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Meurigite-K
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Meurigite-K
John Meurig Thomas
Formula:
KFe3+8(PO4)6(OH)7 · 6.5H2O
Colour:
Yellowish brown, cream to white, pale to canary yellow
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Silky
Hardness:
3
Specific Gravity:
2.96
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named meurigite in 1996 by William D. Birch, Allan Pring, Peter G. Self, Ronald B. Gibbs, Erich Keck, Martin C. Jensen and Eugene E. Foord in honour of Sir John Meurig Thomas [born 15 December, 1932 Llanelli, South Wales, United Kingdom - died 13 November, 2020], a prolific researcher and crystal chemist known for his work on heterogeneous catalysis, solid-state chemistry, and surface and materials science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK. He was knighted in 1991 "for services to chemistry and the popularisation of science".
Meurigite was renamed in 2009 to meurigite-K, after the discovery and description of a sodium analogue, meurigite-Na.
Obituary:
https://www.iucr.org/news/newsletter/etc/articles?issue=150473&result_138339_result_page=20
Meurigite was renamed in 2009 to meurigite-K, after the discovery and description of a sodium analogue, meurigite-Na.
Obituary:
https://www.iucr.org/news/newsletter/etc/articles?issue=150473&result_138339_result_page=20
Possibly identical to phosphofibrite (Kolitsch, 1999; Kampf & Kolitsch, 2008 and Kampf et al., 2009), although the latter appears to be K-deficient (K < 0.5 pfu).
See also the sodium analogue meurigite-Na.
Previously called meurigite (renamed in 2009).
See also the sodium analogue meurigite-Na.
Previously called meurigite (renamed in 2009).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
7178
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:7178:5
Similar Names
IMA Classification of Meurigite-K
Approved
IMA status notes:
Renamed by the IMA
IMA Formula:
[K(H2O)2.5][Fe3+8(PO4)6(OH)7]·4H2O
Approval year:
1995
First published:
1996
Approval history:
Renamed from meurigite to meurigite-K in 2009.
Classification of Meurigite-K
8.DJ.20
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
J : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
J : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 = 1:1
42.13.14.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
13 : Miscellaneous
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
13 : Miscellaneous
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Meu-K | 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 Meurigite-K
Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Silky
Transparency:
Translucent
Comment:
Depending on the packing of the fibers.
Colour:
Yellowish brown, cream to white, pale to canary yellow
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3 on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Estimated
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
{001}
{001}
Fracture:
None observed
Density:
2.96 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.86 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Meurigite-K
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.780(5) nβ = 1.785(5) nγ = 1.800(5)
2V:
Calculated: 60°
Birefringence:
0.020
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.020
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:
Very 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.
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.
Dispersion:
r > v distinct
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Meurigite-K
Mindat Formula:
KFe3+8(PO4)6(OH)7 · 6.5H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Meurigite-K
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/b
Cell Parameters:
a = 29.018(5) Å, b = 5.1892(6) Å, c = 19.695(3) Å
β = 106.987(1)°
β = 106.987(1)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 5.592 : 1 : 3.795
Unit Cell V:
2836.3 ų
Z:
4
Morphology:
Tabular on [001] and elongated parallel to [010].
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0004452 | Meurigite-K | Kampf A R, Pluth J J, Chen Y S (2007) The crystal structure of meurigite American Mineralogist 92 1518-1524 |  | 2007 | Santa Rita mine, Grant County, New Mexico | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.41 Å | (60) |
| 4.84 Å | (90) |
| 4.32 Å | (70) |
| 4.25 Å | (50) |
| 3.470 Å | (60) |
| 3.216 Å | (100) |
| 3.116 Å | (80) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Type Occurrence of Meurigite-K
General Appearance of Type Material:
Drusy coating of fibrous yellow rosettes.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Not described.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxide zone of a copper deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Meurigite-K
Other Language Names for Meurigite-K
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 27 photos of Meurigite-K associated with Leucophosphite | KFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 21 photos of Meurigite-K associated with Dufrénite | Ca0.5Fe2+Fe3+5(PO4)4(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 17 photos of Meurigite-K associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 17 photos of Meurigite-K associated with Strengite | FePO4 · 2H2O |
| 14 photos of Meurigite-K associated with Cyrilovite | NaFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 11 photos of Meurigite-K associated with Cacoxenite | Fe3+24AlO6(PO4)17(OH)12 · 75H2O |
| 10 photos of Meurigite-K associated with Variscite | AlPO4 · 2H2O |
| 9 photos of Meurigite-K associated with Ruifrancoite | Ca2(◻,Mn)2(Fe3+,Mn,Mg)4Be4(PO4)6(OH)4(OH,H2O)2 · 4H2O |
| 8 photos of Meurigite-K associated with 'Limonite' | |
| 6 photos of Meurigite-K associated with Muscovite | KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DJ.05 | Johnwalkite | K(Mn2+,Fe2+,Fe3+)2(Nb5+,Ta5+)(PO4)2O2 · 2(H2O,OH) |
| 8.DJ.05 | Olmsteadite | KFe2+2(Nb5+,Ta5+)(PO4)2O2 · 2H2O |
| 8.DJ.10 | Gatumbaite | CaAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.DJ.15 | Camgasite | CaMg(AsO4)(OH) · 5H2O |
| 8.DJ.20 | Phosphofibrite | (H2O,K)3.5Fe8(PO4)6(OH)7 · 5H2O |
| 8.DJ.20 | Meurigite-Na | NaFe3+8(PO4)6(OH)7 · 6.5H2O |
| 8.DJ.25 | Jungite | Ca2Zn4Fe3+8(PO4)9(OH)9 · 16H2O |
| 8.DJ.30 | Wycheproofite | NaAlZr(PO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 8.DJ.35 | Ercitite | Na2Mn3+2(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DJ.40 | Mrázekite | Bi2Cu3(PO4)2O2(OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.DJ.45 | Attikaite | Ca3Cu2Al2(AsO4)4(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.DJ.50 | Mengeite | Ba(Mg,Mn2+)Mn3+4(PO4)4(OH)4 · 4H2O |
Radioactivity
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) | 3.0266% | 938 | 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: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Fluorescence of Meurigite-K
Not fluorescent in UV
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 Meurigite-K
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-7178.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Meurigite-K
Localities for Meurigite-K
Showing 23 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 | |
| Mineralogical Magazine 60:787-793. +1 other reference |
Brazil | |
| Menezes (n.d.) |
| Luis Menezes specimens at Denver show +1 other reference |
Chile | |
| Teck Resources Limited |
Czech Republic | |
| Janouš (1995) +4 other references |
| Sejkora et al. (2011) |
| S. Mirete photo |
France | |
| Cuchet et al. (2000) |
| Gayraud et al. (2011) +1 other reference |
| Lheur et al. (2013) |
Germany | |
| WALENTA et al. (2001) |
| Dill et al. (2009) |
| web.archive.org (2001) |
| Wittern (2001) | |
| Gerhard Möhn Collection Analyzed by ... |
| Wittern (2001) |
Italy | |
| collected by F. Castellaro and probed ... |
USA | |
| Newmont Mining Corporation |
| Barrick Gold Corporation | |
| Dr. William S. Wise presentation to ... |
| Jensen et al. (2001) |
| Mineralogical Magazine 60:787-793. +1 other reference |
| Mineral Webzine |
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Hagendorf South Pegmatite, Hagendorf, Waidhaus, Neustadt an der Waldnaab District, Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany