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Haigerachite

A valid IMA mineral species
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Formula:
KFe3+3(PO3OH)2[PO2(OH)2]6 · 4H2O
Colour:
White
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
2.44
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named for the village and valley near the locality.
Associated with Gengenbachite.


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Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
6985
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:6985:0

IMA Classification of HaigerachiteHide

IMA status:
Approved
IMA Formula:
KFe3+3(H2PO4)6(HPO4)2·4H2O
Approval year:
1997
First published:
1999
Type description reference:
Walenta, K., Theye, Th. (1999) Haigerachit, ein neues Phosphatmineral von der Grube Silberbrünnle bei Gengenbach im mittleren Schwarzwald. Aufschluss: 50: 1-7.

Classification of HaigerachiteHide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
8.CF.10

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O > 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
HgaIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of HaigerachiteHide

Lustre:
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
White
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
{001}
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
2.44(1) g/cm3 (Measured)    2.445 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of HaigerachiteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.557(2) nβ = 1.598(2) nγ = 1.602(2)
2V:
Measured: 32° (2), Calculated: 34°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.045
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively weak
Comments:
X perpendicular to (001)

Chemistry of HaigerachiteHide

Mindat Formula:
KFe3+3(PO3OH)2[PO2(OH)2]6 · 4H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O54.721 %
P23.541 %
Fe15.917 %
K3.715 %
H2.107 %

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

Crystallography of HaigerachiteHide

Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/b
Cell Parameters:
a = 16.95(3) Å, b = 9.59(2) Å, c = 17.57(3) Å
β = 90.85°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.767 : 1 : 1.832
Unit Cell V:
2,855.70 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Thin tabular, pseudohexagonal crystals flattened (001), showing {100} and {110}.

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates]

Type Occurrence of HaigerachiteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Silberbrünnle Mine, Gengenbach, Gengenbach, Ortenaukreis, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
General Appearance of Type Material:
White spherules, to 0.2 mm across, consisting of scaly crystals to 0.05 mm; rarely as well-developed, thin tabular, pseudohexagonal crystals.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
1) Institute of Mineralogy and Crystal Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Germany.
2) Staatlichen Museum für Naturkunde, Stuttgart, Germany.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Secondary phosphate formed on dump material.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
QuartzPyriteGypsumJarositeDiadochite
Reference:
Walenta, K., Theye, Th. (1999) Haigerachit, ein neues Phosphatmineral von der Grube Silberbrünnle bei Gengenbach im mittleren Schwarzwald. Aufschluss: 50: 1-7.

Synonyms of HaigerachiteHide

Other Language Names for HaigerachiteHide

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.CF.FerraioloiteMgMn2+4(Fe2+0.5Al3+0.5)4Zn4(PO4)8(OH)4(H2O)20Mon.
8.CF.NaalasiteNaAl(AsO3OH)2 · H2OTrig. 32 : R32
8.CF.NafeasiteNa3Fe3+3(AsO3OH)6 · 3H2OMon. 2 : B2
8.CF.FalsteriteCa2MgMn2+2Fe2+2Fe3+2Zn4(PO4)8(OH)4(H2O)14Mon. 2/m : P21/b
8.CF.EspadaiteNa4Ca3Mg2[AsO3(OH)]2[AsO2(OH)2]10 · 7H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Ccca
8.CF.LiraiteNaCa2Mn2+2[Fe3+Fe2+]Mn2+2(PO4)6(H2O)2Orth. mm2
8.CF.05Tassieite(Na,◻)Ca2(Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+)2(Fe2+,Mg)2(Fe3+,Mg)2(PO4)6 · 2H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.CF.05BederiteCa2(Mn2+)4(Fe3+)2(PO4)6 · 2H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
8.CF.05WicksiteNaCa2(Fe2+,Mn2+)4MgFe3+(PO4)6 · 2H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.CF.05GrischuniteNaCa2Mn2+5Fe3+(AsO4)6 · 2H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
8.CF.05Maneckiite(Na◻)Ca2Fe2+2(Fe3+Mg)Mn2(PO4)6 · 2H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca
8.CF.10YazganiteNaFe3+2(Mg,Mn2+)(AsO4)3 · H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.CF.15CurrieriteNa4Ca3MgAl4(AsO3OH)12 · 9H2OHex. 622 : P622
8.CF.20RíosecoiteCa2Mg(AsO3OH)3(H2O)2Tric. 1 : P1

RadioactivityHide

Radioactivity:
Element % Content Activity (Bq/kg) Radiation Type
Uranium (U) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Thorium (Th) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Potassium (K) 3.7145% 1,151 β, γ

For comparison:

  • Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
  • Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
  • EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg

Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.

Interactive Simulator:

Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!

Activity: –

DistanceDose rateRisk
1 cm
10 cm
1 m

The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).

D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield

Other InformationHide

Notes:
Soluble in dilute 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 HaigerachiteHide

References for HaigerachiteHide

Localities for HaigerachiteHide

Showing 1 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.
Germany (TL)
 
  • Baden-Württemberg
    • Freiburg Region
      • Ortenaukreis
        • Gengenbach
          • Gengenbach
[Wittern (1995) +1 other reference
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