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Kalistrontite
A valid IMA mineral species
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Formula:
K2Sr(SO4)2
Colour:
Colorless
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
3.30
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
In allusion to its composition, containing potassium (Latin = KALIum), and STRONTium.
Isostructural with:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2141
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2141:4
IMA Classification of Kalistrontite
Approved
IMA Formula:
K2Sr(S6+O4)2
First published:
1962
Classification of Kalistrontite
7.AD.40
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
A : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, without H2O
D : With only large cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
A : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, without H2O
D : With only large cations
28.4.3.2
28 : ANHYDROUS ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
4 : Miscellaneous
28 : ANHYDROUS ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
4 : Miscellaneous
25.4.16
25 : Sulphates
4 : Sulphates of Ca, Sr and Ba
25 : Sulphates
4 : Sulphates of Ca, Sr and Ba
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kst | 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 Kalistrontite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colorless
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
{0001}
{0001}
Comment:
Easily split by pressing with a needle
Density:
3.30 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.32 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Kalistrontite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.569(2) nε = 1.549(2)
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:
Low (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 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 Kalistrontite
Mindat Formula:
K2Sr(SO4)2
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Kalistrontite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3m(32/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral
Space Group:
R3m
Setting:
R3m
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.45(3) Å, c = 20.84 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 3.824
Unit Cell V:
536.07 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
3
Morphology:
Platy crystals
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.14 Å | (100) |
| 1.904 Å | (9) |
| 2.73 Å | (8) |
| 1.236 Å | (8) |
| 1.041 Å | (7) |
| 6.7 Å | (6) |
| 2.06 Å | (6) |
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) | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47h : [Near-surface oxidized, dehydrated minerals] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 51 : Pyrometamorphic minerals (see also #54 and #56) | <0.36 |
Type Occurrence of Kalistrontite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Single crystals, elongated along the prism, up to 15-20 mm long and as flattened hexagonal tablets up to 22 mm in diameter
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mining Institute, St. Petersburg, 1397/1; A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 69943.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Saline anhydrite containing clay and dolomite and a little sylvite
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Kalistrontite
Relationship of Kalistrontite to other Species
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.AD. | Bubnovaite | K2Na8Ca(SO4)6 |
| 7.AD. | Dobrovolskyite | Na4Ca(SO4)3 |
| 7.AD. | Calciolangbeinite | K2Ca2(SO4)3 |
| 7.AD. | Murphyite | Pb(Te6+O4) |
| 7.AD. | Cuprodobrovolskyite | Na4Cu(SO4)3 |
| 7.AD. | Kristjánite | KNa2H(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.05 | Mascagnite | (NH4)2SO4 |
| 7.AD.05 | Arcanite | K2SO4 |
| 7.AD.10 | Mercallite | KHSO4 |
| 7.AD.15 | Misenite | K8H6(SO4)7 |
| 7.AD.20 | Letovicite | (NH4)3H(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.25 | Thénardite | Na2SO4 |
| 7.AD.25 | Glauberite | Na2Ca(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.30 | Metathénardite | Na2SO4 |
| 7.AD.30 | Anhydrite | CaSO4 |
| 7.AD.35 | Baryte | BaSO4 |
| 7.AD.35 | Celestine | SrSO4 |
| 7.AD.35 | Olsacherite | Pb2(Se6+O4)(SO4) |
| 7.AD.35 | Anglesite | PbSO4 |
| 7.AD.40 | Palmierite | K2Pb(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.45 | Ivsite | Na3H(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.55 | Markhininite | TlBi(SO4)2 |
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) | 21.8462% | 6,772 | 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
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Endothermal effect at 634 degrees (scale not given).
Notes:
Soluble in water, dissolves in HCl when heated, with separation of SrSO4
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 Kalistrontite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2141.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
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References for Kalistrontite
Localities for Kalistrontite
Showing 16 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.
China | |
| Min Mo (1987) |
| Yaoting Lin and Jinquan He (2004) |
| Xiaohong Sun et al. (2010) |
| Li et al. (2015) |
Germany | |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Juroszek et al. (Ti 5 Fe) |
| Juroszek et al. (2025) | |
Italy | |
| abstr. in Riv. Mineral. Ital. et al. (3-1980) +2 other references |
Middle East | |
| Vapnik et al. (2014) | |
Namibia | |
| Mees (1999) |
Russia (TL) | |
| Voronnova (1962) +2 other references |
|