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Steinmetzite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Steinmetzite
Hermann Steinmetz
Formula:
Zn2Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 3H2O
Colour:
White to cream, pale yellow, pale orange
Specific Gravity:
2.96 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named in honor of Hermann Steinmetz (31 December 1879, Regensburg, Germany - 16 August 1964, Munich, Germany), Curator of Mineralogy at the Munich museum Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates, and Professor of Mineralogy and Geology at the Technische Hochschule, Munich. He published the first correct analysis of phosphophyllite - with which steinmetzite is closely associated.
Structurally and chemically related to phosphophyllite. Also chemically similar to wilhelmgümbelite, zincoberaunite, 'UKI-2006-(PO:FeHZn)' (hydrated phases), plimerite and zinclipscombite (basic anhydrous salts).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
46914
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:46914:8
IMA Classification of Steinmetzite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Zn2+2Fe3+(PO4)2(OH)·3H2O
Approval year:
2015
First published:
2017
Type description reference:
Grey, I. E., Keck, E., Kampf, A. R., Mumme, W. G., Macrae, C. M., Gable, R. W., Glenn, A. M., Davidson, C. J. (2017) Steinmetzite, Zn2Fe3+(PO4)2(OH)·3H2O, a new mineral formed from alteration of phosphophyllite at the Hagendorf Süd pegmatite, Bavaria. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (2) 329-338 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.100
Classification of Steinmetzite
8.CA.42
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
A : With small and large/medium cations
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
A : With small and large/medium cations
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Snm | 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 Steinmetzite
Transparency:
Opaque
Colour:
White to cream, pale yellow, pale orange
Streak:
White
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Good parallel to {010}.
Good parallel to {010}.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
2.96 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Could not be measured due to a fine-scale intergrowth with an amorphous phase.
Optical Data of Steinmetzite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.642(2) nβ = 1.659 nγ = 1.660(2)
2V:
Measured: 27° (1)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.018
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:
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.
Optical Extinction:
Y ≈ b; X ∧ c ≈ 27°.
Comments:
Shades of pale brown.
Comments:
β is calculated.
Absorption: Y > X ≈ Z.
Absorption: Y > X ≈ Z.
Chemistry of Steinmetzite
Mindat Formula:
Zn2Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 3H2O
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Mn(II)
Crystallography of Steinmetzite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.438(2) Å, b = 5.102(1) Å, c = 10.546(2) Å
α = 91.37(2)°, β = 115.93(2)°, γ = 94.20(2)°
α = 91.37(2)°, β = 115.93(2)°, γ = 94.20(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.046 : 1 : 2.067
Unit Cell V:
502.7 ų
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals flattened on {010} and elongated on [001].
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.313 Å | (65) |
| 5.077 Å | (38) |
| 4.726 Å | (47) |
| 4.657 Å | (100) |
| 3.365 Å | (55) |
| 3.071 Å | (54) |
| 2.735 Å | (48) |
| 2.539 Å | (39) |
Reference:
Grey, I. E., Keck, E., Kampf, A. R., Mumme, W. G., Macrae, C. M., Gable, R. W., Glenn, A. M., Davidson, C. J. (2017) Steinmetzite, Zn2Fe3+(PO4)2(OH)·3H2O, a new mineral formed from alteration of phosphophyllite at the Hagendorf Süd pegmatite, Bavaria. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (2) 329-338 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.100
Comments:
From Type Description.
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 Steinmetzite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Lamellae, up to ca. 50 μm in maximum dimension and a few μm thick, flattened on {010} and elongated on [001]; the pseudomorphoses, sub-mm to 1 cm in length, are milky and opaque in appearance and often have a glazed yellow to orange weathering rind.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Type material is deposited in the mineralogical collections of the Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australia, registration number M53510.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Product of phosphophyllite alteration in a highly oxidized zone of the Cornelia mine (oxidation of Fe and partial replacement of Zn by Fe).
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Grey, I. E., Keck, E., Kampf, A. R., Mumme, W. G., Macrae, C. M., Gable, R. W., Glenn, A. M., Davidson, C. J. (2017) Steinmetzite, Zn2Fe3+(PO4)2(OH)·3H2O, a new mineral formed from alteration of phosphophyllite at the Hagendorf Süd pegmatite, Bavaria. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (2) 329-338 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.100
Synonyms of Steinmetzite
Other Language Names for Steinmetzite
Dutch:Steinmetziet
German:Steinmetzit
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 1 photo of Steinmetzite associated with Scholzite | CaZn2(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Steinmetzite associated with Phosphophyllite | Zn2Fe 2+(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CA. | Apexite | NaMg(PO4) · 9H2O |
| 8.CA. | Brandãoite | BeAl2(PO4)2(OH)2(H2O)5 |
| 8.CA. | Davidlloydite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.05 | Parafransoletite | Ca3Be2(PO4)2(PO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.05 | Fransoletite | Ca3Be2(PO4)2(PO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.10 | Ehrleite | Ca4Be3Zn2(PO4)6 · 9H2O |
| 8.CA.15 | Faheyite | Be2Mn2+Fe3+2(PO4)4 · 6H2O |
| 8.CA.20 | Mccrillisite | NaCs(Be,Li)Zr2(PO4)4 · 1-2H2O |
| 8.CA.20 | Gainesite | Na(Na,K)(Be,Li)Zr2(PO4)4 · 1.5-2H2O |
| 8.CA.20 | Selwynite | NaK(Be,Al)Zr2(PO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.25 | Pahasapaite | Li8(Ca,Li,K)10.5Be24(PO4)24 · 38H2O |
| 8.CA.30 | Nizamoffite | Mn2+Zn2(PO4)2(H2O)4 |
| 8.CA.30 | Arsenohopeite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.30 | Hopeite | ZnZn2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.35 | Warikahnite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.40 | Phosphophyllite | Zn2Fe 2+(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.45 | Parascholzite | CaZn2(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.45 | Scholzite | CaZn2(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.50 | Keyite | Cu2+3Zn4Cd2(AsO4)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.CA.55 | Pushcharovskite | K0.6Cu18[AsO2(OH)2]4[AsO3OH]10(AsO4)(OH)9.6 · 18.6H2O |
| 8.CA.60 | Prosperite | Ca2Zn4(AsO4)4 · H2O |
| 8.CA.65 | Gengenbachite | KFe3+3(PO3OH)4[PO2(OH)2]2 · 6H2O |
| 8.CA.70 | Parahopeite | Zn3(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.70 | Reaphookhillite | MgZn2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.75 | Stergiouite | CaZn2(AsO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CA.80 | Limousinite | BaCa[Be4P4O16] · 6H2O |
| 8.CA.85 | Minjiangite | BaBe2(PO4)2 |
| 8.CA.85 | Wilancookite | (Ba5Li2◻)Ba6Be24P24O96 · 26H2O |
Fluorescence of Steinmetzite
Not fluorescent.
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 Steinmetzite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-46914.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Steinmetzite
Reference List:
Hålenius, U., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2015) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2015, CNMNC Newsletter no 28. Mineralogical Magazine, 79 (7) 1859-1864 doi:10.1180/minmag.2015.079.7.18
Grey, I. E., Keck, E., Kampf, A. R., Mumme, W. G., Macrae, C. M., Gable, R. W., Glenn, A. M., Davidson, C. J. (2017) Steinmetzite, Zn2Fe3+(PO4)2(OH)·3H2O, a new mineral formed from alteration of phosphophyllite at the Hagendorf Süd pegmatite, Bavaria. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (2) 329-338 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.100
Localities for Steinmetzite
Showing 2 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.
Germany (TL) | |
| Hålenius et al. (2015) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| A. Kampf 2-2018 |
Quick NavTopAbout SteinmetziteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Hagendorf South Pegmatite, Hagendorf, Waidhaus, Neustadt an der Waldnaab District, Upper Palatinate, Bavaria, Germany