Cuatrocapaite-(NH4) and cuatrocapaite-(K), two new minerals from the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile, related to lucabindiite and gajardoite

2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 741-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony R. Kampf ◽  
Nikita V. Chukanov ◽  
Gerhard Möhn ◽  
Maurizio Dini ◽  
Arturo A. Molina Donoso ◽  
...  

AbstractThe new minerals cuatrocapaite-(NH4) (IMA2018-083) and cuatrocapaite-(K) (IMA2018-084) are the NH4- and K-dominant members of a series with the general formula (NH4,K)3(NaMg□)(As2O3)6Cl6·16H2O. Both minerals were found at the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile, where they occur as secondary alteration phases. Both minerals occur as hexagonal tablets up to ~0.3 mm in diameter. They are transparent, with a vitreous lustre and white streak. For both, the Mohs hardness isca. 2½, the crystals are somewhat flexible, but not elastic, the fracture is irregular and the cleavage is perfect on {001}. The measured densities are 2.65(2) and 2.76(2) g/cm3for the NH4- and K-dominant species, respectively. Optically, cuatrocapaite-(NH4) is uniaxial (–) with ω = 1.779(3) andε= 1.541(3) and cuatrocapaite-(K) is uniaxial (–) with ω = 1.777(3) andε= 1.539(3) (white light). The minerals are insoluble in acids, but decompose in NaOH(aq). The empirical formulas, determined from electron-microprobe analyses, are (NH4)2.48Na1.66Mg0.87K0.09(As12O18.05)Cl5.88·16.02H2O and K2.68Na1.33Mg0.93(NH4)0.31(As12O18.01)Cl6.16·16.04H2O. The minerals are trigonal, space groupR${\bar 3}$m; the cuatrocapaite-(NH4) cell parameters area= 5.25321(19),c= 46.6882(19) Å,V= 1115.80(9) Å3andZ= 1; the cuatrocapaite-(K) cell parameters area= 5.2637(15),c= 46.228(8) Å,V= 1109.2(7) Å3andZ= 1. The structures, refined for cuatrocapaite-(NH4) toR1= 1.78% for 544Io> 2σIreflections, contain four types of layers: (1) a planar neutral As2O3(arsenite) sheet; (2) an (${\rm NH}_{\rm 4}^{\vskip -2pt\rm \scale65% +} $,K+) layer that links adjacent arsenite sheets; (3) a Cl–layer placed on the As side of each arsenite; and (4) a layer containing partially occupied Na, Mg and H2O sites that is flanked on either side by Cl layers. The layer sequence for the type 1, 2 and 3 layers is identical to the Cl–As2O3–K–As2O3–Cl layer sequence in the structures of lucabindiite and gajardoite.

2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-273
Author(s):  
Anthony R. Kampf ◽  
Barbara P. Nash ◽  
Arturo A. Molina Donoso

AbstractThe new mineral mauriziodiniite (IMA2019-036), NH4(As2O3)2I, was found at the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile, where it is a secondary alteration phase associated with calcite, cuatrocapaite-(NH4), lavendulan, magnesiokoritnigite and torrecillasite on matrix consisting of native arsenic, arsenolite and pyrite. Mauriziodiniite occurs as hexagonal tablets up to ~300 μm in diameter. Crystals are colourless and transparent, with pearly to adamantine lustre and white streak. The Mohs hardness is ~1. Tablets are sectile and easily flexible, but not elastic. Fracture is curved, irregular and stepped. Cleavage is perfect on {001}. The calculated density is 3.916 g/cm3. Optically, mauriziodiniite is uniaxial (–) with ω = 2.07(calc) and ɛ = 1.770(5) (white light). The empirical formula, determined from electron microprobe analyses, is (NH4)0.94K0.03(As2O3)2I0.92Cl0.03. Mauriziodiniite is hexagonal, P6/mmm, a = 5.289(2), c = 9.317(2) Å, V = 225.68(18) Å3 and Z = 1. The structure, refined to R1 = 4.16% for 135 Io > 2σI reflections, contains three types of layers: (1) a planar neutral As2O3 (arsenite) sheet; (2) an NH4+ layer that links adjacent arsenite sheets via bonds to their O atoms; and (3) an I– layer that links adjacent arsenite sheets via bonds to their As atoms. The layer sequence is I–As2O3–NH4–As2O3–I. Mauriziodiniite is isostructural with lucabindiite and is structurally related to gajardoite, cuatrocapaite-(NH4), cuatrocapaite-(K) and torrecillasite.


2014 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 787-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Kampf ◽  
S. J. Mills ◽  
F. Hatert ◽  
B. P. Nash ◽  
M. Dini ◽  
...  

AbstractThe new mineral canutite (IMA2013-070), NaMn3[AsO4][AsO3(OH)]2, was found at two different locations at the Torrecillas mine, Salar Grande, Iquique Province, Chile, where it occurs as a secondary alteration phase in association with anhydrite, halite, lavendulan, magnesiokoritnigite, pyrite, quartz and scorodite. Canutite is reddish brown in colour. It forms as prisms elongated on [20] and exhibiting the forms {010}, {100}, {10}, {201} and {102}, or as tablets flattened on {102} and exhibiting the forms {102} and {110}. Crystals are transparent with a vitreous lustre. The mineral has a pale tan streak, Mohs hardness of 2½, brittle tenacity, splintery fracture and two perfect cleavages, on {010} and {101}. The calculated density is 4.112 g cm−3. Optically, canutite is biaxial (+) with α = 1.712(3), β = 1.725(3) and γ = 1.756(3) (measured in white light). The measured 2V is 65.6(4)°, the dispersion is r < v (slight), the optical orientation is Z = b; X ^ a = 18° in obtuse β and pleochroism is imperceptible. The mineral is slowly soluble in cold, dilute HCl. The empirical formula (for tabular crystals from near the mineshaft), determined from electron - microprobe analyses, is (Na1.05Mn2.64Mg0.34Cu0.14Co0.03)∑4.20As3O12H1.62. Canutite is monoclinic, C2/c, a = 12.3282(4), b = 12.6039(5), c = 6.8814(5) Å, β = 113.480(8)°, V = 980.72(10) Å3 and Z = 4. The eight strongest X-ray powder diffraction lines are [dobs Å(I)(hkl)]: 6.33(34)(020), 4.12(26)(21), 3.608(29)(310,31), 3.296(57)(12), 3.150(28)(002,131), 2.819(42)(400,041,330), 2.740(100)(240,02,112) and 1.5364(31)(multiple). The structure, refined to R1 = 2.33% for 1089 Fo > 4σF reflections, shows canutite to be isostructural with protonated members of the alluaudite group.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-385
Author(s):  
Anthony R. Kampf ◽  
Barbara P. Nash ◽  
Jakub Plášil ◽  
Jason B. Smith ◽  
Mark N. Feinglos

Abstract. Niasite (IMA2019-105) and johanngeorgenstadtite (IMA2019-122) are Ni4.52+(AsO4)3 dimorphs from Johanngeorgenstadt, Saxony, Germany. The two new minerals occur in association with one another and with aerugite, bunsenite, quartz, rooseveltite and xanthiosite. This mineral assemblage is apparently secondary in origin and most likely formed from the breakdown of primary nickeline under dry (low relative humidity) and oxidizing (high oxygen fugacity) conditions. Both minerals are found in sugary aggregates of irregular, rounded grains or short prisms. Niasite properties are as follows: colour violet-red to red-orange; streak pale pink; transparent; resinous to subadamantine lustre; brittle tenacity; no cleavage; conchoidal fracture; Mohs hardness ∼4; densitycalc 5.222 g cm−3; optically uniaxial (–), ω 1.925(5) and ε 1.855(5) (white light), pleochroism O beige, E deep pink (O<E). Johanngeorgenstadtite properties are as follows: colour pink-orange; streak pale pink; transparent; resinous to subadamantine lustre; brittle tenacity; {010}, {110} and {1−10} cleavage; curved and stepped fracture; Mohs hardness ∼5; densitycalc 4.801 g cm−3; optically biaxial (–), α 1.83(1), β 1.86(1), γ 1.88(1) (white light), 2Vmeas 78(1)∘, pleochroism X violet, Y light olive, Z yellow (X>Y>Z). Raman spectra of both minerals are dominated by the stretching vibrations of AsO4 tetrahedra and confirm that both minerals are anhydrous. Electron microprobe analyses give the empirical formulas (Ni3.692+Co0.662+Fe0.032+Al0.02Na0.02Cu0.012+)Σ4.43As3.03O12 and (Ni3.562+Co0.752+Cu0.132+)Σ4.44As3.02O12 for niasite and johanngeorgenstadtite, respectively. Niasite is tetragonal, I4¯2d, with a=6.8046(8), c=18.6190(13) Å, V=862.1(2) Å3 and Z=4. Johanngeorgenstadtite is monoclinic, C2∕c, with a=11.933(3), b=12.753(3), c=6.6956(17) Å, β=113.302(8)∘, V=935.9(4) Å3 and Z=4. The structure of niasite (R1=0.0226 for 471 Io>2σI reflections) is the same as that of jeffbenite, as well as those of several garnet-like synthetic phases. Johanngeorgenstadtite (R1=0.0375 for 355 Io>2σI reflections) has an unprotonated alluaudite structure.


2013 ◽  
Vol 77 (8) ◽  
pp. 3081-3092 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Kampf ◽  
B. P. Nash ◽  
M. Dini ◽  
A. A. Molina Donoso

AbstractThe new mineral magnesiokoritnigite (IMA 2013-049), ideally Mg(AsO3OH)·H2O, was found at the Torrecillas mine, Salar Grande, Iquique Province, Chile, where it occurs as a secondary alteration phase in association with anhydrite, chudobaite, halite, lavendulan, quartz and scorodite. Crystals of magnesiokoritnigite are colourless to pale-pink, thin to thick laths up to 2 mm long. Laths are elongated on [001], flattened on {010} and exhibit the forms {010}, {110}, {10}, {101}, {031} and {01}. The crystals also occur in dense deep-pink intergrowths. Crystals are transparent with a vitreous lustre. The mineral has a white streak, Mohs hardness of ∼3, brittle tenacity, conchoidal fracture and one perfect cleavage on {101}. The measured and calculated densities are 2.95(3) and 2.935 g cm– 3, respectively. Optically, magnesiokoritnigite is biaxial (+) with α = 1.579(1), β = 1.586(1) and γ = 1.620(1) (measured in white light). The measured 2V is 50(2)° and the calculated 2V is 50°. Dispersion is r < v, medium. The optical orientation is Y ≈ b; Z ^ c = 36° in obtuse β (note pseudomonoclinic symmetry). The mineral is non-pleochroic. The empirical formula, determined from electron-microprobe analyses, is (Mg0.94Cu0.03Mn0.02Ca0.01)Σ 1.00As0.96O5H3.19. Magnesiokoritnigite is triclinic, P, with a = 7.8702(7), b = 15.8081(6), c = 6.6389(14) Å, α = 90.814(6), β = 96.193(6), γ = 90.094(7)°, V = 821.06(19) Å3 and Z = 8. The eight strongest X-ray powder diffraction lines are [dobs Å (I)(hkl)]: 7.96(100)(020), 4.80(54)(101), 3.791(85)(10,210,1,31), 3.242(56)(02,1,012), 3.157(92)(21,30,230), 3.021(61)(11,141,21,221), 2.798(41)(02,032) and 1.908(43)(multiple). The structure, refined to R1 = 5.74% for 2360 Fo > 4σF reflections, shows magnesiokoritnigite to be isostructural with koritnigite and cobaltkoritnigite.


2016 ◽  
Vol 80 (7) ◽  
pp. 1265-1272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony R. Kampf ◽  
Barbara P. Nash ◽  
Maurizio Dini ◽  
Arturo Molina A. Donoso

AbstractThe new mineral gajardoite (IMA2015-040), KCa0.5As3+4O6Cl2·5H2O, was found at the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile, where it occurs as a secondary alteration phase in association with native arsenic, arsenolite,chongite, talmessite and torrecillasite. Gajardoite occurs as hexagonal plates up to ∼100 μm in diameter and 5 μm thick, in rosette-like subparallel intergrowths. Crystals are transparent, with vitreous lustre and white streak. The Mohs hardness is ∼1½, tenacity is brittleand fracture is irregular. Cleavage is perfect on {001}. The measured density is 2.64 g/cm3 and the calculated density is 2.676 g/cm3. Optically, gajardoite is uniaxial (–) with ω = 1.780(3) and ε = 1.570(5) (measured in white light). The mineral is very slowly soluble in H2O and slowly soluble in dilute HCl at room temperature. The empirical formula, determined from electron-microprobe analyses, is (K0.77Ca0.71Na0.05Mg0.05)∑1.58As4O11Cl1.96H9.62.Gajardoite is hexagonal, P6/mmm, a = 5.2558(8), c = 15.9666(18) Å, V = 381.96(13) Å3 and Z = 1. The eight strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs Å(I)(hkl)]: 16.00(100)(001), 5.31(48)(003),3.466 (31)(103), 3.013(44)(104), 2.624(51)(006,110,111), 2.353(36)(113), 1.8647(21)(116,205) and 1.4605(17) (119,303,216). The structure, refined to R1 = 3.49% for 169 Fo > 4σF reflections, contains two types of layers. One layer of formulaKAs3+4O6Cl2 consists of two neutral As2O3 sheets, between which are K+ cations and on the outside of which are Cl– anions. This layer is topologically identical to a slice of the lucabindiite structureand similar to a slice of the torrecillasite structure. The second layer consists of an edge-sharing sheet of Ca(H2O)6 trigonal pyramids with isolated H2O groups centred in the hexagonal cavities in the sheet.


Author(s):  
Hexiong Yang ◽  
Xiangping Gu ◽  
Bruce Cairncross ◽  
Robert T. Downs ◽  
Stanley H. Evans

ABSTRACT Two new mineral species, taniajacoite and strontioruizite, ideally SrCaMn3+2Si4O11(OH)4·2H2O and Sr2Mn3+2Si4O11(OH)4·2H2O, respectively, have been identified from the N'Chwaning III mine, Kalahari manganese field, South Africa. Both minerals occur as brown radiating groups or aggregates of acicular or prismatic crystals, with individual crystals up to 0.15 × 0.04 × 0.02 mm for taniajacoite and 1.3 × 0.2 × 0.2 mm for strontioruizite. Minerals associated with taniajacoite include sugilite, aegirine, pectolite, richterite, potassic-ferri-leakeite, and lipuite, whereas those associated with strontioruizite include sugilite, potassic-magnesio-arfvedsonite, and lipuite. Both taniajacoite and strontioruizite are brown in transmitted light, transparent with very light brown streak and vitreous luster. They are brittle and have a Mohs hardness of 5–5.5; cleavage is good on {010} and no parting or twinning is observed macroscopically. The measured and calculated densities are 3.05(2) and 3.09 g/cm3, respectively, for taniajacoite and 3.20(2) and 3.16 g/cm3 for strontioruizite. Optically, both taniajacoite and strontioruizite are biaxial (–), with α = 1.686(2), β = 1.729(2), γ = 1.746(2) (white light), 2V (meas.) = 63.7(5)°, 2V (calc.) = 62.5° for the former and α = 1.692(2), β = 1.734(2), γ = 1.747(2) (white light), 2V (meas.) = 59.1(5)°, 2V (calc.) = 56.6° for the latter. The calculated compatibility index based on the empirical formula is 0.008 for taniajacoite and 0.015 for strontioruizite. An electron microprobe analysis yielded an empirical formula (based on 17 O apfu) of Sr(Ca0.81Sr0.19)Σ1.00(Mn3+1.90Fe3+0.15Al0.01)Σ2.06Si3.96O11(OH)4·2H2O for taniajacoite and (Sr1.61Ca0.42)Σ2.03(Mn3+1.95Fe3+0.05)Σ2.00Si3.98O11(OH)4·2H2O for strontioruizite. Taniajacoite and strontioruizite are isostructural with ruizite. Strontioruizite, like ruizite, is monoclinic with space group C2 and unit-cell parameters a = 9.1575(4), b = 6.2857(4), c = 12.0431(6) Å, β = 91.744(4)°, and V = 692.90(6) Å3, whereas taniajacoite is triclinic, with space group C1 and a = 9.1386(5), b = 6.2566(3), c = 12.0043(6) Å, α = 90.019(4), β = 91.643(4), γ = 89.900(4)°, and V = 686.08(6) Å3. Their structures are characterized by chains of edge-sharing MnO6 octahedra extended along [010], which are linked together by corner-shared SiO4 tetrahedra in four-membered [Si4O11(OH)2] linear clusters, giving rise to a so-called “hetero-polyhedral framework”. The large cations Sr2+ and Ca2+ occupy the seven-coordinated interstices. Unlike monoclinic ruizite and strontioruizite, taniajacoite with Sr:Ca ≈ 1:1 is triclinic, owing to the ordering of Sr2+ and Ca2+ into two crystallographically distinct sites, indicating an incomplete solid solution between Ca and Sr endmembers. The unit-cell volumes for ruizite, taniajacoite, and strontioruizite appear to vary linearly with the Sr/(Ca + Sr) ratio.


2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-560
Author(s):  
Jakub Plášil ◽  
Anthony R. Kampf ◽  
Nicolas Meisser ◽  
Cédric Lheur ◽  
Thierry Brunsperger ◽  
...  

Abstract Smamite, Ca2Sb(OH)4[H(AsO4)2]·6H2O, is a new mineral species from the Giftgrube mine, Rauenthal, Sainte-Marie-Aux-Mines ore-district, Haut-Rhin department, France. It is a supergene mineral found in quartz-carbonate gangue with disseminated to massive tennantite-tetrahedrite series minerals, native arsenic, Ni-Co arsenides, and supergene minerals picropharmacolite, fluckite, and pharmacolite. Smamite occurs as lenticular crystals growing in aggregates up to 0.5 mm across. The new mineral is whitish to colorless, transparent with vitreous luster and white streak; non-fluorescent under UV radiation. The Mohs hardness iŝ3½; the tenacity is brittle, the fracture is curved, and there is no apparent cleavage. The measured density is 2.72(3) g/cm3; the calculated density is 2.709 g/cm3 for the ideal formula. The mineral is insoluble in H2O and quickly soluble in dilute (10%) HCl at room temperature. Optically, smamite is biaxial (–), α = 1.556(1), β = 1.581(1), γ = 1.588(1) (white light). The 2V (meas) = 54(1)°; 2V (calc) = 55.1°. The dispersion is weak, r &gt; ν. Smamite is non-pleochroic. Electron microprobe analyses provided the empirical formula Ca2.03Sb0.97(OH)4[H1.10(As1.99Si0.01O4)2]·6H2O. Smamite is triclinic, P1–, a = 5.8207(4), b = 8.0959(6), c = 8.21296(6) Å, α = 95.8343(7)°, β = 110.762(8)°, γ = 104.012(7)°, V = 402.57(5) Å3, and Z = 1. The structure (Robs = 0.027 for 1518 I&gt;3σI reflections) is based upon {Ca2(H2O)6Sb(OH)4[H(AsO4)2]} infinite chains consisting of edge-sharing dimers of Ca(H2O)3O2(OH)2 polyhedra that share edges with Sb(OH)4O2 octahedra; adjacent chains are linked by H-bonds, including one strong, symmetrical H-bond with an O–H bond-length of ∼1.23 Å. The name “smamite” is based on the acronym of the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines district.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Anthony R. Kampf ◽  
Jakub Plášil ◽  
Barbara P. Nash ◽  
Marco E. Ciriotti ◽  
Fabrizio Castellaro ◽  
...  

Abstract Monteneroite (IMA2020-028), Cu2+Mn2+2(AsO4)2⋅8H2O, is a new vivianite-structure mineral from the Monte Nero mine, Rocchetta di Vara, La Spezia, Liguria, Italy. It is a secondary mineral that crystallised from As-, Cu- and Mn-rich fluids and it is associated with braunite, copper, cuprite, rhodochrosite and strashimirite. Monteneroite occurs as light green, thick blades up to ~2.5 mm long. The streak is white. Crystals are transparent with vitreous lustre. The mineral has Mohs hardness of 2, is somewhat sectile, exhibits two cleavages ({010} perfect and {001} fair) and has irregular stepped fracture. The measured density is 2.97(2) g cm–3. Monteneroite is optically biaxial (+), with α = 1.604(2), β = 1.637(2) and γ = 1.688(2), determined in white light; 2V = 80(1)°; slight dispersion is r < v, orientation: X = b; Z ^ c = 52° in obtuse β. Electron microprobe analyses provided the empirical formula (Cu2+0.88Mn2+0.11)Σ0.99Mn2+2.00(As1.00O4)2⋅8H2O. Monteneroite is monoclinic, C2/m, a = 10.3673(14), b = 13.713(2), c = 4.8420(8) Å, β = 105.992(8)°, V = 661.72(18) Å3 and Z = 2. Monteneroite has a vivianite-type structure (R1 = 0.0535 for 534 I > 2σI reflections). It is the first mineral with this structure type to be defined with ordered octahedral cation sites.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Victor H.R. Menezes da Silva ◽  
Ciro A. Ávila ◽  
Reiner Neumann ◽  
Fabiano R.L. Faulstich ◽  
Felipe E.A. Alves ◽  
...  

Abstract Oxycalciomicrolite (IMA2019-110), (Ca,Na)2(Ta,Nb,Ti)2O6(O,F), is a new member of microlite-group mineral found in the saprolite of the weathered Fumal pegmatite, located close to the city of Nazareno, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. It occurs as an accessory mineral associated with quartz, albite, microcline, muscovite, columbite-subgroup minerals, cassiterite, hematite, ilmenite, monazite-(Ce), xenotime-(Y), zircon, beryl, spinel, epidote and garnet-group minerals. Oxycalciomicrolite is found as octahedral crystals, occasionally modified to rhombododecahedra, ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 mm in size. The crystals are brownish-yellow to brownish-red and translucent, with white streak and vitreous to resinous lustre. The tenacity is brittle, with a Mohs hardness of 5–5½. Cleavage and parting are not observed; the fracture is conchoidal. Electron microprobe analysis, Raman and infrared spectroscopies and X-ray powder diffraction were applied to characterise this mineral. Oxycalciomicrolite is isotropic, ncalc. = 2.037, and the calculated density is 6.333 g/cm3. The composition is (Ca1.57□0.26Na0.06Sn0.03Sr0.03U0.02Mn0.02Fe0.01Ce0.01)∑2.00(Ta1.79Nb0.18Ti0.03)∑2.00O6.00[O0.64F0.19□0.17]∑1.00 analysed by electron microprobe using wavelength dispersive spectrometry. The unit-cell parameters obtained by Pawley fitting from powder X-ray diffraction data are a = 10.4325(4) Å and V = 1135.46(14) Å3 with Z = 8.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 763-769
Author(s):  
Hexiong Yang ◽  
Ronald B. Gibbs ◽  
Cody Schwenk ◽  
Xiande Xie ◽  
Xiangping Gu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT A new mineral species, liudongshengite, ideally Zn4Cr2(OH)12(CO3)·3H2O, has been found in the 79 mine, Gila County, Arizona, USA. It occurs as micaceous aggregates or hexagonal platy crystals (up to 0.10 × 0.10 × 0.01 mm). The mineral is pinkish and transparent with white streak and vitreous luster. It is brittle and has a Mohs hardness of ∼1.5, with perfect cleavage on (001). No twinning or parting is observed macroscopically. The measured and calculated densities are 2.95 (3) and 3.00 g/cm3, respectively. Optically, liudongshengite is uniaxial (−), with ω = 1.720 (8), ε = 1.660 (7) (white light). An electron microprobe analysis, combined with the carbon content measured using an elemental combustion system equipped with mass spectrometry, yielded the empirical formula (Zn3.25Mg0.17Cr2.58)Σ6.00(OH)12(CO3)1.29·3H2O, based on (M2+ + M3+) = 6 apfu, where M2+ and M3+ are divalent and trivalent cations, respectively. Liudongshengite belongs to the quintinite group within the hydrotalcite supergroup and is the Cr-analogue of zaccagnaite-3R, Zn4Al2(OH)12(CO3)·3H2O. It is trigonal, with space group Rm and unit-cell parameters a = 3.1111(4), c = 22.682(3) Å, and V = 190.12(4) Å3. The crystal structure of liudongshengite is composed of positively charged brucite-like layers, [M2+1–xM3+x(OH)2]x+, alternating with negatively charged layers of (CO3)2–·3H2O. Compared to other minerals in the quintinite group, liudongshengite is remarkably enriched in M3+, with an M2+:M3+ ratio of 1.33:1. Like zaccagnaite-3R and many other hydrotalcite-type minerals, liudongshengite may also possess polytypes, as a series of synthetic hydrotalcite-type compounds with a general chemical formula [Zn4Cr2(OH)12]X2·4H2O, where X = Cl–, NO3–, or ½ SO42–, but with unit-cell parameters different from those for liudongshengite, have been reported previously.


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