Log In
Micheelsenite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Micheelsenite
Formula:
(Ca2Y)Al(PO3OH)(CO3)(OH)6 · 12H2O
Colour:
White to colourless
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3½ - 4
Specific Gravity:
2.15
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Member of:
Name:
Named by A.M. McDonald, O.V. Petersen, R.A. Gault, O. Johnsen, G. Niedrmayr, F. BrandstÀtter, and G. Giester, G. in 2001 in honor of Harry Ingvar Micheelsen (1931 - 2020) Danish mineralogist, former Professor of Mineralogy, University of Copenhagen. His specialty was mineralogy of alkaline rocks and he discovered the Nanna pegmatite (one of the type localities).
A late-stage hydrothermal product in alkaline pegmatites.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
10390
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:10390:5
Similar Names
| Michaelsonite | A synonym of 'Erdmannite (of Berlin)' |
IMA Classification of Micheelsenite
Approved
IMA Formula:
(Ca,Y)3Al(PO3OH)CO3(OH)6·12H2O
Approval year:
1999
First published:
2001
Classification of Micheelsenite
8.DO.30
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
O : With CO3, SO4, SiO4
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
O : With CO3, SO4, SiO4
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMAâCNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Msn | IMAâCNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMAâCNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Micheelsenite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
White to colourless
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3½ - 4 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
{1010} and {0001} good
{1010} and {0001} good
Fracture:
Splintery
Density:
2.15(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.17 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Micheelsenite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.532(1) nε = 1.503(1)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.029
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 ”m 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 ”m 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:
Low (negative)
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 uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Chemistry of Micheelsenite
Mindat Formula:
(Ca2Y)Al(PO3OH)(CO3)(OH)6 · 12H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Micheelsenite
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Class (H-M):
6 - Pyramidal
Space Group:
P63
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.828(3) Å, c = 10.516(4) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 0.971
Unit Cell V:
1067.8 Ă
Âł
Z:
2
Morphology:
Acicular, fibrous crystals, with typical hexagonal cross-sections. Striated along [001], terminated by {001}. In loosely packed spherical,fan-shaped or randomly matted aggregates.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.38 Ă | (100) |
| 2.491 Ă | (80) |
| 4.59 Ă | (70) |
| 2.143 Ă | (64) |
| 3.36 Ă | (55) |
| 3.77 Ă | (50) |
| 4.82 Ă | (40) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 22 : Hydration and low-? subsurface aqueous alteration (see also #23) |
Type Occurrence of Micheelsenite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
As acicular to fibrous crystals in loosely packed aggregates to 3mm in diameter and in bundles of hair-like matted fibers (Mont Saint Hilaire). As white, irregular bundles or partly fan-shaped aggregates of fibrous, acicular crystals (Nanna pegmatite).
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (CMNMC 83049/50) and in the Geological Museum, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Empirical Formula of Type Material:
(Ca1.96Y1.06Dy0.09Er0.06Gd0.03Ho0.02)Σ3.20Al0.85[(P0.71C0.24S0.04Si0.01)Σ1O3(OH)](CO3)(OH)6 · 12H2O
Chemical Analysis of Type Material:
| CaO | 16.90 % |
|---|---|
| Al2O3 | 6.70 % |
| Y2O3 | 18.07 % |
| Gd2O3 | 0.84 % |
| Dy2O3 | 2.65 % |
| Ho2O3 | 0.51 % |
| Er2O3 | 1.88 % |
| SiO2 | 0.07 % |
| P2O5 | 7.80 % |
| SO3 | 0.53 % |
| CO2 | 8.38 % |
| H2O | 43.01 % |
| Total: | 107.34 % |
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In pegmatites (in socalled "silicate cavities"), seams in hornfels and marble xenoliths at the Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada and in the Nanna pegmatite, Greenland.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Micheelsenite
Other Language Names for Micheelsenite
Dutch:Micheelseniet
German:Micheelsenit
Simplified Chinese:çŸçąłçŁ·ééçł
Spanish:Micheelsenita
Traditional Chinese:çŸ„çąłçŁ·ééŁçł
Relationship of Micheelsenite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Ettringite Group:
| Bentorite | Ca6Cr2(SO4)3(OH)12 · 26H2O | Trig. 3m : P31c |
| Buryatite | Ca3(Si,Fe3+,Al)(SO4)B(OH)4(OH,O)6 · 12H2O | Trig. 3m : P31c |
| Carraraite | Ca3(SO4)[Ge(OH)6](CO3) · 12H2O | Hex. |
| Charlesite | Ca6(Al,Si)2(SO4)2[B(OH)4](OH,O)12 · 26H2O | Trig. 3m : P31c |
| Chiyokoite | Ca3Si(CO3)[B(OH)4]O (OH)5 · 12H2O | Hex. 6 : P63 |
| Ettringite | Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12 · 26H2O | Trig. 3m : P31c |
| Hielscherite | Ca3Si(SO4)(SO3)(OH)6 · 11H2O | Hex. 6 : P63 |
| Imayoshiite | Ca3Al(CO3)[B(OH)4](OH)6 · 12H2O | Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc |
| Jouravskite | Ca3Mn4+(SO4)(CO3)(OH)6 · 12H2O | Hex. 6 : P63 |
| Kottenheimite | Ca 3Si(SO4)2(OH)6 · 12H2O | Hex. 6/m : P63/m |
| Siwaqaite | Ca6Al2(CrO4)3(OH)12 · 26H2O | Trig. 3m : P31c |
| Sturmanite | Ca6Fe3+2(SO4)2.5[B(OH)4](OH)12 · 25H2O | Trig. 3m : P31c |
| Tatarinovite | Ca3Al(SO4)[B(OH)4](OH)6 · 12H2O | Hex. 6 : P63 |
| Thaumasite | Ca3(SO4)[Si(OH)6](CO3) · 12H2O | Hex. 6 : P63 |
| 'UM2008-07-CO:AlBCaHSSi' | Ca6(Al,Si)2(CO3,SO4)2[B(OH)4](OH,O)12 · 26H2O | |
| 'Unnamed (possible Mn(IV) analogue of Sturmanite)' | Ca6Mn4+2(SO4)2[B(OH)4](OH)10O2 · nH2O |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Micheelsenite associated with Calcioancylite-(Ce) | (Ce,Ca,Sr)CO3(OH,H2O) |
| 2 photos of Micheelsenite associated with Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
| 2 photos of Micheelsenite associated with Rhodochrosite | MnCO3 |
| 2 photos of Micheelsenite associated with Catapleiite | Na2Zr(Si3O9) · 2H2O |
| 2 photos of Micheelsenite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 1 photo of Micheelsenite associated with Nafertisite | Na3Fe2+10Ti2(Si6O17)2O2(OH)6F(H2O)2 |
| 1 photo of Micheelsenite associated with Astrophyllite | K2NaFe2+7Ti2[Si4O12]2O2(OH)4F |
| 1 photo of Micheelsenite associated with Analcime | Na(AlSi2O6) · H2O |
| 1 photo of Micheelsenite associated with Serandite | NaMn2+2Si3O8(OH) |
| 1 photo of Micheelsenite associated with Ancylite-(Ce) | CeSr(CO3)2(OH) · H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DO. | Whiterockite | CaMgMn3+3O2(PO4)2(CO3)F · 5H2O |
| 8.DO.05 | Girvasite | NaCa2Mg3(PO4)3(CO3)(H2O)6 |
| 8.DO.10 | Voggite | Na2Zr(PO4)(CO3)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.DO.15 | Peisleyite | Na2Al9[(P,S)O4]8(OH)6 · 28H2O |
| 8.DO.20 | Perhamite | Ca3Al7.7Si3P4O23.5(OH)14.1 · 8H2O |
| 8.DO.20 | Kråsnoite | Ca3Al7.7Si3P4O23.5(OH)12.1F2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DO.25 | Saryarkite-(Y) | Ca(Y,Th)Al5(SiO4)2(PO4,SO4)2(OH)7 · 6H2O |
| 8.DO.40 | Parwanite | (Na,K)(Mg,Ca)4Al8(PO4)8(CO3)(OH)7 · 30H2O |
| 8.DO.45 | Skorpionite | Ca3Zn2(PO4)2(CO3)(OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.DO.50 | Jörgkellerite | (Na,â»)3Mn3+3(PO4)2(CO3)(O,OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.DO.55 | Juansilvaite | Na5Al3[AsO3(OH)]4[AsO2(OH)2]2(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.DO.60 | Vanderheydenite | Zn6(PO4)2(SO4)(OH)4 · 7H2O |
Fluorescence of Micheelsenite
None observed
Other Information
Notes:
Effervesces strongly in dilute HCl.
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 Micheelsenite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-10390.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 Micheelsenite
Localities for Micheelsenite
Showing 4 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
â - 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.
Canada (TL) | |
| McDonald et al. (2001) |
Greenland (TL) | |
| McDonald et al. (2001) +2 other references |
Norway | |
| Berge (2011) |
| Kvamsdal (2023) +1 other reference |
Quick NavTopAbout MicheelseniteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada