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Gianellaite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Gianellaite
Formula:
[(Hg2N)2](SO4)(H2O)x
Colour:
Straw-yellow
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
3
Specific Gravity:
7.19
Crystal System:
Isometric
Name:
Professor Emeritus Vincent Paul Gianella (February 9, 1886 in Marysville, California - Auburn, California on July 9, 1983), Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada
Type Locality:
Although somewhat chemically similar to kleinite and mosesite, gianellaite has a unique combination of dominant elements.
In the structure there are: (1) nitrogen-centered (NHg4)5+ tetrahedra, that have all corners common; (2) interstitial sulfate tetrahedra, in ordered set but disordered orientation.
In the structure there are: (1) nitrogen-centered (NHg4)5+ tetrahedra, that have all corners common; (2) interstitial sulfate tetrahedra, in ordered set but disordered orientation.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1688
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1688:5
IMA Classification of Gianellaite
Approved
IMA Formula:
[(N3-Hg2+2)2](S6+O4)(H2O)x
Approval year:
1972
First published:
1977
Classification of Gianellaite
3.DD.30
3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
D : With Hg
3 : HALIDES
D : Oxyhalides, hydroxyhalides and related double halides
D : With Hg
28.2.4.1
28 : ANHYDROUS ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
2 : A2XO4
28 : ANHYDROUS ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
2 : A2XO4
25.5.18
25 : Sulphates
5 : Sulphates of Zn and Hg
25 : Sulphates
5 : Sulphates of Zn and Hg
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gia | 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 Gianellaite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Straw-yellow
Hardness:
3 on Mohs scale
Density:
7.19 g/cm3 (Measured) 7.13 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Gianellaite
Type:
Isotropic
RI values:
n = 2.085
Birefringence:
May exhibit anomalous birefringence
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
Chemistry of Gianellaite
Mindat Formula:
[(Hg2N)2](SO4)(H2O)x
Crystallography of Gianellaite
Crystal System:
Isometric
Class (H-M):
43m - Hextetrahedral
Space Group:
F43m
Setting:
F43m
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.5215 Å
Unit Cell V:
863.1 ų
Z:
4
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.872 Å | (100) |
| 2.743 Å | (100) |
| 5.511 Å | (80) |
| 2.371 Å | (70) |
| 1.679 Å | (70) |
| 1.432 Å | (70) |
| 2.178 Å | (60) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 3b: Earth’s earliest hydrosphere | >4.45 |
| 13 : Hadean serpentinization | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 53 : Other minerals with taphonomic origins | <0.4 |
Type Occurrence of Gianellaite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Rosettes of flattened subhedral crystals, rarely as euhedral crystals 0.2-1.0 mm. in diameter of distorted octahedra.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 124993.
National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian), Washington, D.C., USA, 142886, 142887.
National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian), Washington, D.C., USA, 142886, 142887.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidation zone of hydrothermal mercury deposit
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Gianellaite
Other Language Names for Gianellaite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 3.DD. | Mikecoxite | [CHg4]OCl2 |
| 3.DD.05 | Eglestonite | [Hg2]2+3OCl3(OH) |
| 3.DD.05 | Kadyrelite | [Hg2]2+3OBr3(OH) |
| 3.DD.10 | Poyarkovite | [Hg2]2+3Cl2O2 |
| 3.DD.15 | Hanawaltite | [Hg2]2+3Hg2+(Cl,OH)2O3 |
| 3.DD.20 | Terlinguaite | [Hg3]4+Hg2+Cl2O2 |
| 3.DD.25 | Pinchite | Hg2+5Cl2O4 |
| 3.DD.30 | Mosesite | (Hg2N)(Cl,SO4,MoO4) · H2O |
| 3.DD.35 | Kleinite | (Hg2N)(Cl,SO4) · nH2O |
| 3.DD.40 | Tedhadleyite | [Hg2]2+5Hg2+I2(Cl,Br)2O4 |
| 3.DD.45 | Vasilyevite | [Hg2]2+10I3Br2Cl[CO3]O6 |
| 3.DD.50 | Aurivilliusite | [Hg2]2+Hg2+2(I,Br,Cl)2O2 |
| 3.DD.55 | Terlinguacreekite | Hg2+3Cl2O2 |
| 3.DD.60 | Kelyanite | [Hg]2+6Sb3+BrCl2O6 |
| 3.DD.65 | Comancheite | Hg2+55N3-24(NH2,OH)4(Cl,Br)34 |
| 3.DD.70 | Gaildunningite | Hg2+3[NHg2+2]18(Cl,I,OH,Br,S)24 |
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Darkens when heated above 130°C, turns white at 400°C, volatilizes.
Notes:
Not attacked at 20-100° by H2SO4 (1:1), conc. HNO3, or HF. Decomposed by concentrated HCl at room temperature.
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 Gianellaite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1688.html
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References for Gianellaite
Localities for Gianellaite
Showing 3 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.
Spain | |
| Sainz de Baranda Graf et al. (2019) |
USA | |
| Dunning +1 other reference |
| Tunell et al. (1977) |
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Mariposa Mine, Brewster County, Texas, USA