Currierite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Currierite
Formula:
Na4Ca3MgAl4(AsO3OH)12 · 9H2O
Lustre:
Vitreous, Silky
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
3.08
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Name:
The mineral is named in honour of Mr. Rock Henry Currier (Evanston, Illinois, August 25, 1940 - September 25, 2015), mindat.org manager, mineral dealer, collector, author and lecturer.
A natural pure hydroxyarsenate, which is relatively rare.
Chemically resembles anatolyite. Structurally related to kaatialaite.
Chemically resembles anatolyite. Structurally related to kaatialaite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
47932
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:47932:1
IMA Classification of Currierite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Na4Ca3MgAl4(As5+O3OH)12·9H2O
Approval year:
2016
First published:
2017
Type description reference:
Kampf, Anthony R., Mills, Stuart J., Nash, Barbara P., Dini, Maurizio, Molina Donoso, Arturo A. (2017) Currierite, Na4Ca3MgAl4(AsO3OH)12·9H2O, a new acid arsenate with ferrinatrite-like heteropolyhedral chains from the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (5) 1141-1149 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.167
Classification of Currierite
8.CF.15
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O > 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O > 1:1
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cur | 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 Currierite
Vitreous, Silky
Transparency:
Transparent
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
parallel [001]
parallel [001]
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
3.08(2) g/cm3 (Measured) 3.005 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Currierite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.614(1) nε = 1.613(1)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.001
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 uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Chemistry of Currierite
Mindat Formula:
Na4Ca3MgAl4(AsO3OH)12 · 9H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Currierite
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Class (H-M):
622 - Trapezohedral
Space Group:
P622
Setting:
P622
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.2057(9) Å, c = 9.2057(7) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 0.754
Unit Cell V:
1187.7 ų
Z:
1
Morphology:
Hexagonal prisms, needles and hair-like fibres up to about 200 μm long, in sprays. Forms observed: {100} and {001}.
Comment:
The chain in the structure of currierite is identical to that in kaatialaite and a geometrical isomer of that in ferrinatrite.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 10.63 Å | (100) |
| 6.12 Å | (20) |
| 5.30 Å | (15) |
| 4.61 Å | (24) |
| 4.002 Å | (35) |
| 3.474 Å | (29) |
| 3.021 Å | (96) |
| 1.523 Å | (29) |
Reference:
Kampf, Anthony R., Mills, Stuart J., Nash, Barbara P., Dini, Maurizio, Molina Donoso, Arturo A. (2017) Currierite, Na4Ca3MgAl4(AsO3OH)12·9H2O, a new acid arsenate with ferrinatrite-like heteropolyhedral chains from the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (5) 1141-1149 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.167
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Type Occurrence of Currierite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Hexagonal prisms, needles and hair-like fibres up to about 200 μm long, in sprays
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mineralogical collections of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA (catalogue numbers 66266 for holotype, and 64057 and 64080 for cotype)
Empirical Formula of Type Material:
(Na3.95Al2.96Ca2.74Mg1.28Fe3+0.63Cu0.13K0.08Co0.03)Σ11.80(As5+11.68Sb5+0.32)Σ12(O56.96Cl0.04)Σ57H30.81
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Secondary alteration phase
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Kampf, Anthony R., Mills, Stuart J., Nash, Barbara P., Dini, Maurizio, Molina Donoso, Arturo A. (2017) Currierite, Na4Ca3MgAl4(AsO3OH)12·9H2O, a new acid arsenate with ferrinatrite-like heteropolyhedral chains from the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (5) 1141-1149 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.167
Synonyms of Currierite
Other Language Names for Currierite
Dutch:Currieriet
German:Currierit
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 9 photos of Currierite associated with Lavendulan | NaCaCu5(AsO4)4Cl · 5H2O |
| 3 photos of Currierite associated with Magnesiokoritnigite | Mg(AsO3OH) · H2O |
| 1 photo of Currierite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CF. | Ferraioloite | MgMn2+4(Fe2+0.5Al3+0.5)4Zn4(PO4)8(OH)4(H2O)20 |
| 8.CF. | Naalasite | NaAl(AsO3OH)2 · H2O |
| 8.CF. | Nafeasite | Na3Fe3+3(AsO3OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 8.CF. | Falsterite | Ca2MgMn2+2Fe2+2Fe3+2Zn4(PO4)8(OH)4(H2O)14 |
| 8.CF. | Espadaite | Na4Ca3Mg2[AsO3(OH)]2[AsO2(OH)2]10 · 7H2O |
| 8.CF. | Liraite | NaCa2Mn2+2[Fe3+Fe2+]Mn2+2(PO4)6(H2O)2 |
| 8.CF.05 | Tassieite | (Na,◻)Ca2(Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+)2(Fe2+,Mg)2(Fe3+,Mg)2(PO4)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.CF.05 | Bederite | Ca2(Mn2+)4(Fe3+)2(PO4)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.CF.05 | Wicksite | NaCa2(Fe2+,Mn2+)4MgFe3+(PO4)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.CF.05 | Grischunite | NaCa2Mn2+5Fe3+(AsO4)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.CF.05 | Maneckiite | (Na◻)Ca2Fe2+2(Fe3+Mg)Mn2(PO4)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.CF.10 | Haigerachite | KFe3+3(PO3OH)2[PO2(OH)2]6 · 4H2O |
| 8.CF.10 | Yazganite | NaFe3+2(Mg,Mn2+)(AsO4)3 · H2O |
| 8.CF.20 | Ríosecoite | Ca2Mg(AsO3OH)3(H2O)2 |
Other Information
Notes:
The mineral is slowly soluble in dilute HCl at room temperature.
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 Currierite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-47932.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 Currierite
Reference List:
Hålenius, U., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2016) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2016, CNMNC Newsletter 32. Mineralogical Magazine, 80 (5) 915-922 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.084
Kampf, Anthony R., Mills, Stuart J., Nash, Barbara P., Dini, Maurizio, Molina Donoso, Arturo A. (2017) Currierite, Na4Ca3MgAl4(AsO3OH)12·9H2O, a new acid arsenate with ferrinatrite-like heteropolyhedral chains from the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile. Mineralogical Magazine, 81 (5) 1141-1149 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.167
Localities for Currierite
Showing 1 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.
Chile (TL) | |
| Hålenius et al. (2016) |
Quick NavTopAbout CurrieriteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Torrecillas mine, Iquique, Iquique Province, Tarapacá, Chile