Minyulite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Minyulite
Formula:
KAl2(PO4)2F · 4H2O
formerly given as OH-dominant species; redefined due to acceptance of the IMA 21-E proposal
Colour:
Colourless, white, pale pink, pale green, pale yellow; colourless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous, Silky
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
2.47 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
After the type locality at Minyulo Well, Dandaragan, Western Australia, Australia.
This page provides mineralogical data about Minyulite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2724
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2724:9
IMA Classification of Minyulite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA status notes:
Redefined by the IMA
IMA Formula:
KAl2(PO4)2F·4H2O
First published:
1933
Approval history:
IMA 21-E (redefinition): Miyawaki et al. (2021).
Classification of Minyulite
8.DH.05
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
H : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 < 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
D : Phosphates, etc. with additional anions, with H2O
H : With large and medium-sized cations, (OH, etc.):RO4 < 1:1
42.11.5.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
11 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
11 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
22.1.15
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
1 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with fluoride
22 : Phosphates, Arsenates or Vanadates with other Anions
1 : Phosphates, arsenates or vanadates with fluoride
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Myu | 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 Minyulite
Vitreous, Silky
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Lustre silky in aggregates.
Colour:
Colourless, white, pale pink, pale green, pale yellow; colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Density:
2.47 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Minyulite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.531 nβ = 1.534 nγ = 1.538
2V:
Measured: 70° , Calculated: 82°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.007
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.
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.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively weak
Chemistry of Minyulite
Mindat Formula:
KAl2(PO4)2F · 4H2O
formerly given as OH-dominant species; redefined due to acceptance of the IMA 21-E proposal
formerly given as OH-dominant species; redefined due to acceptance of the IMA 21-E proposal
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Minyulite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Space Group:
Pba2
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.34 Å, b = 9.74 Å, c = 5.52 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.959 : 1 : 0.567
Unit Cell V:
502.16 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Radiating fibrous to prismatic crystals, elongated [001] with {110} and {111} terminations. Commonly in subparallel growth or as spherules.
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000563 | Minyulite | Kampf A R (1977) Minyulite: its atomic arrangement American Mineralogist 62 256-262 |  | 1977 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.519 Å | (100) |
| 3.349 Å | (55) |
| 3.402 Å | (45) |
| 6.75 Å | (35) |
| 3.068 Å | (35) |
| 2.681 Å | (25) |
| 2.967 Å | (23) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Minyulite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Fibrous; closely resembling wavellite. Dense radiating groups of fine fibers.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Western Australian Museum, Perth, Australia: #M68.1991, #CT S2034.
The Natural History Museum, London, England: #1933,84.
The U.S. National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA: #96769.
The Natural History Museum, London, England: #1933,84.
The U.S. National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA: #96769.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Weathered glauconitic phosphatic ironstone.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Minyulite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 33 photos of Minyulite associated with Aldermanite | [Mg(H2O)6][Na(H2O)2Al3(PO4)2(OH,F)6] · H2O |
| 23 photos of Minyulite associated with Sincosite | Ca(V4+O)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 11 photos of Minyulite associated with Fluellite | Al2(PO4)F2(OH) · 7H2O |
| 10 photos of Minyulite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 8 photos of Minyulite associated with Wavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 4 photos of Minyulite associated with 'Limonite' | |
| 4 photos of Minyulite associated with Crandallite | CaAl3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 3 photos of Minyulite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 3 photos of Minyulite associated with Variscite | AlPO4 · 2H2O |
| 3 photos of Minyulite associated with Angastonite | CaMgAl2(PO4)2(OH)4 · 7H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.DH. | Thebaite-(NH4) | (NH4)3Al(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O) |
| 8.DH. | Whiteite-(MnMnMn) | Mn2+Mn2+Mn2+2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH. | Ammoniotinsleyite | (NH4)Al2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.DH. | Bergbauerite | (H2O)2Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4(OH)2(H2O)10 · 4H2O |
| 8.DH. | Dendoraite-(NH4) | (NH4)2NaAl(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O)2 |
| 8.DH. | Rowleyite | [Na(NH4,K)9Cl4][V5+,4+2(P,As)O8]6 · n[H2O,Na,NH4,K,Cl] |
| 8.DH. | Hochleitnerite | Mn2Ti3(PO4)4O2(H2O)2 · 14H2O |
| 8.DH. | Whiteite-(CaMnFe) | CaMnFe2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.10 | Leucophosphite | KFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.DH.10 | Tinsleyite | KAl2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.DH.10 | Spheniscidite | (NH4,K)(Fe3+,Al)2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(CaMnFe) | {Ca}{Mn2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(NaMnMn) | {Na}{Mn2+}{(Mn2+,Fe3+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(CaMnMg) | {Ca}{Mn2+}{(Mg,Fe2+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(CaMnMn) | {Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Whiteite-(MnMnMg) | MnMnMg2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(CaMnZn) | {Ca}{Mn2+}{Zn2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(MnMnMg) | {Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(MnMnFe) | {Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | 'Jahnsite-(CaFeFe)' | {Ca}{Fe2+}{Fe2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Rittmannite | {(Mn2+,Ca)}{Mn2+}{(Fe2+,Mn2+,Mg)2}{(Al,Fe3+)2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Keckite | CaMn2+(Fe3+Mn2+)Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)3 · 7H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(NaMnMg) | {(Na,Ca)}{(Mn2+,Fe3+)}{(Mg,Fe3+)2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | 'Jahnsite-(CaMgMg)' | {Ca}{Mg}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(MnMnZn) | {Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Zn2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Whiteite-(CaMgMg) | CaMg3Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Whiteite-(CaFeMg) | {Ca}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Whiteite-(CaMnMg) | {Ca}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Whiteite-(MnFeMg) | {(Mn2+,Ca)}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(MnMnMn) | {Mn2+}{Mn2+}{Mn2+2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | 'Kaluginite' | (Mn2+,Ca)MgFe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(CaFeMg) | {Ca}{Fe2+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Whiteite-(CaMnMn) | {Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.15 | Jahnsite-(NaFeMg) | {Na}{Fe3+}{Mg2}{Fe3+2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.20 | Segelerite | Ca2 Mg2 Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.DH.20 | Lun'okite | (Mn,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Mn)Al(PO4)2OH · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.20 | Manganosegelerite | (Mn2+,Ca)(Mn2+,Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.20 | Wilhelmvierlingite | CaMnFe3+(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.DH.20 | Juonniite | CaMgSc(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.20 | Overite | CaMgAl(PO4)2(OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.25 | Calcioferrite | Ca4MgFe3+4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2O |
| 8.DH.25 | Zodacite | Ca4Mn2+Fe3+4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2O |
| 8.DH.25 | Fanfaniite | Ca4Mn2+Al4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2O |
| 8.DH.25 | Kingsmountite | Ca3Mn2+FeAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2O |
| 8.DH.25 | Montgomeryite | Ca4MgAl4(PO4)6(OH)4 · 12H2O |
| 8.DH.30 | Pararobertsite | Ca2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2O |
| 8.DH.30 | Robertsite | Ca2Mn3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2O |
| 8.DH.30 | Arseniosiderite | Ca2Fe3+3(AsO4)3O2 · 3H2O |
| 8.DH.30 | Sailaufite | (Ca,Na,◻)2Mn3+3(AsO4)2(CO3)O2 · 3H2O |
| 8.DH.30 | Mitridatite | Ca2Fe3+3(PO4)3O2 · 3H2O |
| 8.DH.30 | Kolfanite | Ca2Fe3+3O2(AsO4)3 · 2H2O |
| 8.DH.35 | Mantienneite | KMg2Al2Ti(PO4)4(OH)3 · 15H2O |
| 8.DH.35 | Sperlingite | (H2O)K(Mn2+Fe3+)(Al2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)] [(H2O)9(OH)] · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.35 | Paulkerrite | K(Mg,Mn2+)2(Fe3+,Al,Ti,Mg)2Ti(PO4)4(OH)3 · 15H2O |
| 8.DH.35 | Hydroxylbenyacarite | (H2O)2Mn2(Ti2Fe)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10 · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.35 | Macraeite | K(H2O)Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10 · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.35 | Benyacarite | (H2O)2Mn2Ti2Fe3+(PO4)4(OF)(H2O)10 · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.35 | Fluormacraeite | [(H2O)K]Mn2(Fe2Ti)(PO4)4(OF)(H2O)10 · 4H2O |
| 8.DH.40 | Xanthoxenite | Ca4Fe3+2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 8.DH.45 | Mahnertite | NaCu3(AsO4)2Cl · 5H2O |
| 8.DH.50 | Andyrobertsite | KCdCu5(AsO4)4(H2AsO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.DH.50 | Calcioandyrobertsite | KCaCu5(AsO4)4(H2AsO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.DH.55 | Englishite | K3Na2Ca10Al15(PO4)21(OH)7 · 26H2O |
| 8.DH.60 | Bouazzerite | Bi6(Mg,Co)11Fe3+14(AsO4)18(OH)4O12 · 86H2O |
| 8.DH.65 | Galliskiite | Ca4Al2(PO4)2F8 · 5H2O |
| 8.DH.70 | Joteite | Ca2CuAl(AsO4)[AsO3(OH)]2(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.DH.75 | Kampelite | Ba6Mg3Sc8(PO4)12(OH)6 · 7H2O |
| 8.DH.80 | Kapundaite | NaCaFe4(PO4)4(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.DH.85 | Vaniniite | Ca2Mn2+3Mn3+2O2(AsO4)4 · 2H2O |
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) | 10.4523% | 3,240 | 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
Notes:
Soluble in hot concentrated acids and in warm dilute NaOH.
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 Minyulite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2724.html
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References for Minyulite
Reference List:
Spencer, L. J., Bannister, F. A., Hey, M. H., Bennett, Hilda (1943) Minyulite (hydrous K-Al fluophosphate) from South Australia. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 26 (181) 309-314 doi:10.1180/minmag.1943.026.181.01
Frost, Ray L., López, Andrés, Xi, Yunfei, Cardoso, Luiz Henrique, Scholz, Ricardo (2014) A vibrational spectroscopic study of the phosphate mineral minyulite KAl2(OH,F)(PO4)2⋅4(H2O) and in comparison with wardite. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 124. 34-39 doi:10.1016/j.saa.2013.12.039
Localities for Minyulite
Showing 37 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.
Antarctica | |
| Anthony et al. (2000) |
| Tatjir et al. (1984) |
| Tatur et al. (1985) | |
Australia | |
| Murray (1973) |
| Segnit et al. (1981) +1 other reference |
| Francis et al. (self published) +1 other reference | |
| |
| Kampf (1977) |
| Pilkington et al. (1982) +1 other reference |
| |
| Francis et al. (2012) |
| Sue Koepke collection |
| Simpson et al. (1933) +2 other references |
Belgium | |
| Van Tassel R. (1960) +7 other references |
| Fransolet et al. (1974) +3 other references |
Chile | |
| SEM-EDS and XRD by Igor V. Pekov |
| Minyulite - xray identification by ... |
France | |
| Lukas (1978) +2 other references |
Germany | |
| Pierre Rosseel collection |
Italy | |
| Menchetti et al. (1981) +1 other reference |
| Nannoni R. et al. (PI) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Ankinovich et al. (1997) |
| Ankinovich et al. (1997) |
Kyrgyzstan | |
| Karpenko et al. (2009) |
Morocco | |
| Audra et al. (2021) |
South Africa | |
| Martini et al. (1978) |
Spain | |
| Calvo et al. (2003) |
USA | |
| Kampf et al. (2013) |
| [Anthony (1997) +1 other reference |
| Robert E.Walstrom Collection +2 other references |
| Castor et al. (2004) | |
| Jensen et al. (2001) |
| Loomis (2011) |
| Loomis (1999) |
| James Zigras specimen |
| J. Marty (1995) |
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Tom's Quarry, Koonunga, Light Regional Council, South Australia, Australia