Pyrocoproite
Valid as an unnamed mineral
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Formula:
(K,Na)2Mg(P2O7)
Colour:
White
Lustre:
Earthy
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after it's derivation from bat guano combustion.
A pyrophospate originated from bat guano combustion in Arnhem Cave, Namibia, about 2000 years ago. Cause of combustion unknown.
Originally described (together with another pyrophosphate, pyrophosphite) from Arnhem Cave, Windhoek District, Khomas Region, Namibia.
See also arnhemite.
Compare canaphite, wooldridgeite; 'arnhemite', and UM1991-10-PO:BaCaHMgSr.
Originally described (together with another pyrophosphate, pyrophosphite) from Arnhem Cave, Windhoek District, Khomas Region, Namibia.
See also arnhemite.
Compare canaphite, wooldridgeite; 'arnhemite', and UM1991-10-PO:BaCaHMgSr.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
7260
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:7260:7
IMA Classification of Pyrocoproite
IMA status notes:
Unnamed (probably valid)
Approval history:
Unnamed, but probably valid.
Classification of Pyrocoproite
8.FA.20
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
F : Polyphosphates, Polyarsenates, [4]-Polyvanadates
A : Polyphosphates, etc., without OH and H2O; dimers of corner-sharing RO4 tetrahedra.
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
F : Polyphosphates, Polyarsenates, [4]-Polyvanadates
A : Polyphosphates, etc., without OH and H2O; dimers of corner-sharing RO4 tetrahedra.
Physical Properties of Pyrocoproite
Optical Data of Pyrocoproite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.558 nγ = 1.56
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.002
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.
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.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
weak
Chemistry of Pyrocoproite
Mindat Formula:
(K,Na)2Mg(P2O7)
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Pyrocoproite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Other Language Names for Pyrocoproite
German:Pyrocoproit
Spanish:Pyrocoproita
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.FA. | Phosphocyclite-(Fe) | Fe2+2(P4O12) |
| 8.FA. | Phosphocyclite-(Ni) | Ni2(P4O12) |
| 8.FA. | Grahampearsonite | Ca2P2O7 |
| 8.FA. | Bakakinite | Ca2V2O7 |
| 8.FA. | Lisanite | CaNiP2O7 |
| 8.FA. | Shasuite | CaNi3(P2O7)2 |
| 8.FA. | Nabateaite | Fe2P2O7 |
| 8.FA. | Samraite | Ni2P2O7 |
| 8.FA. | Anastasenkoite | CaFe2+(P2O7) |
| 8.FA.05 | Blossite | α-Cu2(V2O7) |
| 8.FA.10 | Ziesite | β-Cu2(V2O7) |
| 8.FA.15 | 'UM1999-17:O:PbV' | Pb4V2O9 or Pb4(VO4)2O |
| 8.FA.15 | Chervetite | Pb2(V2O7) |
| 8.FA.20 | Yamhamelachite | KCrP2O7 |
| 8.FA.20 | 'Pyrophosphite' | K2Ca(P2O7) |
| 8.FA.25 | Petewilliamsite | (Ni,Co)30(As2O7)15 |
Radioactivity
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 Pyrocoproite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-7260.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Pyrocoproite
Reference List:
Localities for Pyrocoproite
Showing 3 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.
Iran | |
| Amin et al. (2022) |
Namibia | |
| Martini (1997) +1 other reference |
Saudi Arabia | |
| Saudi Geological Survey Open-File ... +1 other reference |
