58 Minerals (A – Z)

(a slowly growing, but yet very incomplete and subjective selection, last update 12.04.2021)

You have the possibility to visualize the crystals structure of all these minerals in 3D not only with VESTA / Mercury but also online:

https://cds.dl.ac.uk/crystalworks/examples_minerals.html

Abelsonite

Discovered only in 1969 (by the way the year of birth of the author of this blog) by Lawrence C. Trudell while he was exploring the Green River Formation (Utah, USA) for an oil shale project
Named after Philip H. Abelson (1913–2004), a long-time editor of the journal Science, for his pioneering work in organic geochemistry
Abelsonite is formed as a secondary mineral (and is one of the few organic minerals) on oil shale surfaces by conversion of chlorophyll – therefore, it is called a chemofossil (a fossil that consists only of chemicals remaining from the decomposition of a living organism)
Abelsonite is the only known naturally occurring crystalline porphyrin derivative
Formula: NiC₃₁H₃₄N₄
Space group: P-1 (No. 2)
Crystal system: triclinic
Crystal class: -1
Lattice parameters: a = 8.4416 Å, b = 10.8919 Å, c = 7.2749, α = 90.465°, β =113.158°, γ = 78.080°

Picture: CC BY-SA 3.0 Thomas Witzke – http://tw.strahlen.org/fotoatlas1/abelsonite_foto.html

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the CIF):

Ni: green, N: blue, C: gray, H: white
Note: Although a single Ni porphyrin molecule does not possess -1 symmetry, matching ethyl groups at roughly opposite ends of the molecule enable orientational disorder, in which molecules can randomly adopt one of two different orientations while still stacking in the same manner. The aggregate of these two random orientations produces an overall symmetry of P-1.
Reference: Crystal structure of abelsonite, the only known crystalline geoporphyrin
Daniel R. Hummer, Bruce C. Noll, Robert M. Hazen, Robert T. Downs
American Mineralogist (2017) 102 (5): 1129-1132.
https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2017-5927

Adamite

Named after the French mineralogist Gilbert-Joseph Adam (1795 – 1881)
Typically occuring in weathered zones above zink ores
Formula: Zn₂(OH)(AsO₄)
Space group: Pnnm (No. 58)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 8.30 Å, b = 8.51 Å, c = 6.04, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

AsO₄ tetrahedra (green)
ZnO₆ octahedra (gray)

Afwillite

Named after the abbreviated discoverer Alpheus Fuller Williams (1874–1953), CEO of De Beers Consolidated Mines at that time
Formula: Ca₃(SiO₃OH)₂ · 2 H₂O
It belongs to the nesosilicates, i.e. there are only isolated SiO₄ tetrahedra
Space group: Cc (No. 9)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: m
Lattice parameters: a = 16.278 Å, b = 5.6321 Å, c = 13.236, α = γ = 90°, β = 134.898°

Picture: Matteo Chinellato – http://www.mindat.org/photo-356015.html | CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)
SiO₄ tetrahedra (yellow)
CaO₇ polyhedra (light blue)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6J7oy

Anglesite

Named after the type locality (a locality, where a particular mineral was first found/identified), which is here the Isle of Anglesey (Wales)
Occurs as an oxidation product of primary lead sulfide (PbS, Galena) ore
Formula: PbSO₄
Space group: Pnma (No. 62)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 8.48 Å, b = 5.40 Å, c = 6.96, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

SO₄ tetrahedra (yellow)
PbO₈ irregular polyhedra (gray)

Antarcticite

named after the type locality – the Don Juan Pond in Antarctica
Antarcticite is very hygroscopic and is formed only in very arid regions and precipitates only from highly saline brines
Formula: CaCl₂ · 6 H₂O
Space group: P321
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class: 32
Lattice parameters: a = b = 7.8759(2) Å, c = 3.9545(2) Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Crystal structure (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

every Ca ion is surrounded by nine water molecules
the CaO₉ polyhedra (blue) are face-connected and stacked along the c axis
these faces are made up of three water molecules acting as bridging ligands between two Ca ions
every Cl anion is involved in 6 H-bonds (dotted lines)
Oxygen (red)
Chlorine (green)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6PJXV

Refs:

[1] T. Torii, J. Ossaka, Science 1965, 149, 975-977.
DOI: 10.1126/science.149.3687.975

[2] P. A. Agron, W. R. Busing, Acta Crystallogr. C 1986, 42, 141-143.
DOI: 10.1107/S0108270186097007

Aragonite

named after the type locality Aragon (Spain)
one of the two naturally occuring forms of calcium carbonate (the other being calcite)
Formula: CaCO₃
Space group: Pmcn (No. 62)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 4.95 Å, b = 7.96 Å, c = 5.74, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

CO₃ triangles (black)
CaO₉ irregular polyhedra (blue)

Atacamite

Named after its type locality, the Atacama desert in Chile.
Atacamite is isostructural with Hibbingite [Fe₂Cl(OH)₃], and Kempite [Mn₂Cl(OH)₃]
In 2002 it was found out that the jaws of the marine bloodworm Glycera dibranchiata contain Atacamite.^[1]
Atacamite is polymorphous with Botallackite and Clinoatacamite (both monoclinic).
Formula: Cu₂Cl(OH)₃
Space group: Pnma (No. 62)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 6.030(2) Å, b = 6.865(2) Å, c = 9.120(2) Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: By Stefan Schorn – CC BY-SA 3.0
http://www.mineralienatlas.de/lexikon/index.php/Bildanzeige?pict=1081079762,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=399210

Crystal structure^[2] (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CuO₅Cl distorted octahedra (orange)
CuO₄Cl₂ distorted octahedra (blue)
Oxygen (red)
Chlorine (green)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6QpQY

References:

[1] H.C. Lichtenegger, Th. Schöberl, M.H. Bartl, H. Waite, G.D. Stucky
Science 2002, 298, 389-392.
DOI: 10.1126/science.1075433

[2] J.B. Parise, B.G. Hyde
Acta Cryst. C 1986, 42, 1277-1280.
DOI: 10.1107/S0108270186092570

Azurite

named after the color azure, a variation of blue that is often
described as the color of the sky
one of the two basic copper(II) carbonate minerals, the other being malachite
Formula: Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
Space group: P2₁/c (No. 14)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 5.01 Å, b = 5.58 Å, c = 10.35 Å, α = 90°, β = 92.4°, γ = 90°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

CO₃ triangles (black)
CuO₅ tetragonal pyramids (yellow)

Baryte

named after the greek word for heavy (the density is relatively high
with 4.5 g/cm³)
Formula: BaSO₄
Space group: Pnma (No. 62)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 8.88 Å, b = 5.46 Å, c = 7.16 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Carlesmillan – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

slightly distorted SO₄^2- tetrahedra (yellow)
Ba²⁺ ions (green), which are surrounded by 12 oxygen atoms

Bavsiite

Named for the constituting elements Barium, Vanadium and Silicon.
Bavsiite is polymorphic to Suzukiite, BaVSi₂O₇, which is orthorhombic.
Formula: Ba₂V₂O₂[Si₄O₁₂]
Space group: I4/m (No. 87)
Crystal system: tetragonal
Crystal class: 4/m
Lattice parameters: a = b = 7.043(1) Å, c = 11.444(2) Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

BaO₁₂ polyhedra (not shown as polyhedra, Ba green)
SiO₄ tetraedra (yellow) building single four-rings
VO₅ square pyramids (blue)
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6PYVA

Reference:
Bavsiite, Ba₂V₂O₂[Si₄O₁₂], mineral data and crystal structure
H.-P. Bojar, F. Walter, J. Baumgartner
Mineralogical Magazine 2019, 83, 821-827

DOI: 10.1180/mgm.2019.59

Bayldonite

named after its discoverer, the British physicist John Bayldon
Formula: PbCu₃(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂
Space group: C2/c (No. 15)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 10.15 Å, b = 5.89 Å, c = 14.08 Å, β = 106.1°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

Cu: blue, As: green, Pb: black, O: red, H: white
elongated CuO₆ octahedra
AsO₄ tetrahedra
Pb surrounded by 7 oxygen atoms

Benitoite

named after its type locality San Benito County (California)
it is the official state gem of California
Formula: BaTiSi₃O₉
Space group: P-6c2 (No. 188)
Crystal system: hexagonal
Crystal class: -6m2
Lattice parameters: a = b = 6.641 Å, c = 9.7579 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture: Didier Descouens – CC BY-SA 4.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

Ba: green, Ti: lightblue, Si: orange, O: red
TiO₆ octahedra, SiO₄ tetrahedra
three corner-connected SiO₄ tetrahedra build a ring

Beryl

named after the latin word beryllus or greek word beryllos, respectively, which is referred to “precious blue-green color-of-sea water stone”
the first lenses were made of beryl, as glass could not be made clear enough; this is the origin of the German word for glasses, i.e. “Brille”
there are important varieties, namely the blue Aquamarine (Fe²⁺ impurities), the Green Emerald (Cr³⁺ impurities), the Golden Beryl (Fe³⁺ impurities), the Pink or Rose Beryl named Morganite (after the financier J.P. Morgan, containing Mn²⁺ impurities), and the Red beryl
Formula: Al₂Be₃Si₆O₁₈
Space group: P6/mmc (No. 192)
Crystal system: hexagonal
Crystal class: 6/mmm
Lattice parameters: a = b = 9.219 Å, c = 9.198 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture: Aquamarine, Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Picture: Aquamarine, Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Picture: Golden Beryl, Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Picture: Morganit, Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Picture: Red Beryl, Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

yellow: SiO₄ tetrahedra, six tetrahedra are corner-connected to form a ring
green: distorted BeO₄ tetrahedra
blue: slightly distorted AlO₆ octahedra

Blödite (also Bloedite)

named after the German mineralogist and chemist Karl August Blöde (1773 – 1820)
fun fact: the German adjective “blöd(e)” means “stupid”
Formula: Na₂Mg(SO₄)₂ · 4 H₂O
Space group: P2₁/a
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 11.126(2), b = 8.242(1) Å, c = 5.539(1) Å, α = 90°, β = 100.84(1)°,
γ = 90°

Crystal structure (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

SO₄ tetrahedra (yellow)
(distorted) NaO₆ octahedra (purple)
MgO₆ octahedra (green)
Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6ZEPS

Refs:

[1] F. C. Hawthorne, The Canadian Mineralogist 1985, 23, 669-674.
(PDF)

Bornite

named after the Austrian mineralogist Ignaz von Born
also known as peacock ore because in air this mineral forms very quickly an iridescent coverage on its surface
Formula: Cu₅FeS₄
Space group: Pbca (No. 61)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 10.950 Å, b = 21.862 Å, c = 10.950, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

yellow: Sulfur, blue: Copper, orange: Iron
The structure is based on a cubic-closest packing of sulfide ions; the copper and iron ions are located in 3/4 of the tetrahedral voids of the packing. At temperatures above 228 °C the cations are completely randomly distributed over these sites, forming a genuine cubic phase, but in the low temperature modification the cations are more ordered, which is accompanied with a symmetry reduction to the orthorhombic crystal system

Botallackite

Named in 1865 by Arthur Herbert Church for its occurrence in the Botallack Mine, Cornwall, England.
Botallackite is polymorphous with Atacamite and Clinoatacamite.
Formula: Cu₂Cl(OH)₃
Space group: P2₁/m (No. 11)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 5.717(1) Å, b = 6.126(1) Å, c = 5.636(1) Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 93.07(1)°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10438776

Crystal structure (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CuO₅Cl distorted octahedra (blue)
CuO₄Cl₂ distorted octahedra (orange)
Oxygen (red)
Chlorine (green)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6QrN7

Reference:

[1] Refinement of the Crystal Structure of Botallackite
F.C. Hawthorne
Mineralogical Magazine 1985, 49, 87-89.

DOI: 10.1180/minmag.1985.049.350.12

Cassiterite

The name derives from the Greek kassiteros for tin
Cassiterite has been the chief tin ore throughout ancient history and remains the most important source of tin today
As often some of the tin atoms are substituted with iron, titanium, zirconium or tantalum, cassiterite, or to be precise, the smelting slag of SnO₂, is in particular, also a source for tantalum
Belongs to the Rutile mineral group
Formula: SnO₂
Space group: P4₂/mnm (No. 136)
Crystal system: tetragonal
Crystal class: 4/mmm
Lattice parameters: a = b = 4.7382(4) Å, c = 3.1871(1), α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: CarlesMillan – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

SnO₆ octahedra (slightly distorted) (purple)
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version, see also here:

https://skfb.ly/6PzLY

Ref.:

Structural Studies of Rutile-Type Metal Dioxides
A. A. Bolzan, C. Fong, B. J. Kennedy and C. J. Howard
Acta Cryst. B 1997, 53, 373-380
https://doi.org/10.1107/S0108768197001468

Celestine

named from the Latin word caelestis meaning celestial, which in turn is derived from the Latin word caelum meaning sky or heaven because of its often soft blue color
pure Celestine is colourless
due to lattice defects in Celestine, colour centres are created which give the crystal its characteristic bluish colour
these centers are often additionally stabilized by the presence of pottasium ions
heating to over 200 °C “cures” these lattice defects and the mineral loses its color
radiation with X-rays creates new or more lattice defects and the color returns or can be intensified.
Formula: SrSO₄
Space group: Pnma (No. 62)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 8.360 Å, b = 5.352 Å, c = 6.858 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

SO₄ tetrahedra (yellow)
SrO₈polyhedra (green)
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6zG6R

Chalcanthite

Named after the greek words “chalkos” (= copper) and “anthos” (= flower)
Formula: CuSO₄ · 5 H₂O
Space group: P-1
Crystal system: triclinic
Crystal class: -1
Lattice parameters: a = 6.141 Å, b = 10.736 Å, c = 5.986 Å, α = 82.27°, β = 107.43°, γ = 102.67°

Picture: Ra’ike (see also: de:Benutzer:Ra’ike) – CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3948785

Crystal structure (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CuO₆ octahedra (blue)
SO₄tetrahedra (yellow)
Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6NWH6

Reference:

Neutron-diffraction studies of CuSO₄ · 5 H₂O and CuSO₄ · 5 D₂O
G.E. Bacon, D.H. Titterton
Zeitschrift für Kristallographie 1975, 141 (5-6), 330-341.
DOI: 10.1524/zkri.1975.141.5-6.330

Cinnabar

probably named after the Persian word for dragon blood because of its characteristic red colour
used since ancient times as a pigment
Formula: HgS
Space group: P3₁21 (No. 152) or P3₂21 (No. 154)
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class: 32
Lattice parameters: a = b = 4.1347(6) Å, c = 9.4451(3) Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture: JJ Harrison (jjharrison89@facebook.com) – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

View along the c axis.

View along the a axis.

the crystals structure is characteristic of chains with alternating sulfur and mercury atoms, which form helices with the helix axis running parallel to the c axis.
These helices are also the reason why crystals of cinnarbar are optically active (see: A.M. Glazer, K. Stadnicka, “On the origin of optical activity in crystal structures”. J. Appl. Cryst. 19 (2), 1986, 108–122. doi:10.1107/S0021889886089823

Clinoclase

Named in 1830 by August Breithaupt from the Greek κλίυειυ = “to incline” and κλαυ = “to break,” in allusion to its oblique and perfect basal cleavage
Formula: Cu₃(AsO₄)(OH)₃
Clinoclase is a polymorph of Gilmarite
Space group: P2₁/c (No. 14)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 7.257(2) Å, b = 6.457(2) Å, c = 12.378(3) Å, α = 90°, β = 99.51(2)° γ = 90°

Picture: Yaiba Sakaguchi – http://www.mindat.org/photo-377299.html, public domain
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27084499

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

AsO₄ tetrahedra (purple)
CuO6 slightly distorted octahedra (blue)
CuO5 slightly distorted square pyramids (orange)
Oxygen (red)
Oxygen of OH groups (dark red)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6QoKp

Reference:
Clinoclase and the geometry of [5]-coordinate Cu²⁺ in minerals
R.K. Eby, F.C. Hawthorne
Acta Cryst. C 1990, 46, 2291-2294.

DOI: 10.1107/S0108270190004723

Crocoite

The name crocoite comes from the Greek “krokos” = saffron, alluding to the saffron-orange color of its powder
Formula: PbCrO₄
Space group: P2₁/n (No. 14)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 7.127 Å, b = 7.438 Å, c = 6.799 Å, α = 90°, β = 102.43°, γ = 90°

Picture: Juergen Merz – http://www.mindat.org/photo-360746.html
(This image has been released to the public domain.)

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

View along the a axis.

Gray: Pb, red: O, orange: CrO₄ tetrahedra

Despujolsite

named in honor of Pierre Despujols (1888–1981), the founder of the Moroccan Geologic Survey (“Service de la carte géologique du Maroc”)
The mineral was first observed in 1962 in manganese ore samples from Tachgagalt (Anti-Atlas, Morocco).
Formula: Ca₃Mn(SO₄)₂(OH)₆ · 3 H₂O
Space group: P-62c
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class: -6m2
Lattice parameters: a = b = 8.5405(5) Å, c = 10.8094(9) Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CaO₈ polyhedra (blue)
Mn(OH)₆ octahedra (purple)
SO₄ tetrahedra (yellow)
Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/onvGo

Refs:

[1] M.C. Barkley, H. Yang, S.H. Evans, R.T. Downs, M.J. Origlieri, Acta Cryst E 2011, 67, i47-i48.
DOI: 10.1107/S1600536811030911

Dioptase

The name dioptase comes from the Greek words “dia” (= through) and “optos” (= visible), alluding to the visible cleavage planes inside the often highly transparent or translucent crystals
Formula: CuSiO₃ · H₂O
Space group: R-3 (No. 148)
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class: -3
Lattice parameters: a = b = 14.566 Å, c = 7.778 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture: Didier Descouens – CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

View along the c axis.

six SiO₄ tetrahedra (orange) are corner-connected to build a ring, so the mineral belongs to the cyclo silicates
the copper atoms (blue) are octahedrally coordinated by six oxygen atoms (red), four of them are oxygens involved in SiO₄ tetrahedra and they occupy the equatorial positions of the CuO₆ octahedra and two of them are oxygen atoms of water molecules, which occupy the axial positions of the CuO₆ octahedra
the CuO₆ octahedra are edge-connected and build a continuous 3D net

β-Eucryptite

Named from the Greek for “well” and “concealed”, in reference to its occurrence as intimate intergrowths with the mineral albite
It is the main component of the fameous glass-ceramic cooktops for stoves, known in the EU under the trademark Ceran® from Schott AG
Formula: LiAlSiO₄
Space group: P6₂22 (No. 180)
Crystal system: hexagonal
Crystal class: 622
Lattice parameters: a = b = 10.500 Å, c = 11.194 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

SiO₄ tetrahedra (orange)
AlO₄tetrahedra (light blue)
Li (purple/pink)
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6wqY9

Freieslebenite

Named after the mine commissioner of Saxony (Germany) Johann Carl Freiesleben
Formula: AgPbSbS₃
Space group: P2₁/a (No. 14)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 7.518 Å, b = 12.809 Å, c = 5.940 Å, α = 90°, β = 92.25°, γ = 90°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

View along the c axis.

AgS₃ (ditorted) trigonal-planar coordination environment (gray)
SbS₃ trigonal-pyramidal coordination environment (green)
PbS₆ distorted octahedra (orange)

Gilmarite

Named in honour of Gilbert Mari (1944 – ), a mineralogist at the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, France.
Formula: Cu₃(AsO₄)(OH)₃
Gilmarite is a polymorph of Clinoclase
Space group: P1 (No. 1)
Crystal system: triclinic
Crystal class: 1
Lattice parameters: a = 5.445(4) Å, b = 5.873(3) Å, c = 5.104(3) Å, α = 114.95(3)°, β = 93.05(5)° γ = 91.92(4)°

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CuO₆ octahedra (blue)
CuO5 square pyramids (orange)
AsO₄ tetrahedra (purple)
Oxygen (red)
Oxygen of OH groups (dark-red)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6PVNI

Reference:

Gilmarite, Cu₃(AsO₄)(OH)₃, a new mineral: its description and crystal structure
H. Sarp, R. Cerny
European Journal of Mineralogy 1999, 11, 549-555.

Gottlobite

Literally translated from German the meaning is “Thank God” or also “Praise God”; it is named after its type locality, the hill Gottlob (573 m) near Friedrichroda, Thuringia, Germany
Known only since 1996
Formula: CaMg(VO₄,AsO₄)(OH)
Space group: P2₁2₁2₁ (No. 19)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: 222
Lattice parameters: a = 7.501 Å, b = 9.010 Å, c = 5.941 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: CC BY-SA 3.0 de – Thomas Witzke – http://tw.strahlen.org/typloc/gottlobit.html

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

View along the c axis.

MgO₆ octahedra (orange)
AsO₄/VO₄ tetrahedra (purple)
Ca (blue)
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6nBSF

Hercynite

Named after the latin name Silva Hercynia of the Bohemian Forest, where this mineral was first found
it is a ferro spinel
Formula: FeAl₂O₄
Space group: Fd-3m (No. 227)
Crystal system: cubic
Crystal class: m-3m
Lattice parameters: a = b = c = 8.1458 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: CC BY-SA 3.0 nl | Fred Kruijen | http://www.mindat.org/photo-73060.html

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

FeO₄ tetrahedra (orange)
Al (blue), octahedral oxide coordination environment
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/66QEE

Hibbingite

Named after its type locality, the city of Hibbing, which was built on the rich iron ore of the Mesabi Iron Range. At the edge of the town is the largest open-pit iron mine in the world.
Hibbingite is isostructural with Atacamite [Cu₂Cl(OH)₃] and Kempite [Mn₂Cl(OH)₃]
Formula: Fe₂Cl(OH)₃
Space group: Pnma (No. 62)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 6.3373(2) Å, b = 6.9892(2) Å, c = 9.3457(3) Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Crystal structure (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

FeO₅Cl distorted octahedra (green)
FeO₄Cl₂ distorted octahedra (brown)
Oxygen (red)
Chlorine (green)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6QpRS

Reference:

N.V. Zubkova, I.V. Pekov, E.V. Sereda, V.O. Yapaskurt, D.Y. Pushcharovsky
Z. Kristallogr. 2019, 234 (6), 379-382.
DOI: 10.1515/zkri-2018-2124

Ilmenite

Named after its type locality, the Ilmensky Mountais in the Southern Urals (Russia)
Most important titanium mineral; it is predominantly mined for titanium dioxide production
Formula: FeTiO₃
Space group: R-3 (No. 148)
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class: -3
Lattice parameters: a = b = 5.0884 Å, c = 14.0855 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture by Modris Baum (Public Domain)

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

FeO₆ distorted octahedra (brown)
TiO₆ distorted octahedra (blue)
Oxygen (red)
The structure can be derived from the corundum (Al₂O₃) type: in corundum all cations are identical but in ilmenite Fe²⁺ and Ti⁴⁺ ions occupy alternating layers perpendicular to the c axis
Within the alternating layers the FeO₆ / TiO₆ octahedra are edge-connected to give six-membered rings (the centre of the hexagons are unoccupied)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6ps9E

Jarosite

Named after its type locality, Barranco del Jaroso in the Sierra Almagrera (near Los Lobos, Cuevas del Almanzora, Almería, Spain)
In 2004 the Mars Exploration Rover – B found Jarosite on Mars. Because on Earth Jarosite is only formed in liquid water, this finding strongly indicates that Mars once possessed large amounts of liquid water.
Formula: KFe₃(OH)₆(SO₄)₂
Space group: R-3m (No. 166)
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class: -3m
Lattice parameters: a = b = 7.304 Å, c = 17.268 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture: CC BY-SA 3.0 | Christian Rewitzer

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

KO₁₂ only very slightly distorted icosahedra (purple)
FeO₆ octahedra (blue)
SO₄ tetrahedra (yellow)
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6pGuY

Kapellasite

Named after Christo Kapellas (1938-2004), collector and mineral dealer of Kamariza, Lavrion, Greece
Kapellasite is isostructural with Haydeeite [Cu₃Mg(OH)₆Cl₂]
Kapellasite is a metastable polymorph of Herbertsmithite
Formula: Cu₃Zn(OH)₆Cl₂
Space group: P-3m1 (No. 164)
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class:- 3m
Lattice parameters: a = b = 6.300(1) Å, c = 5.733(1) Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Crystal structure^[1] (click on the pictures to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CuO₅Cl distorted octahedra (orange)
CuO₄Cl₂ distorted octahedra (blue)
Oxygen (red)
Chlorine (green)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6QpQY

Reference:

[1] W. Krause, H.-J. Bernhardt, R.S.W. Braithwaite, U. Kolitsch, R. Pritchard
Kapellasite, Cu₃Zn(OH)₆Cl₂, a new mineral from Lavrion, Greece, and its crystal structure
Mineralogical Magazine, 2006, 70, 329-340
DOI: 10.1180/0026461067030336

Keyite

Named after the mineral dealer Charley Key, who discovered some tiny blue crystals of this mineral on a sample of green Adamite
Formula: Cu₃(Zn,Cd)₄Cd₂(AsO₄)₆· 2 H₂O
Space group: I2/a (No. 15)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 11.654 Å, b = 12.780 Å, c = 6.268 Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 99.11°

Picture: CC BY-SA 3.0 | Christian Rewitzer

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CuO₄ square-planar units (blue)
CuO₆ distorted octahedra (blue)
CdO₆ distorted trigonal prismatic units (pink)
AsO₄ distorted tetrahedra (green)
Oxygen (red)
Oxygen of water molecules (black)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/67tQD

Lavendulan

The colour varies between turquoise and lavender, often also electric blue specimens can be found (see the picture below)
Formula: NaCaCu₅(AsO₄)₄Cl · 5 H₂O
Space group: P2₁/n (No. 14)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 10.011, b = 19.478 Å, c = 10.056 Å, α = 90° β = 90.37°, γ = 90°

Picture: CC BY-SA 3.0 | Christian Rewitzer

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CuO₅ tetragonal pyramids (blue)
CaO₆ distorted octahedra (light blue)
NaO₆ distorted trigonal prismatic units (yellow)
AsO₄ tetrahedra (green)
Oxygen (red)
Oxygen of water molecules (dark red)

For a 3D interactive version, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6qsoV

Mellite

Also known as honeystone due to its often honey-yellow color
Mellite is the aluminium salt of mellitic acid, i.e. benzene hexacarboxylic acid
Formula: Al₂C₆(COO)₆ · 16 H₂O
Space group: I4₁/acd (No. 142)
Crystal system: tetragonal
Crystal class: 4/mmm
Lattice parameters: a = b = 15.553 Å, c = 23.110 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

AlO₆ octahedra (blue)
Oxygen (red)
Carbon (black)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6rSSR

Nadorite

Named after its type locality Djebel Nador, Constantine, Algeria
Formula: PbSbO₂Cl
Space group: Cmcm (No. 63)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 5.603 Å, b = 12.245 Å, c = 5.448 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Christian Rewitzer – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

PbO₄Cl₄ square antiprisms (gray)
SbO₄ square pyramids (purple)
Oxygen (red)
Chlorine (green)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6sErr

Osarizawaite

Named after its type locality Osarizawa mine, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Formula: PbCuAl₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₆
Space group: R-3m (No. 166)
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class: -3m
Lattice parameters: a = 7.075 Å, b = 7.075 Å, c = 17.248 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

PbO₁₂ (slightly distorted) icosahedra (gray)
SO₄ tetrahedra (yellow)
Cu/AlO6 octahedra (blue)
Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6tUsu

Pascoite

Named after its type locality Pasco Province, Peru
Formula: Ca₃V₁₀O₂₈ · 17 H₂O
Space group: C2/m (No. 12)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 19.586 Å, b = 10.141 Å, c = 10.911 Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 120.815°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

Clusters of Decavanadate anions [V₁₀O₂₈]^6- (orange)
CaO₇ polyhedra (blue)
Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/696Kr

Pentlandite

Named after the Irish natural historian, J. B. Pentland (1797-1873)
Pentlandite is the most important nickel ore
Formula: (Fe,Ni)₉S₈
Space group: Fm-3m (No. 225)
Crystal system: cubic
Crystal class: m-3m
Lattice parameters: a = b = c = 10.1075(1) Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture by: John Sobolewski (JSS) – http://www.mindat.org/photo-192760.html, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9578696

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

For both metal cation positions there is a complete disorder between Ni and Fe.
There are two distinct coordination environments; octahedrally coordinated metals at the center and all edge centers and tetrahedrally coordinated metals for the others.
Eight tetrahedra each form edge-connected Fe/Ni₈(µ-S)₆S₈ motifs, that means cubes of metal ions with six face-capping and eight terminal S atom. If we take now these cubes and octahedra as building blocks they form a NaCl-like structure.
Fe/NiS₄ tetrahedra (blue)
Fe/NiS₆ octahedra (orange)
Fe (brown)
Ni (green)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6UPTq

References:

[1] Tenailleau, C., Etschmann, B., Ibberson, R. M. & Pring, A.
A neutron powder diffraction study of Fe and Ni distributions in synthetic pentlandite and violarite using ⁶⁰Ni isotope.
Am. Mineral. 91, 1442–1447 (2006)

[2] Stacey, T. E., Borg, C. K. H., Zavalij, P. J. & Rodriguez, E. E.
Magnetically stabilized Fe₈(µ-S)₆S₈clusters in Ba₆Fe₂₅S₂₇.
Dalton Trans. 43, 14612–14624 (2014)

Portlandite

Named portlandite because it is a common product of hydration of portland cement
Formula: Ca(OH)₂
Space group: P-3m1 (No. 164)
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class: -3 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = b = 3.5918 Å, c = 4.9063 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture (public domain): SEM image of fractured hardened cement paste, showing plates of calcium hydroxide and needles of ettringite

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CaO₆ octahedra (blue)
Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6ItSG

Rodalquilarite

Named after its type locality, the Rodalquilar gold deposit, Almeria, Spain
Formula: Fe₂(TeO₂OH)₃(TeO₃)Cl
Space group: P-1 (No. 2)
Crystal system: triclinic
Crystal class: -1
Lattice parameters: a = 5.103 Å, b = 6.653 Å, c = 9.012 Å, α = 73.40, β = 78.03° γ = 76.76°

Picture: Christian Rewitzer | CC BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

FeO₆ octahedra (brown)
TeO₃ trigonal pyramids (blue)
Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)
Chlorine (green)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/69DIu

Samsonite

Named after its type locality, the Samson Vein of Andreasberg silver mines, Harz Mountains, Germany.
Formula: Ag₄MnSb₂S₆
Space group: P2₁/n (No. 14)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 10.3861 Å, b = 8.1108 Å, c = 6.6630 Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 92.639°

Picture: Christian Rewitzer | CC BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

MnO₆ octahedra (purple)
SbS₃ trigonal pyramids (blue)
AgS₄distorted tetrahedra (gray)
AgS₃trigonal-planar coordination (green)
Sulfur (yellow)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/69Hqz

Sartorite

Named after Wolfgang Sartorius von Waltershausen (1809 – 1876) Professor of Mineralogy, University of Göttingen, Germany. He was the first who described the mineral.
Formula: PbAs₂S₄
Space group: P2₁/n (No. 14)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 19.62 Å, b = 7.89 Å, c = 4.19 Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 90° (!)

Picture: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

PbS₉ polyhedra (gray)
AsS₃ trigonal pyramids (green)
Sulfur (yellow)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6IYWO

Schoenfliesite

Named in 1971 by George T. Faust and Waldemar T. Schaller in honor of Arthur Moritz Schoenflies ( 17 April 1853 – 27 May 1928) Professor of Mathematics, University of Frankfurt. Schoenflies’ researches in group theory and topology resulted in his proof of the 230 space groups.
Formula: MgSn(OH)₆
Space group: Pn-3 (No. 201)
Crystal system: cubic
Crystal class: m-3
Lattice parameters: a = b = c = 7.7449(4) Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

MgO₆ octahedra (orange)
SnO₆ octahedra (blue)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6QpyS

Reference:

Description of Schoenfliesite, MgSn(OH)₆, and Roxbyite, Cu_1.72S, from a 1375 BC Shipwreck, and Rietveld Neutron-diffraction Refinement of Synthetic Schoenfliesite, Wickmanite, MnSn(OH)₆, and Burtite, CaSn(OH)₆L.C. Basciano, R.C. Peterson, P.L. Roeder
The Canadian Mineralogist 1998, 36, 1203-1210.

Spangolite

Named in honour of Norman Spang (1841–1922), a mineral collector from Pennsylvania, USA; for details, see here.
Spangolite is pyroelectric
Formula: Cu₆Al(SO₄)(OH)₁₂Cl · 3 H₂O
Space group: P31c (No. 159)
Crystal system: trigonal
Crystal class: 3m
Lattice parameters: a = b = 8.254(4) Å, c = 14.354(8) Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture: Christian Rewitzer, CC BY-SA 3.0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14865917

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CuO₆ distorted octahedra (blue)
AlO₆ octahedra (orange)
SO₄tetrahedra (yellow)
Oxygen (red)
Chlorine (green)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6Q6U7

References:

[1] Spangolite
H. A. Miers
Mineralogical Magazine 1894, 10, 273-277

DOI: 10.1180/minmag.1894.010.48.02

[2] The Crystal Structure of Spangolite, a Complex Copper Sulfate Sheet Mineral
F.C. Hawthorne, M. Kimata, R.K. Eby
American Mineralogist 1993, 78 (5-6), 649-652.

Spessartine

Named after its type locality Spessart (Bavaria, Germany)
Formula: Mn₃Al₂[SiO₄]₃
Space group: Ia-3d (No. 230)
Crystal system: cubic
Crystal class: m-3m
Lattice parameters: a = b = c = 11.621 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky – iRocks.com | CC BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

MnO₈ polyhedra (purple)
AlO₆ octahedra (blue)
SiO₄tetrahedra (orange)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6BQQP

Stibnite

Synonym: Antimonite
The mineral has been known since ancient times and was used as a paste with fat as black make-up powder to color eyelids and eyebrows. In Arabic culture, dark eye rims are regarded as the ideal of beauty and at the same time as a magical repellent.
Formula: Sb₂S₃
Space group: Pnma (No. 62)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 11.3107 Å, b = 3.8363 Å, c = 11.2285 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: DerHexer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,” J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

SbS₅ tetragonal pyramids (purple)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6JoCM

Strengite

Named after Johann August Streng (1830-1897), German mineralogist, University of Giessen, Germany
Formula: FePO₄ · 2 H₂O
Space group: Pbca (No. 61)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 8.722 Å, b = 9.878 Å, c = 10.8117 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Christian Rewitzer | CC BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

FeO₆ octahedra (dark-red)
PO₄tetrahedra (green-blue)
Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6BVJs

Suzukiite

Named in honor of Jun Suzuki, a professor of mineralogy and petrology, at the Hokkaido University, Sapporo (Japan).
Suzukiite belongs to the inosilicates (chain silicates) and is polymorphic to Bavsiite, which is tetragonal.
Formula: BaVSi₂O₇
Space group: Cmcm (No. 63)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 5.3546(16), b = 15.249(5) Å, c = 7.094(2) Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: D. Nishio-Hamane – CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

BaO₁₀ polyhedra (not shown as polyhedra, Ba green)
SiO₄ tetrahedra (yellow)
VO₅ square pyramids (purple)
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6Q6GC

Reference:
Crystal Structure of Suzukiite from the Mogurazawa Mine, Gunma Prefecture, Japan,
M. Ito, S. Matsubara, K. Yokoyama, K. Momma, R. Miyawaki, I. Nakai, A. Kato
Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences 2014, 109, 222-227

DOI: 10.2465/jmps.140520

Tetrahedrite

named after its common outer shape – a tetrahedron
because of its relative high copper content it is also a (minor) ore of copper
Formula: Cu₁₂[S|(SbS₃)₄]
Space group: I-43m (No. 217)
Crystal system: cubic
Crystal class: -43m
Lattice parameters: a = b = c = 10.448 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Carles Millan – http://www.mindat.org/photo-176605.html | CC BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

SbS₃ pyramids (purple)
CuS₃ trigonal planar coordination (cyan)
CuS₄tetrahedra (blue)
Copper (blue)
Sulfur (yellow)
Antimony (purple)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6Or6R

Thaumasite

first described in 1878 in Sweden and named from the Greek, “thaumazein”, to be surprised, in reference to its unusual composition with carbonate, sulfate and hydroxysilicate anions
Formula: Ca₃Si(OH)₆(CO₃)(SO₄)
Space group: P6₃ (No. 173)
Crystal system: hexagonal
Crystal class: 6
Lattice parameters: a = b = 11.0538 Å, c = 10.4111 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture: Rob Lavinsky| iRocks.com | CC BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

CaO₈ polyhedra (blue)
SiO₆ octahedra (orange)
SO₄tetrahedra (yellow)
CO₃trigonalplanar coordination (gray)
Oxygen (red)
Hydrogen (white)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6urWZ

Thomasclarkite-Y

Named in honor of Thomas Henry Clark (1893-1996), Professor of Geology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (Canada).
Formula: Na(Y,REE)(HCO₃)(OH)₃ · 4 H₂O (REE = Rare Earth Element, frequently Ce)
Space group: P2 (No. 3)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2
Lattice parameters: a = 4.556(1) Å, b = 13.018(6) Å, c = 4.556(2) Å, α = 90°, β = 90.15°, γ = 90°

Picture: By Leon Hupperichs, CC BY-SA 3.0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14866495

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

NaO₆ polyhedra (purple); in the original reference these polyhedra are described as bifurcated rhombic pyramids; I prefer something like “twisted triangular prism”, but any better suggestion is very welcome
YO₈polyhedra (greenish); in the original reference described as bisdisphenoids
(H)CO₃trigonal-planar coordination (black)
Oxygen (red)
Oxygen representing water molecules (dark red)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6QpqV

Reference:
Thomasclarkite (Y), a new sodium rare earth element bicarbonate mineral species from Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec
J.D. Grice, R.A. Gault
Canadian Mineralogist 1998, 36 (5), 1293-1300.

Troilite

Troilite occurs at only very few places on earth but is abundant on our moon and also on Mars. The most frequent occurrences on earth are within meteorites.
Troilite was named after Domenico Troili who collected and examined samples of a meteorite that fell on earth in Albareto (near Parma) in 1766.
Formula: FeS
Troilite is the iron-rich endmember of the pyrrhotite group, the iron-deficient variant of FeS with the formula Fe_(1-x)S (x = 0 to 0.2).
Space group: P-62c (No. 190)
Crystal system: hexagonal
Crystal class: -6m2
Lattice parameters: a = b = 5.962(2) Å, c = 11.750(3) Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

A section of the meteorite Sikhote Alin that has Troilite inclusions.

Picture: André Knöfel, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7803661

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

Although it is a stoichiometric 1:1 compound the Fe (brown) and S (yellow) atoms do have different coordination environments:
- FeS₆ (distorted) octahedra
- SFe₆ (distorted) trigonal prisms
This is analogous to NiAs; however, in Troilite the unit cell represents a superstructure of the simple NiAs-type structure (P6₃/mmc) based on small displacements of the Fe and S atoms from their ideal positions leading to an overall reduced symmetry (P-62c).
The hexagonal close-packed sulfur framework remains essentially the same.

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6PHBS

Reference:
Lunar Troilite: Crystallography
H. T. Evans Jr
Science 1970, 167, 621-623

DOI: 10.1126/science.167.3918.621

Vanadinite

Named for its vanadium content
Vanadinite is the most important source of vanadium and finds application as V₂O₅ in the famous contact process (production of sulfuric acid) and in alloys for chromium-vanadium steel (typically the content is below 0.2 %)
Formula: Pb₅(VO₄)₃Cl
Space group: P6₃/m (No. 176)
Crystal system: hexagonal
Crystal class: 6/m
Lattice parameters: a = b = 10.299(2) Å, c = 7.308(1) Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°

Picture: Didier Descouens – CC BY-SA 4.0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12436369

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

PbO₉ irregular polyhedra (black)
PbO₇ capped trigonal prisms (blue)
VO₄ tetrahedra (purple)
Oxygen (red)
Chlorine (green)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6PT8q

Reference:
Crystal structure of vanadinite: refinement of anisotropic displacement parameters
F. Laufek et al.
J. Czech Geol. Soc. 2006, 51, 271-275

DOI: 10.3190/JCGS.999

Valentinite

named in honour of Basilius Valentinus, a writer on alchemy. He is the supposed author of the first book to give a detailed description of antimony and its compounds.
Formula: Sb₂O₃
Space group: Pccn (No. 56)
Crystal system: orthorhombic
Crystal class: mmm
Lattice parameters: a = 4.89960 Å, b = 12.4490 Å, c = 5.41030 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Christian Rewitzer | CC BY-SA-3.0

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

corner-connected SbO₃ pyramids (purple)
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6utNI

Vermiculite

The mineral was first described in 1824 by Thomas H. Webb. Due to the property of the mineral to expand into worm-like formations when heated to 200 to 300 °C in the direction of the crystallographic c-axis, Webb named it after the Latin word “vermiculor” for “worm breeder”.
On the occasion of the 195th anniversary of its discovery and due to its great importance as an industrial mineral, vermiculite was voted “Mineral of the Year” in Austria in 2019.
Formula: Mg_0,7(Mg,Fe,Al)₆(Si,Al)₈O₂₀(OH)₄ · 8 H₂O
Space group: C2/c (No. 15)
Crystal system: monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Lattice parameters: a = 5.349 Å, b = 9.255 Å, c = 28.89, α = γ = 90°, β = 97.12°

Picture: CC BY-SA 3.0 Leon Hupperichs

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

Mg: green, Si: yellow, Al: blueish, O: red
MgO₆ octahedra (green), Si/AlO₄ tetrahedra (yellow)
Reference: Crystal structure of a two-layer Mg-vermiculite
H. Shirozu, S.W. Bailey
American Mineralogist (1966) 51 (7): 1124-1143.
http://www.minsocam.org/msa/collectors_corner/amtoc/toc1966.htm

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6OKvO

Wulfenite

Named in honour of Franz Xavier Wulfen (1728–1805), Austrian–German Jesuit, who wrote a
monograph on the lead ores of Bleiberg, Austria.
Wulfenite was voted “Mineral of the Year” in Austria in 2020.
In its pure form wulfenite is colorless; the often yellow to red colour is most probably due to trace amounts of chromium substituting Mo.
Formula: PbMoO₄
Space group: I4₁/a (No. 88)
Crystal system: tetragonal
Crystal class: 4/m
Lattice parameters: a = b = 5.434 Å, c = 12.107 Å, α = β = γ = 90°

Picture: Didier Descouens – CC BY-SA 4.0
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12426342

Crystal structure (click on the picture to download the VESTA file):

(K. Momma and F. Izumi, “VESTA 3 for three-dimensional visualization of crystal, volumetric and morphology data,”J. Appl. Crystallogr., 44, 1272-1276 (2011).)

PbO₈ coordination environment
MoO₄ tetrahedra (blue)
Pb (black)
Oxygen (red)

For a 3D interactive version on sketchfab, see here:

https://skfb.ly/6PW6U

Reference:
Natural wulfenite: structural refinement by single-crystal X-ray diffraction
C. Lugli, L. Medici, D. Saccardo,
Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Monatshefte 1999, 6, 281-288

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58 Minerals (A – Z)

Abelsonite

Adamite

Afwillite

Anglesite

Antarcticite

Aragonite

Atacamite

Azurite

Baryte

Bavsiite

Bayldonite

Benitoite

Beryl

Blödite (also Bloedite)

Bornite

Botallackite

Cassiterite

Celestine

Chalcanthite

Cinnabar

Clinoclase

Crocoite

Despujolsite

Dioptase

β-Eucryptite

Freieslebenite

Gilmarite

Gottlobite

Hercynite

Hibbingite

Ilmenite

Jarosite

Kapellasite

Keyite

Lavendulan

Mellite

Nadorite

Osarizawaite

Pascoite

Pentlandite

Portlandite

Rodalquilarite

Samsonite

Sartorite

Schoenfliesite

Spangolite

Spessartine

Stibnite

Strengite

Suzukiite

Tetrahedrite

Thaumasite

Thomasclarkite-Y

Troilite

Vanadinite

Valentinite

Vermiculite

Wulfenite

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