2+,Al,V3+)6Al8(PO4)8F8(OH)2 · 22H2O |
| 8.DC.62 | Kenngottite | Mn2+3Fe3+4(PO4)4(OH)6(H2O)2 |
| 8.DC.67 | Molinelloite | Cu(H2O)(OH)V4+O(V5+O4) |
| 8.DC.70 | Whitecapsite | H16Fe2+5Fe3+14Sb3+6(AsO4)18O16 · 120H2O |
| 8.DC.75 | Heimite | PbCu2(AsO4)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
| 8.DC.80 | Lednevite | Cu[PO3(OH)] · H2O |
Fluorescence of Bermanite
Not fluorescent
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in nitric acid.
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 Bermanite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-634.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Bermanite
Reference List:
Hurlbut, Cornelius S. (1936) A new phosphate, bermanite, occurring with triplite in Arizona. American Mineralogist, 21 (10) 656-661
Hurlbut, C. S. Jr., Aristarain, and L. F. (1968) Bermanite and its occurrence in Córdoba, Argentina. American Mineralogist, 53 (3-4) 416-431
Kampf, Anthony R., Moore, Paul B. (1976) The crystal structure of bermanite, a hydrated manganese phosphate. American Mineralogist, 61 (11-12) 1241-1248
Localities for Bermanite
Showing 65 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.
Argentina | |
| Kampf et al. (2010) |
| Dina (1993) |
| Demartin et al. (1997) | |
| OYARZABAL et al. (H2O) |
Australia | |
| Kampf et al. (2018) +2 other references |
| |
| Elliott et al. (2023) | |
| Pring et al. (1992) |
Brazil | |
| various photographs |
| e-rocks.com (n.d.) +2 other references | |
| Sergio Varvello collection | |
| King et al. (1993) | |
| Martens da Pedra |
| Atencio et al. (2004) |
| Cassedanne et al. (1999) | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... | |
| King (n.d.) |
| |
Bulgaria | |
| Chavdarova et al. (2022) |
Czech Republic | |
| Jirásek et al. (2016) |
DR Congo | |
| Anthony et al. (2000) |
Europe | |
| Berbain et al. (2012) | |
France | |
| FONTAN F (1976) |
| Berbain et al. (2012) |
Germany | |
| web.archive.org (2001) +1 other reference |
Greece | |
| Fornadel et al. (2011) |
Madagascar | |
| Behier (1960) |
Mozambique | |
| Wilson et al. (2000) |
| Neves et al. (1968) |
Namibia | |
| in the collection from F.J.Emmerich |
| Keller et al. (1989) |
| von Bezing (2007) | |
| von Bezing (2007) |
| Anthony et al. (2000) | |
Portugal | |
| Alves (n.d.) |
| Pedro Alves collection. Characterized ... |
| Schnorrer-Köhler et al. (1991) |
| Alves (n.d.) | |
| |
| Self-find by Nuno Afonso +1 other reference |
| Neves (1960) |
| Gramaccioli (1981) +1 other reference |
| Alves (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
| Mineralien Atlas | |
Rwanda | |
| von Knorring et al. (1982) +2 other references |
Sweden | |
| |
USA | |
| Cook et al. (1982) |
| Anthony et al. (2000) | |
| Hurlbut (1936) +4 other references |
| Seaman (1976) |
| Thompson et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
| King (n.d.) |
| King et al. (6) | |
| Thompson et al. (1998) |
| Nashua Mineralogical Society Disp. Cat. ... +2 other references |
| Moore (1973) +1 other reference | |
| |
| Anthony et al. (2000) |
| Anthony et al. (2000) | |
| Januzzi et al. (1976) |
| Anthony et al. (2000) |
| Campbell et al. (1985) |
| Smith et al. (2000) | |
| Kearns et al. (2000) |
| Cordua (1998) |
Quick NavTopAbout BermaniteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Cigana claim, Barra do Cuieté, Conselheiro Pena, Minas Gerais, Brazil