Bertossaite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Bertossaite
Formula:
Li2CaAl4(PO4)4(OH)4
Colour:
Pale pink
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
6
Specific Gravity:
3.10
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named in honor of Antonio Bertossa, past director of the Geological Survey of Rwanda, the country in which it was first found. It was first recognized as an unnamed phase by von Knorring (1965) and described by von Knorring & Mrose (1966).
Bertossaite-Palermoite Series. The calcium analogue of Palermoite. May be confused with amblygonite which has a more pronounced cleavage. Masses of bertossaite up to 50 kg are known from the type locality, the Buranga pegmatite, Rwanda.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
641
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:641:7
IMA Classification of Bertossaite
Approved
Approval year:
1965
First published:
1965
Classification of Bertossaite
8.BH.25
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
H : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH,etc.):RO4 = 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
B : Phosphates, etc., with additional anions, without H2O
H : With medium-sized and large cations, (OH,etc.):RO4 = 1:1
41.7.1.2
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)7(XO4)4Zq
41 : ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)7(XO4)4Zq
19.8.5
19 : Phosphates
8 : Phosphates of Al and other metals
19 : Phosphates
8 : Phosphates of Al and other metals
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bts | 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 Bertossaite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Pale pink
Hardness:
6 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
(100)
(100)
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
3.10 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.183 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Bertossaite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.624 nβ = 1.636 nγ = 1.642
2V:
Calculated: 53°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.018
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:
Moderate
Dispersion:
weak
Optical Extinction:
Parallel. X = a; Y = c; Z = b.
Comments:
2Vmeas: moderately large.
Chemistry of Bertossaite
Mindat Formula:
Li2CaAl4(PO4)4(OH)4
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Fe,Mn
Chemical Analysis
Oxide wt%:
| 1 | |
|---|---|
| P2O5 | 45.24 % |
| Al2O3 | 33.42 % |
| FeO | 0.98 % |
| MnO | 0.76 % |
| CaO | 8.36 % |
| Na2O | 0.34 % |
| Li2O | 4.21 % |
| H2O+ | 5.36 % |
| H2O- | 0.07 % |
| F | 1.68 % |
| Insol | 0.27 % |
| Total: | 100.69 % |
Sample references:
| ID | Locality | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buranga pegmatite, Muhororo, Ngororero District, Western Province, Rwanda | The sample also contained MgO, SrO, BaO, and K2O, all in trace amounts. |
Crystallography of Bertossaite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.476(1) Å, b = 15.744(2) Å, c = 7.228(1) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.729 : 1 : 0.459
Unit Cell V:
1,305.94 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Massive
Comment:
Space Group: Imcb. Cell parameters from Hatert et al. (2011).
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0018635 | Bertossaite | Hatert F, Lefevre P, Fransolet A M (2011) The crystal structure of bertossaite, CaLi2[Al4(PO4)4(OH,F)4] The Canadian Mineralogist 49 1079-1087 | 2011 | Buranga pegmatite, Rwanda | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.059 Å | (100) |
| 3.104 Å | (84) |
| 2.411 Å | (63) |
| 3.295 Å | (60) |
| 2.881 Å | (57) |
| 2.577 Å | (40) |
| 4.32 Å | (33) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites |
Type Occurrence of Bertossaite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium, RMB11232; National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 141000.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
A lithium pegmatite
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Bertossaite
Other Language Names for Bertossaite
Relationship of Bertossaite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Palermoite Group:
| Natropalermoite | Na2SrAl4(PO4)4(OH)4 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
| Palermoite | Li2SrAl4(PO4)4(OH)4 | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.BH. | Peterchinite | Zn3Zn2(OH)6As[O3(OH)3] |
| 8.BH. | Reznitskyite | CaMg(VO4)F |
| 8.BH. | Plumbogottlobite | PbMg(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH. | Cuprozheshengite | Pb4CuZn2(AsO4)2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH. | Zheshengite | Pb4ZnZn2(AsO4)2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH. | Crimsonite | PbFe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.05 | Thadeuite | Ca(Mg,Fe2+)3(PO4)2(OH,F)2 |
| 8.BH.10 | Panasqueiraite | CaMg(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.10 | Isokite | CaMg(PO4)F |
| 8.BH.10 | Lacroixite | NaAl(PO4)F |
| 8.BH.10 | Arsenatrotitanite | NaTi(AsO4)O |
| 8.BH.10 | Maxwellite | NaFe3+(AsO4)F |
| 8.BH.10 | Durangite | NaAl(AsO4)F |
| 8.BH.10 | Kononovite | NaMg(SO4)F |
| 8.BH.15 | Drugmanite | Pb2Fe3+(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.20 | Nigelcookite | PbFe2+2V3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Plumbojohntomaite | PbFe2+2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Cirrolite | Ca3Al2(PO4)3(OH)3 (?) |
| 8.BH.20 | Penikisite | Ba(Mg,Fe2+,Ca)2Al2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Perloffite | Ba(Mn2+,Fe2+)2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Bjarebyite Group | |
| 8.BH.20 | Strontioperloffite | SrMn2+2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Plumboperloffite | PbMn2+2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Johntomaite | BaFe2+2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Bjarebyite | (Ba,Sr)(Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)2Al2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.20 | Kulanite | Ba(Fe2+,Mn2+,Mg)2(Al,Fe3+)2(PO4)3(OH)3 |
| 8.BH.25 | Natropalermoite | Na2SrAl4(PO4)4(OH)4 |
| 8.BH.25 | Palermoite | Li2SrAl4(PO4)4(OH)4 |
| 8.BH.30 | Sewardite | CaFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.30 | Carminite | PbFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.35 | Adelite | CaMg(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Duftite | PbCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Cobaltaustinite | CaCo(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Nickelaustinite | CaNi(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Gabrielsonite | PbFe3+(As3+O3)O |
| 8.BH.35 | Conichalcite | CaCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Arsendescloizite | PbZn(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | 'Duftite-alpha' | PbCu(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Gottlobite | CaMg(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Austinite | CaZn(AsO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Hermannroseite | CaCu(PO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.35 | Tangeite | CaCu(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Čechite | PbFe2+(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Khorixasite | (Bi0.67◻0.33)Cu(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Mottramite | PbCu(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Descloizite | PbZn(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.40 | Pyrobelonite | PbMn2+(VO4)(OH) |
| 8.BH.45 | Bayldonite | PbCu3(AsO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.45 | Vésigniéite | BaCu3(VO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.50 | Paganoite | NiBi(AsO4)O |
| 8.BH.55 | Jagowerite | BaAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| 8.BH.55 | Harrisonite | Ca(Fe2+,Mg)6(PO4)2(SiO4)2 |
| 8.BH.60 | Attakolite | CaMn2+Al4(SiO3OH)(PO4)3(OH)4 |
| 8.BH.65 | Leningradite | PbCu3(VO4)2Cl |
| 8.BH.70 | Katiarsite | KTiO(AsO4) |
| 8.BH.70 | Yurgensonite | K2SnTiO2(AsO4)2 |
| 8.BH.75 | Melanarsite | K3Cu7Fe3+O4(AsO4)4 |
| 8.BH.80 | Evseevite | Na2Mg(AsO4)F |
| 8.BH.80 | Moraskoite | Na2Mg(PO4)F |
| 8.BH.85 | Piccoliite | NaCaMn3+2(AsO4)2O(OH) |
Fluorescence of Bertossaite
None
Other Information
Notes:
Dissolves very slowly in HNO3
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 Bertossaite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-641.html
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References for Bertossaite
Reference List:
Localities for Bertossaite
Showing 9 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.
Australia | |
| Birch (2018) |
| Eagle et al. (2015) +1 other reference | |
| Eagle et al. (2015) | |
| Museum Victoria Natural Sciences ... | |
China | |
| Yunxiang Ni et al. (1990) +1 other reference |
| Rao +6 other references | |
Rwanda | |
| Lefèvre et al. (http://www.minsocam.org/msa/special/pig/PIG_articles/Elba%20Abstracts%2012%20Lefevre.pdf) +1 other reference |
| von Knorring (1965) +2 other references |
Uganda | |
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Buranga pegmatite, Muhororo, Ngororero District, Western Province, Rwanda