Log In
Zirsinalite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Zirsinalite
Formula:
Na6(Ca,Mn2+,Fe2+)Zr(Si6O18)
Colour:
Colourless, yellowish-grey
Lustre:
Vitreous, Dull
Hardness:
5½
Specific Gravity:
2.88 - 2.92
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
Named after its chemical composition containing Zirconium (Zr), Silicon (Si) and Sodium (Na, from Latin 'natrium').
Type Locality:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4427
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4427:7
IMA Classification of Zirsinalite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Na6CaZr4+Si6O18
Approval year:
1973
First published:
1974
Classification of Zirsinalite
9.CJ.15a
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
J : [Si6O18]12- 6-membered single rings (sechser-Einfachringe), without insular complex anions
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
J : [Si6O18]12- 6-membered single rings (sechser-Einfachringe), without insular complex anions
61.1.2a.4
61 : CYCLOSILICATES Six-Membered Rings
1 : Six-Membered Rings with [Si6O18] rings; possible (OH) and Al substitution
61 : CYCLOSILICATES Six-Membered Rings
1 : Six-Membered Rings with [Si6O18] rings; possible (OH) and Al substitution
14.10.32
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
10 : Silicates of Zr or Hf
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
10 : Silicates of Zr or Hf
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zsl | 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 Zirsinalite
Vitreous, Dull
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Vitreous on fresh surfaces, quickly tarnishes
Colour:
Colourless, yellowish-grey
Hardness:
5½ on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=640 - 720 - Vickers
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Comment:
Fracture 'granular or small conchoidal'
Density:
2.88 - 2.92 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.08 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Zirsinalite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.610 nε = 1.605
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.005
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
Chemistry of Zirsinalite
Mindat Formula:
Na6(Ca,Mn2+,Fe2+)Zr(Si6O18)
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Ti,H2O
Crystallography of Zirsinalite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3m(32/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral
Space Group:
R3m
Setting:
R3m
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.29(4) Å, c = 13.11(4) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.274
Unit Cell V:
1,202.16 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
3
Morphology:
rounded or irregular grains, to 1.5 cm
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0012464 | Zirsinalite | Pudovkina Z V, Chernitsova N M, Voronkov A A, Pyatenko Yu A (1980) Crystal structure of zirsinalite Na6Ca{Zr(Si6O18)} Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR 250 865-867 | 1980 | Koashva Mountain, Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 1.842 Å | (10) |
| 2.637 Å | (9) |
| 2.569 Å | (8) |
| 3.26 Å | (6) |
| 4.22 Å | (4) |
| 3.68 Å | (4) |
| 3.33 Å | (4) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks |
Type Occurrence of Zirsinalite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Rounded or irregular deposits up to 1 x 1.5 cm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
A. E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Pegmatitic veinlets cutting alkalic rocks
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Zirsinalite
Other Language Names for Zirsinalite
Relationship of Zirsinalite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Zirsinalite-Lovozerite Subgroup:
| Combeite | Na4.5Ca3.5Si6O17.5(OH)0.5 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m |
| Kapustinite | Na6ZrSi6O16(OH)2 | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Kazakovite | Na6Mn2+Ti(Si6O18) | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m |
| Litvinskite | Na2(◻,Na,Mn)ZrSi6O12(OH,O)6 | Mon. m : Bm |
| Lovozerite | Na2Ca(Zr,Ti)(Si6O12)[(OH)4O2] · H2O | Trig. 3 : R3 |
| Tisinalite | Na3H3(Mn,Ca,Fe)TiSi6(O,OH)18 · 2H2O | Trig. 3m(32/m) |
| Townendite | Na8ZrSi6O18 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Zirsinalite associated with Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
| 3 photos of Zirsinalite associated with Thermonatrite | Na2CO3 · H2O |
| 2 photos of Zirsinalite associated with Eudialyte | Na15Ca6Fe3Zr3Si(Si25O73)(O,OH,H2O)3(Cl,OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Zirsinalite associated with Lamprophyllite | (Na,Mn2+)3(Sr,Na)2(Ti,Fe3+)3(Si2O7)2O2(OH,O,F)2 |
| 1 photo of Zirsinalite associated with Microcline | K(AlSi3O8) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.CJ. | Zolotarevite | Na5Zr[Si6O15(OH)3] · 3H2O |
| 9.CJ. | 'Avdeevite' | NaAl4(Be5Li)(Si6O18)2(H2O)1-2 |
| 9.CJ. | 'Beryllocordierite-Na' | NaMg4(Al5Be)(AlSi5O18)2 · 2H2O |
| 9.CJ. | Sachanbińskiite | NaMn4(Al5Be)(AlSi5O18)2 · 2H2O |
| 9.CJ. | Nakkaalaaqite | K2[Na3Ca]LiCa2Ti2Be4Si12O38 |
| 9.CJ.05 | Johnkoivulaite-(Cs) | Cs[Be2B]Mg2Si6O18 |
| 9.CJ.05 | Beryl | Be3Al2(Si6O18) |
| 9.CJ.05 | Bazzite | Be3Sc2(Si6O18) |
| 9.CJ.05 | Ferroindialite | (Fe2+,Mg)2Al4Si5O18 |
| 9.CJ.05 va | 'Vorobyevite' | Be3Al2(Si6O18) |
| 9.CJ.05 | Stoppaniite | Be3Fe3+2(Si6O18) · H2O |
| 9.CJ.05 | Indialite | Mg2Al3(AlSi5O18) |
| 9.CJ.10 | Sekaninaite | Fe2+2Al4Si5O18 |
| 9.CJ.10 | Cordierite | Mg2Al4Si5O18 |
| 9.CJ.15a | Kapustinite | Na6ZrSi6O16(OH)2 |
| 9.CJ.15a | Townendite | Na8ZrSi6O18 |
| 9.CJ.15a | Combeite | Na4.5Ca3.5Si6O17.5(OH)0.5 |
| 9.CJ.15a | Kazakovite | Na6Mn2+Ti(Si6O18) |
| 9.CJ.15a | Tisinalite | Na3H3(Mn,Ca,Fe)TiSi6(O,OH)18 · 2H2O |
| 9.CJ.15a | Lovozerite | Na2Ca(Zr,Ti)(Si6O12)[(OH)4O2] · H2O |
| 9.CJ.15a | Litvinskite | Na2(◻,Na,Mn)ZrSi6O12(OH,O)6 |
| 9.CJ.15c | Koashvite | Na6(Ca,Mn)(Ti,Fe)Si6O18 · H2O |
| 9.CJ.15b | Imandrite | Na12Ca3Fe3+2(Si6O18)2 |
| 9.CJ.25 | Baratovite | KCa7(Ti,Zr)2Li3Si12O36F2 |
| 9.CJ.25 | Aleksandrovite | KCa7Sn2Li3Si12O36F2 |
| 9.CJ.25 | Katayamalite | KLi3Ca7Ti2(SiO3)12(OH)2 |
| 9.CJ.30 | Dioptase | CuSiO3 · H2O |
| 9.CJ.35 | Kostylevite | K2Zr(Si3O9) · H2O |
| 9.CJ.40 | Petarasite | Na5Zr2(Si6O18)(Cl,OH) · 2H2O |
| 9.CJ.45 | Gerenite-(Y) | (Ca,Na)2(Y,REE)3Si6O18 · 2H2O |
| 9.CJ.50 | Odintsovite | K2Na4Ca3Ti2Be4Si12O38 |
| 9.CJ.55 | Mathewrogersite | Pb7FeAl3GeSi12O36(OH,H2O)6 |
| 9.CJ.60 | Pezzottaite-(Cs) | Cs(Be2Li)Al2(Si6O18) |
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
DTA and TG curves show a small endothermal break at 300 C, corresponding with a loss of weight of 1 percent.
Melts at about 1000 C to a white enamel bead.
Melts at about 1000 C to a white enamel bead.
Notes:
Rapidly corroded in air with the formation of a powdery coating of sodium carbonate.
Slowly decomposed in cold dilute acids. Readily decomposed at 60-80° C by 10% HCl or H2SO4, with separation of gelatinous silica.
Slowly leached by cold water; finely ground material loses 1.71% Na in a few hours, 2.91% Na in a week; the residue gives the same X-ray pattern as the original. Hot water leaches 3.0% Na in 1 hour.
Slowly decomposed in cold dilute acids. Readily decomposed at 60-80° C by 10% HCl or H2SO4, with separation of gelatinous silica.
Slowly leached by cold water; finely ground material loses 1.71% Na in a few hours, 2.91% Na in a week; the residue gives the same X-ray pattern as the original. Hot water leaches 3.0% Na in 1 hour.
Special Storage/
Display Requirements:
Display Requirements:
Zirsinalite is unstable and will often form a crust of powdery or acicular sodium carbonate in storage.
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 Zirsinalite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4427.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Zirsinalite
Localities for Zirsinalite
Showing 9 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.
Russia (TL) | |
| [World of Stones 95:5-6 +2 other references |
| Pekov et al. (2004) | |
| ... | |
| Pakhomovsky et al. (2014) |
| Pekov (1998) | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
| Pekov I.V. et al. (2010) | |
| Pekov (1998) | |
| Khomyakov et al. (1983) +1 other reference |
Quick NavTopAbout ZirsinaliteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Apatitovyi Tsirk, Rasvumchorr Mine, Rasvumchorr Mt, Murmansk Oblast, Russia