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Dorfmanite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Dorfmanite
Formula:
Na2(PO3OH) · 2H2O
Colour:
White
Lustre:
Vitreous, Earthy
Hardness:
1 - 1½
Specific Gravity:
1.98 - 2.00
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named by Y.L. Kapustin, Z.V. Pudovkina, and T.E. Bykova in 1980 in honor of Moisei Davidovich Dorfman (Моисей Давыдович Дорфман) (2 February 1908 - 11 November 2006, Moscow), Russian mineralogist at the A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Moscow, Russia. He was an investigator of Khibiny minerals and first reported a sodium phosphate in 1963. He helped describe many minerals.
This page provides mineralogical data about Dorfmanite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1312
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1312:9
IMA Classification of Dorfmanite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Na2(PO3OH)·2H2O
Approval year:
1979
First published:
1980
Classification of Dorfmanite
8.CJ.60
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
J : With only large cations
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
J : With only large cations
39.1.8.1
39 : HYDRATED ACID PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
1 : A[HXO4]·xH2O
39 : HYDRATED ACID PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
1 : A[HXO4]·xH2O
19.1.4
19 : Phosphates
1 : Phosphates of the alkali metals
19 : Phosphates
1 : Phosphates of the alkali metals
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Dfm | 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 Dorfmanite
Vitreous, Earthy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
White
Hardness:
1 - 1½ on Mohs scale
Density:
1.98 - 2.00 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.06 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Dorfmanite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.454 nβ = 1.461 nγ = 1.471
2V:
Measured: 65° , Calculated: 82°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.017
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 (negative)
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.
Dispersion:
very weak
Chemistry of Dorfmanite
Mindat Formula:
Na2(PO3OH) · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Dorfmanite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pbca
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.34 Å, b = 16.82 Å, c = 6.601 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.615 : 1 : 0.392
Unit Cell V:
1,148.04 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
8
Comment:
Space group from synthetic material (Catti et al., 1977).
Crystal Structure
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Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009612 | Dorfmanite | Catti M, Ferraris G, Franchini-Angela M (1977) The crystal structure of Na2HPO4*2H2O. Competition between coordination and hydrogen bonds Acta Crystallographica B33 3449-3452 |  | 1977 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.35 Å | (100) |
| 3.25 Å | (81) |
| 4.64 Å | (75) |
| 2.869 Å | (75) |
| 2.260 Å | (75) |
| 5.28 Å | (56) |
| 2.928 Å | (56) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 34 : Complex granite pegmatites | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] |
Type Occurrence of Dorfmanite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
Powdery aggregates and incrustations, with individual particles up to 15 µm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Dorfmanite
Other Language Names for Dorfmanite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 3 photos of Dorfmanite associated with Lithiophosphate | Li3PO4 |
| 2 photos of Dorfmanite associated with Ussingite | Na2AlSi3O8OH |
| 2 photos of Dorfmanite associated with Rhodochrosite | MnCO3 |
| 1 photo of Dorfmanite associated with Cosalite | Pb2Bi2S5 |
| 1 photo of Dorfmanite associated with 'Apatite' | Ca5(PO4)3A |
| 1 photo of Dorfmanite associated with Cookeite | (LiAl4◻)[AlSi3O10](OH)8 |
| 1 photo of Dorfmanite associated with Hydroxylapatite | Ca5(PO4)3(OH) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CJ. | Airdite | Sr(V4+O)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Dobšináite | Ca2Ca(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Sainfeldite | Ca5(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Caesiumpharmacosiderite | CsFe3+4[(AsO4)3(OH)4] · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ. | Jeankempite | Ca5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 7H2O |
| 8.CJ.05 | Stercorite | (NH4)Na(PO3OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.10 | Swaknoite | (NH4)2Ca(PO3OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.10 | Mundrabillaite | (NH4)2Ca(PO3OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.15 | Nabaphite | NaBaPO4 · 9H2O |
| 8.CJ.15 | Nastrophite | Na(Sr,Ba)PO4 · 9H2O |
| 8.CJ.20 | Haidingerite | CaHAsO4 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.25 | Rhabdophane-(Y) | YPO4 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.25 | Vladimirite | Ca4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.27 | 'Churchite-(Dy)' | (Dy,Sm,Gd,Nd)PO4 · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.30 | Ferrarisite | Ca5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CJ.35 | Fulbrightite | Ca(V4+O)2(As5+O4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.35 | Machatschkiite | (Ca,Na)6(AsO4)(HAsO4)3(PO4,SO4) · 15H2O |
| 8.CJ.40 | Rauenthalite | Ca3(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.CJ.40 | Phaunouxite | Ca3(AsO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Brockite | (Ca,Th,Ce)PO4 · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Smirnovskite | (Th,Ca)PO4 · nH2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Rhabdophane-(Ce) | Ce(PO4) · 0.6H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Rhabdophane-(La) | La(PO4) · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Rhabdophane-(Nd) | Nd(PO4) · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Tristramite | (Ca,U4+,Fe3+)(PO4,SO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Grayite | (Th,Pb,Ca)(PO4) · H2O |
| 8.CJ.45 | Štěpite | U(AsO3OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.47 | Vysokýite | U4+[AsO2(OH)2]4 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Churchite-(Y) | Y(PO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Brushite | Ca(PO3OH) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Ardealite | Ca2(PO3OH)(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | Pharmacolite | Ca(HAsO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.50 | 'Churchite-(Nd)' | Nd(PO4) · 2H2O |
| 8.CJ.55 | Mcnearite | NaCa5(AsO4)(HAsO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.65 | Sincosite | Ca(V4+O)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.65 | Bariosincosite | Ba(V4+O)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CJ.70 | Catalanoite | Na2(PO3OH) · 8H2O |
| 8.CJ.75 | Guérinite | Ca6(HAsO4)3(AsO4)2 · 10.5H2O |
| 8.CJ.85 | Ningyoite | (U,Ca,Ce)2(PO4)2 · 1-2H2O |
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 Dorfmanite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1312.html
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References for Dorfmanite
Reference List:
Catti, M., Ferraris, G., Franchini-Angela, M. (1977) The crystal structure of Na2HPO4.2H2O. Competition between coordination and hydrogen bonds. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 33 (11) 3449-3452 doi:10.1107/s0567740877011170
Fleischer, Michael, Chao, George Y., Francis, Carl A., Pabst, and Adolf (1981) New Mineral Names. American Mineralogist, 66 (1-2) 217-220
Kapustin, Yu. L., Pudovkina, Z. V., Bykova, T. Ye. (1982) Dorfmanite, a new mineral. International Geology Review, 24 (1) 111-115 doi:10.1080/00206818209452379
Localities for Dorfmanite
Showing 12 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.
Austria | |
| A.Csaplovics (2014) |
Canada | |
| 153-155. +2 other references |
| Grice (1989) +1 other reference |
| Robinson et al. (1992) |
Greenland | |
| Petersen (2001) |
| Petersen et al. (2001) |
Russia (TL) | |
| Pekov (1998) |
| Pekov (1998) | |
| Pekov (1998) |
| Pekov (1998) | |
| Richard Dale collection & prior Mindat ... | |
| Kapustin et al. (1982) +1 other reference |
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Kedykverpakhk Mountain, Lovozersky District, Murmansk Oblast, Russia