Clinoptilolite-Ca
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Clinoptilolite-Ca
Formula:
Ca3(Si30Al6)O72 · 20H2O
Generally not pure but containing additional Na and/or K, concomitant with variations in Al and Si. Formula previously given as (Ca,Na,K)2-3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36.12H2O.
Colour:
Colorless to white, pale orange
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3½ - 4
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
From the Greek klino - "oblique" ptylon - "feather" and lithos - "stone." The Ca-dominant member of the clinoptilolite group.
Type Locality:
The calcium analogue of Clinoptilolite-K and Clinoptilolite-Na. Clinoptilolite-Ca-Heulandite-Ca Series.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
6882
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:6882:2
Similar Names
| Clinoptilolite-K | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | K6(Si30Al6)O72 · 20H2O |
| Clinoptilolite-Na | A valid IMA mineral species | Na6(Si30Al6)O72 · 20H2O |
IMA Classification of Clinoptilolite-Ca
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ca3(Si30Al6)O72·20H2O
First published:
1977
Classification of Clinoptilolite-Ca
9.GE.05
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
G : Tektosilicates with zeolitic H2O; zeolite family
E : Chains of T10O20 Tetrahedra
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
G : Tektosilicates with zeolitic H2O; zeolite family
E : Chains of T10O20 Tetrahedra
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Cpt-Ca | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Cpt | Whitney & Evans (2010) | Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W. (2010) Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95, 185–187 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3371 |
| Cpt | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
| Cpt | Warr (2020) | Warr, L.N. (2020) Recommended abbreviations for the names of clay minerals and associated phases. Clay Minerals, 55, 261–264 doi:10.1180/clm.2020.30 |
Physical Properties of Clinoptilolite-Ca
Optical Data of Clinoptilolite-Ca
Type:
Biaxial (+/-)
RI values:
nα = 1.476 - 1.491 nβ = 1.479 - 1.493 nγ = 1.479 - 1.497
2V:
Measured: 31° to 48°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.003 - 0.006
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 (negative)
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 to r < v strong
Chemistry of Clinoptilolite-Ca
Mindat Formula:
Ca3(Si30Al6)O72 · 20H2O
Generally not pure but containing additional Na and/or K, concomitant with variations in Al and Si. Formula previously given as (Ca,Na,K)2-3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36.12H2O.
Generally not pure but containing additional Na and/or K, concomitant with variations in Al and Si. Formula previously given as (Ca,Na,K)2-3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36.12H2O.
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Clinoptilolite-Ca
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 17.66 Å, b = 17.963 Å, c = 7.400 Å
β = 116.47°
β = 116.47°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.983 : 1 : 0.412
Unit Cell V:
2,101.39 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Comment:
Space Group: C2/m, C2, or Cm
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
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
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Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
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Perspective On | Perspective Off
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2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0006813 | Clinoptilolite-Ca | Cappelletti P, Langella A, Cruciani G (1999) Crystal-chemistry and synchrotron Rietveld refinement of two different clinoptilolites from volcanoclastites of North-Western Sardinia European Journal of Mineralogy 11 1051-1060 | 1999 | volcanoclastites of North-Western Sardinia | 0 | 293 | |
| 0006812 | Clinoptilolite-Ca | Cappelletti P, Langella A, Cruciani G (1999) Crystal-chemistry and synchrotron Rietveld refinement of two different clinoptilolites from volcanoclastites of North-Western Sardinia European Journal of Mineralogy 11 1051-1060 | 1999 | volcanoclastites of North-Western Sardinia | 0 | 293 | |
| 0010793 | Clinoptilolite-Ca | Koyama K, Takeuchi Y (1977) Clinoptilolite: The distribution of potassium atoms and its role in thermal stability Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 145 216-239 |  | 1977 | Agoura, California, USA | 0 | 293 |
| 0010792 | Clinoptilolite-Ca | Koyama K, Takeuchi Y (1977) Clinoptilolite: The distribution of potassium atoms and its role in thermal stability Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 145 216-239 | | 1977 | Kuruma Pass, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan | 0 | 293 |
| 0015651 | Clinoptilolite-Ca | Alberti A (1975) The crystal structure of two clinoptilolites Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen 22 25-37 | 1975 | Agoura, California, USA | 0 | 293 | |
| 0001548 | Clinoptilolite-Ca | Armbruster T (1993) Dehydration mechanism of clinoptilolite and heulandite: Single-crystal X-ray study of Na-poor, Ca-, K-, Mg-rich clinoptilolite at 100 K Sample Dehyd 1 Data obtained from the ICSD American Mineralogist 78 260-264 | | 1993 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0001547 | Clinoptilolite-Ca | Armbruster T (1993) Dehydration mechanism of clinoptilolite and heulandite: Single-crystal X-ray study of Na-poor, Ca-, K-, Mg-rich clinoptilolite at 100 K Sample Natural Data obtained from the ICSD American Mineralogist 78 260-264 | | 1993 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0001304 | Clinoptilolite-Ca | Smyth J R, Spaid A T, Bish D L (1990) Crystal structures of a natural and a Cs-exchanged clinoptilolite natural sample American Mineralogist 75 522-528 | | 1990 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 3a: Earth’s earliest Hadean crust | >4.50 |
| 9 : Lava/xenolith minerals (hornfels, sanidinite facies) | |
| 10 : Basalt-hosted zeolite minerals | |
| Stage 3b: Earth’s earliest hydrosphere | >4.45 |
| 14 : Hot springs, geysers, and other subaerial geothermal minerals | |
| 16 : Low-? aqueous alteration of Hadean subaerial lithologies (see also #23) | |
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) | |
| 24 : Authigenic minerals in terrestrial sediments (see also #17) | |
| 25 : Evaporites (prebiotic) | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 48 : Soil leaching zone minerals | <0.6 |
Type Occurrence of Clinoptilolite-Ca
Other Language Names for Clinoptilolite-Ca
Relationship of Clinoptilolite-Ca to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Clinoptilolite Subgroup:
| Clinoptilolite-K | K6(Si30Al6)O72 · 20H2O | Mon. 2/m |
| Clinoptilolite-Na | Na6(Si30Al6)O72 · 20H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 39 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Mordenite | (Na2,Ca,K2)4(Al8Si40)O96 · 28H2O |
| 27 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Eudialyte Group | [N(1)N(2)N(3)N(4)N(5)]3[M(1.1)M(1.2)]3[M(2.1)M(2.2)M(2.3)]3-6[M(3)M(4)]Z3[Si24O72]Θ4X(1)X(2) |
| 24 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Erionite-Ca | (Ca,K2,Na2)2[Al4Si14O36] · 15H2O |
| 23 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Chabazite-Ca | (Ca,K2,Na2)2[Al2Si4O12]2 · 12H2O |
| 23 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 20 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Erionite-K | (K2,Ca,Na2)2[Al4Si14O36] · 15H2O |
| 20 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Sodalite | Na4(Si3Al3)O12Cl |
| 16 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 13 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Analcime | Na(AlSi2O6) · H2O |
| 12 photos of Clinoptilolite-Ca associated with Dachiardite-Ca | (Ca,Na2,K2)5Al10Si38O96 · 25H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.GE.05 | Heulandite-Ca | (Ca,Na)5(Si27Al9)O72 · 26H2O |
| 9.GE.05 | Heulandite-K | (K,Ca,Na)5(Si27Al9)O72 · 26H2O |
| 9.GE.05 | Heulandite-Na | (Na,Ca,K)6(Si,Al)36O72 · 22H2O |
| 9.GE.05 | Heulandite-Sr | (Sr,Na,Ca)5(Si27Al9)O72 · 24H2O |
| 9.GE.05 | Heulandite-Ba | (Ba,Ca,K)5(Si27Al9)O72 · 22H2O |
| 9.GE.05 | Clinoptilolite-K | K6(Si30Al6)O72 · 20H2O |
| 9.GE.05 | Clinoptilolite-Na | Na6(Si30Al6)O72 · 20H2O |
| 9.GE.10 | Stilbite-Ca | NaCa4(Si27Al9)O72 · 28H2O |
| 9.GE.10 | Stilbite-Na | Na9(Si27Al9)O72 · 28H2O |
| 9.GE.15 | Barrerite | Na2(Si7Al2)O18 · 6H2O |
| 9.GE.15 | Stellerite | Ca4(Si28Al8)O72 · 28H2O |
| 9.GE.20 | Brewsterite-Ba | Ba(Al2Si6)O16 · 5H2O |
| 9.GE.20 | Brewsterite-Sr | Sr(Al2Si6)O16 · 5H2O |
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 Clinoptilolite-Ca
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-6882.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Clinoptilolite-Ca
Reference List:
Alberti, A. (1972) On the crystal structure of the zeolite heulandite. TMPM Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen, 18 (2). 129-146 doi:10.1007/bf01081798
Koyama, Kazutoshi, Takéuchi, Y. (1977) Clinoptilolite: the distribution of potassium atoms and its role in thermal stability. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, 145 (3-4). 216-239 doi:10.1524/zkri.1977.145.3-4.216
Armbruster, Thomas (1993) Dehydration mechanism of clinoptilolite and heulandite: Single-crystal X-ray study of Na-poor, Ca-, K-, Mg-rich clinoptilolite at 100 K. American Mineralogist, 78 (3-4) 260-264
Coombs, Douglas S., Alberti, Alberto, Armbruster, Thomas, Artioli, Gilberto, Colella, Carmine, Galli, Ermanno, Grice, Joel D., Liebau, Friedrich, Mandarino, Joseph A., Minato, Hideo, et al. (1997) Recommended nomenclature for zeolite minerals; report of the Subcommittee on Zeolites of the International Mineralogical Association, Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. The Canadian Mineralogist, 35 (6). 1571-1606
Localities for Clinoptilolite-Ca
Showing 53 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 | |
| Estrada et al. (2002) |
| Pablo Rodrigo Leal et al. (2011) |
Armenia | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Austria | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2012) |
| Kolitsch et al. (2015) |
Bulgaria | |
| Encheva |
Canada | |
| Pe-Piper et al. (2002) |
| Pe-Piper et al. (2002) |
| Pe-Piper (2000) | |
| Pe-Piper (2000) | |
| Reiner Mielke 2016 |
| Van Velthuizen et al. (2006) |
| Horváth collection XRD & EMPA EDS |
Cyprus | |
| Prüfer (2010) |
Czech Republic | |
| Pour et al. (2025) |
| P.Pauliš et al. (2014) |
Faroe Islands | |
| Dr. Yu Chen Huang | |
France | |
| Renac et al. (2010) |
Germany | |
| Habel (2009) |
| Belendorff (2021) |
| Belendorff (2021) |
Greece | |
| Voudouris et al. (2018) |
Hungary | |
| WDS: Norbert Zajzon |
| GEODA |
| Sándor et al. (2005) |
Indian Ocean | |
| D. Besse et al. |
Israel | |
| Kruszewski et al. (2021) |
Italy | |
| Gramaccioli (1975) +2 other references |
Japan | |
| Nendo Kagaku v.30 (1990) |
| Koyama et al. (1977) +1 other reference |
| PXRD + XRF by Alfredo Petrov |
New Zealand | |
| S. J. Mills |
| T. Saunderson collection |
| S. J. Mills |
Slovakia | |
| Myšľan P et al. (2022) |
| Myšľan P et al. (2022) | |
| Myšľan P et al. (2022) |
| Tschegg et al. (2019) |
Spain | |
| Calvo Rebollar (2018) |
| various added photos |
| various added photos |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
UK | |
| De Bondt (n.d.) |
| J. Russell Socierty 2006 |
USA | |
| Walstrom (n.d.) |
| Michael C Michayluk Collection |
| RRUFF database specimen no. RO61098 |
| Altaner et al. (1990) |
| Wise et al. (1978) |
| Kearns et al. (2016) |
| Tschernich et al. (1982) +1 other reference |
| Micro Probe Volume IX Number 3 Spring ... +1 other reference |
| - (n.d.) |
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Cape Lookout Quarry, Netarts, Tillamook County, Oregon, USA