Pyrophosphite
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Formula:
K2Ca(P2O7)
Lustre:
Vitreous
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after the Greek pyros, meaning fire and the element name - Phosphorus.
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, 'pyrocoproite') from Arnhem Cave, Windhoek District, Khomas Region, Namibia.
See also arnhemite.
Compare grahampearsonite, canaphite, wooldridgeite; 'arnhemite', and UM1991-10-PO:BaCaHMgSr.
Originally described (together with another pyrophosphate, 'pyrocoproite') from Arnhem Cave, Windhoek District, Khomas Region, Namibia.
See also arnhemite.
Compare grahampearsonite, canaphite, wooldridgeite; 'arnhemite', and UM1991-10-PO:BaCaHMgSr.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
7261
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:7261:4
IMA Classification of Pyrophosphite
IMA status notes:
Intermediate member of a solid-solution series
Classification of Pyrophosphite
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.
38.5.8.
38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
5 : Miscellaneous
38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
5 : Miscellaneous
Physical Properties of Pyrophosphite
Vitreous
Optical Data of Pyrophosphite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.543 nγ = 1.549
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 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:
None to Very Low
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
Dispersion:
weak
Chemistry of Pyrophosphite
Mindat Formula:
K2Ca(P2O7)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Pyrophosphite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Other Language Names for Pyrophosphite
German:Pyrophosphit
Spanish:Pirofosfita
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 | 'Pyrocoproite' | (K,Na)2Mg(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 Pyrophosphite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-7261.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Pyrophosphite
Localities for Pyrophosphite
Showing 2 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.
Namibia | |
| Martini (1994) +1 other reference |
Saudi Arabia | |
| Saudi Geological Survey Open-File ... +1 other reference |
