Gordaite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Gordaite
Formula:
NaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O
Colour:
Colourless, pale bluish, pale greenish
Lustre:
Vitreous, Pearly
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
2.627
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
Named after the type locality, Sierra Gorda District, Tocopilla Province, Antofagasta Region, Chile.
The Zn analogue of thérèsemagnanite.
Compare also changoite (a similar but Cl-free chemistry).
Closely related to fabritzite and Unnamed (Zn Sulphate-Hydroxide-Chloride-Hydrate).
See also the anthropogenic slag phase Unnamed (Gordaite-related Ca-Zn Sulphate Chloride Hydrate).
Compare also changoite (a similar but Cl-free chemistry).
Closely related to fabritzite and Unnamed (Zn Sulphate-Hydroxide-Chloride-Hydrate).
See also the anthropogenic slag phase Unnamed (Gordaite-related Ca-Zn Sulphate Chloride Hydrate).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
6975
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:6975:1
Similar Names
| Cardite | A valid IMA mineral species | Zn5.5(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| Gordaite (of Frenzel) | A synonym of Ferrinatrite | |
| Groatite | A valid IMA mineral species | NaCaMn2(PO4)[PO3(OH)]2 |
| Guardiaite | A rock subtype | |
| Korteite | A synonym of Koenenite |
Classification of Gordaite
Gordaite-type sheet
Members of the namuwite group exhibit gordaite-type sheets. Gordaite is the archetypal example of the sheet topology.
IMA Classification of Gordaite
Approved
IMA Formula:
NaZn2+4(S6+O4)(OH)6Cl·6H2O
Approval year:
1996
First published:
1997
7.DF.50
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gda | 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 Gordaite
Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, pale bluish, pale greenish
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Flexible
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on {001}
Perfect on {001}
Density:
2.627 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.640 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Gordaite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.5607(8) nε = 1.5382(4)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.023
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:
Low (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 uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Chemistry of Gordaite
Mindat Formula:
NaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Gordaite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3 - Rhombohedral
Space Group:
P3
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.413 Å, c = 13.095 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.557
Unit Cell V:
802.67 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0011072 | Gordaite | Adiwidjaja G, Friese K, Klaska K H, Schluter J (1997) The crystal structure of gordaite NaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl*6H2O Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 212 704-707 |  | 1997 | San Francisco mine, Sierra Gorda, Chile | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 12.95 Å | (100) |
| 6.501 Å | (23) |
| 4.339 Å | (15) |
| 3.258 Å | (14) |
| 2.967 Å | (10) |
| 2.523 Å | (6) |
| 2.676 Å | (5) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Gordaite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Colorless flakes associated with zincian paratacamite, and as interlocking anhedral plates up to 20 mm across.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidized vein material from a base metal mine.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Gordaite
Other Language Names for Gordaite
Relationship of Gordaite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Namuwite Group:
| Bechererite | Zn7Cu(OH)13[(SiO(OH)3(SO4)] | Trig. 3 : P3 |
| Guarinoite | Zn6(SO4)(OH)10 · 5H2O | Hex. |
| Hanahanite | [Zn8(OH)14(SO4)] · 3H2O | Hex. 6 : P63 |
| Haywoodite | [Pb(H2O)10][Zn12(OH)20(H2O)(SO4)3] | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Hodgesmithite | (Cu,Zn)6Zn(SO4)2(OH)10 · 3H2O | Trig. 3 : P3 |
| Lahnsteinite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 3H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Namuwite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 4H2O | Trig. 3 : P3 |
| Osakaite | Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 5H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Ramsbeckite | (Cu,Zn)15(SO4)4(OH)22 · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m |
| Thérèsemagnanite | NaCo4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O | Trig. 3 : P3 |
| Tzeferisite | CaZn8(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2(H2O)9 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 22 photos of Gordaite associated with Herbertsmithite | Cu3Zn(OH)6Cl2 |
| 3 photos of Gordaite associated with Ktenasite | ZnCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 2 photos of Gordaite associated with Coronadite | Pb(Mn4+6Mn3+2)O16 |
| 2 photos of Gordaite associated with Anglesite | PbSO4 |
| 2 photos of Gordaite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 2 photos of Gordaite associated with Paralaurionite | PbCl(OH) |
| 1 photo of Gordaite associated with Kapellasite | Cu3Zn(OH)6Cl2 |
| 1 photo of Gordaite associated with Cerussite | PbCO3 |
| 1 photo of Gordaite associated with Chalcomenite | CuSeO3 · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DF. | Siligiite | [Pb(H2O)5(SO4)][Zn9(OH)18] |
| 7.DF. | Alcaparrosaite | K3Ti4+Fe3+(SO4)4O(H2O)2 |
| 7.DF. | Flaggite | Pb4Cu2+4Te6+2(SO4)2O11(OH)2(H2O) |
| 7.DF. | Bairdite | Pb2Cu2+4Te6+2O10(OH)2(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.DF. | Tzeferisite | CaZn8(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2(H2O)9 |
| 7.DF. | Cherokeeite | [Pb2Zn(OH)4](SO4) · H2O |
| 7.DF. | Ammoniomathesiusite | (NH4)5(UO2)4(SO4)4(VO5) · 4H2O |
| 7.DF. | Sigogglinite | [Pb6Zn(OH)8]2(SO4)6 · (H2O)8-x |
| 7.DF.X | Blueridgeite | [Pb8Zn3Cu2+(OH)16](SO4)2(S2O3)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF. | Erssonite | Mg7Fe3+2(OH)18[Ca(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.DF. | Poellmannite | Ca6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DF. | Carlsonite | (NH4)5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 7H2O |
| 7.DF. | Cuprocherokeeite | [Pb8Zn3Cu2+(OH)16](SO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 7.DF. | Haywoodite | [Pb(H2O)10][Zn12(OH)20(H2O)(SO4)3] |
| 7.DF. | Chromschieffelinite | Pb10Te6+6O20(OH)14(CrO4)(H2O)5 |
| 7.DF.05 | Uklonskovite | NaMg(SO4)F · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.10 | Kainite | KMg(SO4)Cl · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.10 | Kaliochalcite | KCu2(SO4)2[(OH)(H2O)] |
| 7.DF.15 | Natrochalcite | NaCu2(SO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.17 | Genplesite | Ca3Sn(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.17 | 'Unnamed (Ba-Sb Silicate-Sulphate-Hydroxide-Hydrate)' | Ba3Sb5+[(Si,S)O3(OH)]2(OH,O)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.20 | Sideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.20 | Metasideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Fleischerite | Pb3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Mallestigite | Pb3Sb5+(SO4)(AsO4)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Schaurteite | Ca3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Despujolsite | Ca3Mn4+(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.30 | Slavíkite | (H3O+)3Mg6Fe15(SO4)21(OH)18 · 98H2O |
| 7.DF.35 | Metavoltine | K2Na6Fe2+Fe3+6O2(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.DF.40 | Lannonite | Mg2Ca4Al4(SO4)8F8 · 24H2O |
| 7.DF.40 | Vlodavetsite | AlCa2(SO4)2F2Cl · 4H2O |
| 7.DF.45 | Peretaite | Ca(SbO)4(SO4)2(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.50 | Calamaite | Na2TiO(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.52 | Huizingite-(Al) | [(NH4)9(SO4)2][(Al,Fe3+)3(OH)2(H2O)4(SO4)6] |
| 7.DF.52 | Scordariite | K8(Fe3+0.67◻0.33)[Fe3+3O(SO4)6]2 · 14H2O |
| 7.DF.55 | Clairite | (NH4)2Fe3(SO4)4(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.55 | Giacovazzoite | K5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 10H2O |
| 7.DF.57 | Magnanelliite | K3Fe3+2(SO4)4(OH)(H2O)2 |
| 7.DF.60 | Arzrunite | Cu4Pb2(SO4)(OH)4Cl6 · 2H2O (?) |
| 7.DF.60 | Evdokimovite | Tl4(VO)3(SO4)5(H2O)5 |
| 7.DF.62 | Bridgesite-(Ce) | CaCe2Cu6(SO4)4(OH)12 · 8H2O |
| 7.DF.65 | Elyite | Pb4Cu(SO4)O2(OH)4 · H2O |
| 7.DF.70 | Yecoraite | Fe3+3Bi5(Te6+O4)2(Te4+O3)O9 · 9H2O |
| 7.DF.70 | Lautenthalite | PbCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.75 | Riomarinaite | Bi(SO4)(OH) · H2O |
| 7.DF.80 | Dukeite | Bi3+24Cr6+8O57(OH)6 · 3H2O |
Fluorescence of Gordaite
Not fluorescent
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in cold HCl or 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 Gordaite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-6975.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Gordaite
Reference List:
Adiwidjaja, G., Friese, K., Klaska, K.-H., Schlüter, J. (1997) The crystal structure of gordaite NaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie - Crystalline Materials, 212 (10) 704-707 doi:10.1524/zkri.1997.212.10.704
Zhu, Lin, Seff, Karl, Witzke, Thomas, Nasdala, Lutz (1997) Crystal structure of Zn4Na(OH)6SO4Cl·6H2O. Journal of Chemical Crystallography, 27 (5) 325-329 doi:10.1007/bf02575981
Schlüter, Jochen, Klaska, Karl-Heinz, Friese, Karen, Adiwidjaja, Gunadi, Gebhard, Georg (1997) Gordaite, NaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl·6H2O, a new mineral from the San Francisco Mine, Antofagasta, Chile. Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie - Monatshefte, 1997 (4) 155-162 doi:10.1127/njmm/1997/1997/155
Localities for Gordaite
Showing 31 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 (1999) |
Chile (TL) | |
| Schlüter et al. (1997) |
China | |
| Tang et al. (2022) |
Czech Republic | |
| Varilová et al. (2011) |
France | |
| Favreau et al. (2024) |
| Favreau (n.d.) +2 other references | |
Germany | |
| www.mg-mineralien-fossilien.de (n.d.) |
| Knoll (1998) |
| Gerhard Möhn Collection Analyzed by ... |
| Wittern (2001) | |
Greece | |
| |
| Gröbner et al. (2002) | |
| Fritz Schreiber collection |
| Blaß et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
| Hanke (1998) +1 other reference |
| Gröbner et al. (2002) | |
Indian Ocean | |
| Zhang et al. (2023) |
Italy | |
| Gian Claudio Lecca et al. (2025) |
| Orlandi et al. (2005) |
Namibia | |
| Hexiong Yang |
Norway | |
| Husdal (2020) |
Pacific Ocean | |
| AmMin 83:1111-1116 |
| Glickson et al. (2007) |
Papua New Guinea | |
| Steger (2015) |
Spain | |
| Calvo Rebollar et al. (2022) |
| Georges FAVREAU collection and EDX ... |
| Calvo Rebollar (2015) +1 other reference |
| Joan Abella i Creus and Joan Viñals i Olià (2012) |
USA | |
| Grant et al. (2005) |
| Joe Marty (2015) |
The Moon | |
| Ma et al. (2019) |
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Sounion, Lavreotiki, East Attica, Attica, Greece