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Szaibélyite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Szaibélyite
Formula:
MgBO2(OH)
Colour:
White to light yellow; colourless in transmitted light
Lustre:
Silky, Dull
Hardness:
3 - 3½
Specific Gravity:
2.62
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in 1861 by Karl Ferdinand Peters in honor of Stephen Szaibely (Sjájbely) (1777-1855), mine surveyor of Rézbánya, Hungary, who found the first specimens in what is now the Băiţa Mining District (Baita Bihor), Romania.
Type Locality:
Name Encoding
ASCII-7:
Szaibelyite
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3857
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3857:3
IMA Classification of Szaibélyite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1862
Classification of Szaibélyite
6.BA.15
6 : BORATES
B : Diborates
A : Neso-diborates with double triangles B2(O,OH)5; 2(2D); 2(2D) + OH, etc.
6 : BORATES
B : Diborates
A : Neso-diborates with double triangles B2(O,OH)5; 2(2D); 2(2D) + OH, etc.
25.2.1.2
25 : ANHYDROUS BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
2 : Diborates
25 : ANHYDROUS BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
2 : Diborates
9.2.4
9 : Borates
2 : Borates of Be and Mg
9 : Borates
2 : Borates of Be and Mg
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sza | 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 Szaibélyite
Silky, Dull
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
White to light yellow; colourless in transmitted light
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3 - 3½ on Mohs scale
Fracture:
Fibrous
Density:
2.62 g/cm3 (Measured)
Optical Data of Szaibélyite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.53 - 1.67 nβ = 1.53 - 1.73 nγ = 1.55 - 1.74
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.020 - 0.070
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:
High (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 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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (69°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (69°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
Dispersion:
none
Optical Extinction:
Parallel extinction
Comments:
X ∥ elongation; Z ⊥ flattening.
Chemistry of Szaibélyite
Mindat Formula:
MgBO2(OH)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Szaibélyite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.577(2) Å, b = 10.393(2) Å, c = 3.139(1) Å
β = 95.88(2)°
β = 95.88(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.21 : 1 : 0.302
Unit Cell V:
408.15 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
8
Morphology:
Veinlets or masses with a felted or matted fibrous structure. Nodules, dense or chalky at times. Microscopically presents as minute laths or flattened fibers.
Twinning:
On {100}
Comment:
Non-standard setting P21/a; Fe-enriched variety (from Internatsional’naya kimberlite pipe): P21/c
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.27 Å | (100) |
| 2.664 Å | (70) |
| 2.089 Å | (65) |
| 2.207 Å | (58) |
| 2.441 Å | (50) |
| 3.04 Å | (41) |
| 2.548 Å | (37) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) | |
| 25 : Evaporites (prebiotic) | |
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations |
Geological Setting:
Saline and borate deposits.
Magnesian skarns.
Magnesian skarns.
Type Occurrence of Szaibélyite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Nodular masses.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Loránd Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary, E555.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Crystalline limestone
Synonyms of Szaibélyite
Other Language Names for Szaibélyite
Varieties of Szaibélyite
| Hydroascharite | Unnecessary name for Saibelyite with extra water |
Relationship of Szaibélyite to other Species
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 28 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Ludwigite | Mg2Fe3+(BO3)O2 |
| 16 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Magnetite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
| 10 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Lizardite | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 8 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Serpentine Subgroup | D3[Si2O5](OH)4 |
| 6 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Borcarite | Ca4Mg(B4O6(OH)6)(CO3)2 |
| 5 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Dypingite | Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 4 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Kotoite | Mg3[BO3]2 |
| 3 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Suanite | Mg2[B2O5] |
| 3 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Clinohumite | Mg9(SiO4)4F2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 6.BA.05 | Suanite | Mg2[B2O5] |
| 6.BA.10 | Clinokurchatovite | Ca(Mg,Fe2+,Mn2+)[B2O5] |
| 6.BA.10 | Kurchatovite | Ca(Mg,Mn2+)[B2O5] |
| 6.BA.15 | Sussexite | Mn2+BO2(OH) |
| 6.BA.20 | Wiserite | (Mn2+,Mg)14(B2O5)4(OH)8 · (Si,Mg)(O,OH)4Cl |
Fluorescence of Szaibélyite
None.
Other Information
IR Spectrum:
Kebirnin'ya creek material [cm-1]: 3690w, 3560, 2975w, 2900w, 2760w, 2620sh, 2560w, 2495, 2030w, 1925, 1825w, 1465s, 1405sh, 1388s, 1274s, 1245s, 1223s, 1014, 981, 923, 841, 703s, 679, 623s, 563, 533, 508, 486, 440s, 400s
Notes:
Slowly soluble in acids.
An alteration product of Colemanite, Inyoite, and Hydroboracite (Inder deposits).
An alteration product of Colemanite, Inyoite, and Hydroboracite (Inder deposits).
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 Szaibélyite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3857.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Szaibélyite
Reference List:
Groth, F. (1874) Tabellarische Übersicht der Einfachen Mineralien (1st ed.). Friedrich Vieweg und Sohn.p.38 - as Boromagnesit
Eakle, Arthur S. (1925) Camsellite from California. American Mineralogist, 10 (4) 100-102 (also see Schaller, 1942)
Ginner, John W. (1932) Magnesiosussexite, a new mineral from a Michigan iron mine, isomorphous with sussexite and camsellite. American Mineralogist, 17 (11) 509-513 (as Magnesiosussexite)
Schaller, Waldemar T. (1942) The identity of ascharite, camsellite, and β-ascharite with szaibelyite; and some relations of the magnesium borate minerals. American Mineralogist, 27 (7) 467-486
Takeuchi, Y., Kudoh, Yasuhiro (1975) Szaibelyite, Mg2(OH)[B2O4(OH)]: Crystal structure, pseudosymmetry and polymorphism. American Mineralogist, 60 (3-4) 273-279
Roulston, B. V., Waugh, D. C. E. (1981) A borate mineral assemblage from Penobsquis and Salt Springs evaporite deposits of southern New Brunswick. The Canadian Mineralogist, 19 (2) 291-301
Marincea, S. (2001) New data on szaibelyite from the type locality, Băiţa Bihor. The Canadian Mineralogist, 39 (1). 111-127 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.39.1.111
Localities for Szaibélyite
Showing 115 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 | |
| R Bottrill unpub. Data |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) | |
| Ralph Bottrill unpublished data 2019 |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
Belarus | |
| USGS MRDS database potash: ... |
Canada | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Grice et al. (2002) |
| Grice et al. (2005) |
| Grice (1989) |
| Sabina et al. (1986) |
China | |
| Zhao et al. (2022) +1 other reference |
| Zhao et al. (1999) |
| Wang (1983) +1 other reference |
| Zhenhai Wang (2000) |
| Chang Zhaoshan and Feng Zhongyan (1996) +1 other reference |
| Rongwen Zhou and Zhishun Chen (1991) |
| Yang Guangming et al. (1985) | |
| Rongwen Zhou and Zaixi Li (1992) | |
| Fushun Li et al. (2012) |
| Kamitani et al. (2007) |
| www.portergeo.com.au (2007) +1 other reference |
| Zhaobin Su and Shaoying Jiang (1984) | |
| Matsuda (1969) |
| Rongge Xiao et al. (2003) +4 other references |
| Kamitani et al. (2007) | |
| Guyue Hu et al. (2014) |
| Xie Hongyuan et al. (1998) | |
| Jingdang Liu et al. (2005) +1 other reference | |
| Rongge Xiao et al. (2003) | |
| Rongge Xiao et al. (2003) +2 other references |
| Qian Yang (1989) |
| Hualing et al. (2026) |
| Zhou et al. (2001) |
| Shilu Zhang (1986) |
Czech Republic | |
| Bohuslav Burev collection |
France | |
| Goujou et al. (2000) +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Brockt et al. (2001) |
| Mädler (1992) |
| Wittern (2001) |
Greece | |
| |
Iran | |
| Hairapetian et al. (2017) |
Italy | |
| Bedognè +2 other references |
| Bedognè et al. (2006) |
| Campostrini (2001) |
Japan | |
| Minakawa (1977) |
| 上原誠一郎. (1987) |
| - (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Kato et al. (2006) |
Kazakhstan | |
| - (1993) +1 other reference |
| Pekov (1998) +1 other reference | |
| ERCOSPAN (2011) |
Morocco | |
| Weiß (2006) |
North Korea | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Norway | |
| Bøggild (1947) |
| Jøsang (1966) | |
| Neumann (1985) | |
| Raade et al. (1975) +1 other reference | |
Poland | |
| Fijał J. (1970) +1 other reference |
Romania (TL) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +4 other references |
| Shimizu et al. (1998) | |
| Ş +1 other reference | |
| Marincea et al. (2023) | |
| Marincea (1999) +2 other references |
| Stefan Marincea et al. (2018) |
| Stefan Marincea et al. (2018) | |
Russia | |
| Pekov (1998) |
| Varlakov (1962) |
| Mazurov et al. (2007) |
| Galuskina et al. (2008) |
| Aleksandrov et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| American Mineralogist 42:582-583 +1 other reference | |
| USGS Open File Report 2005-1252 p23 +2 other references |
| Alrosa |
| maurice.strahlen.org (2004) +2 other references |
| Galuskina et al. (2008) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
| Chukanov (2014) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
| Kovalev et al. (2019) |
Slovakia | |
| Vladimír Bilohuščin (2016) +1 other reference |
| Koděra et al. (1986) |
Spain | |
| Torres Ruiz (1993) +1 other reference |
Sweden | |
| www.k1q.net (n.d.) |
| Nysten & Langhof (in LångbansNytt 2021) |
| Holtstam (2001) | |
| Gatedal (n.d.) |
| Appel et al. (1999) |
| Ersson (2021) |
UK | |
| Genis et al. (2016) |
| Smith et al. (2014) |
| Smith et al. (2014) |
| Smith et al. (2014) | |
| |
| Livingstone (2002) |
USA | |
| Rocks & Min.: 64:472. |
| Pelletier |
| Eakle (1925) +4 other references | |
| [micromounts@yahoogroups.com] |
| McNamara (Mineral Lore) |
| Rocks & Minerals: 58: 108. +1 other reference |
| AmMin 10:137 |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Rocks & Minerals. Nov. 1999. | |
| American Mineralogist 10:137-139 +1 other reference | |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Steven Kuitems +1 other reference |
| RRUFF project +2 other references |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Omer B. Raup and Beth M. Madsen (1986) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Woodford et al. (2001) |
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Băiţa mining district, Nucet, Bihor County, Romania