Alsakharovite-Zn
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Alsakharovite-Zn
Formula:
NaSrKZn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 7H2O
Colour:
White, light brown, colourless
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
5
Specific Gravity:
2.9
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in honor of Aleksey Sergeyevich Sakharov (Алексей Сергеевич Сахаров) (18 March 1910 - 16 February 1996, Russia), geologist at the Kola Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences, who worked on the Lovozero massif. The suffix denotes the dominant extra-framework cation, following the IMA recommended nomeclature for labuntsovite-group minerals.
Gutkovaite structural type.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
26417
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:26417:2
IMA Classification of Alsakharovite-Zn
Approved
IMA Formula:
NaSrKZn2+(Ti4+,Nb5+)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4·7H2O
Approval year:
2002
First published:
2003
Type description reference:
Classification of Alsakharovite-Zn
9.CE.30h
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
E : [Si4O12]8- 4-membered single rings (vierer-Einfachringe), without insular complex anions
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
E : [Si4O12]8- 4-membered single rings (vierer-Einfachringe), without insular complex anions
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ask-Zn | 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 Alsakharovite-Zn
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
White, light brown, colourless
Streak:
White
Hardness:
5 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
2.9 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.94 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Alsakharovite-Zn
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.680(1) nβ = 1.687(2) nγ = 1.787(5)
2V:
Measured: 25° (10), Calculated: 31°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.107
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:
Very 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 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:
None
Optical Extinction:
Y = b.
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Alsakharovite-Zn
Mindat Formula:
NaSrKZn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 7H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Alsakharovite-Zn
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
m - Domatic
Space Group:
Bm
Setting:
Cm
Cell Parameters:
a = 14.495 Å, b = 13.945 Å, c = 7.838 Å
β = 117.75°
β = 117.75°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.039 : 1 : 0.562
Unit Cell V:
1402 ų
Z:
2
Morphology:
Flattened prismatic crystals elongated along [010].
Twinning:
Microtwinned on (001) and (401).
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0018493 | Alsakharovite-Zn | Rozenberg K A, Rastsvetaeva R K, Pekov I V, Chukanov N V (2002) New Zn-rich representative of the labuntsovite group: crystal structure and microtwinning Doklady Chemistry 383 110-113 | 2002 | Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.96 Å | (100) |
| 3.11 Å | (90) |
| 3.21 Å | (80) |
| 2.50 Å | (40) |
| 1.70 Å | (40) |
| 2.60 Å | (35) |
| 1.74 Å | (30) |
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 Alsakharovite-Zn
General Appearance of Type Material:
Coarse, flattened-prismatic crystals up to 8 x 2 x 0.5 mm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Hydrothermal mineral found in cavities of eudialyte-aegirine-feldspar pegmatite in an alkaline massif.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Synonyms of Alsakharovite-Zn
Other Language Names for Alsakharovite-Zn
Dutch:Alsakharovite-Zn
French:Alsakharovite-Zn
German:Alsakharovit-Zn
Norwegian:Alsakharovitt-Zn
Russian:Алсахаровит-Zn
Simplified Chinese:阿萨克哈洛夫石
Traditional Chinese:阿薩克哈洛夫石
Relationship of Alsakharovite-Zn to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Gutkovaite Group:
| Gutkovaite-Mn | K2CaMn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5H2O | Mon. m : Bm |
| Neskevaaraite-Fe | K3Na2Fe2+(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5-6 H2O | Mon. m : Bm |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.CE. | Dutkevichite-(Ce) | NaZnBa2Ce2Ti2Si8O26F · H2O |
| 9.CE. | Katanite | Ba3NbFe3Si2O14 |
| 9.CE. | Niobobaotite | Ba4(Ti2.5Fe2+1.5)Nb4Si4O28Cl |
| 9.CE. | Amaterasuite | Sr4Ti6Si4O23(OH)Cl |
| 9.CE. | Steiningerite | Ba2Zr2(Si4O12)O2 |
| 9.CE.05 | Papagoite | CaCu[H3AlSi2O9] |
| 9.CE.10 | Verplanckite | Ba4Mn2+2Si4O12(OH,H2O)3Cl3 |
| 9.CE.15 | Baotite | Ba4(Ti,Nb,W)8O16(SiO3)4Cl |
| 9.CE.20 | Nagashimalite | Ba4(V,Ti)4B2Si8O27(O,OH)2Cl |
| 9.CE.20 | Taramellite | Ba4(Fe3+,Ti,Fe2+,Mg)4(B2Si8O27)O2Clx |
| 9.CE.20 | Titantaramellite | Ba4(Ti,Fe3+,Fe2+,Mg)4(B2Si8O27)O2Clx |
| 9.CE.25 | Bario-orthojoaquinite | (Ba,Sr)4Fe2Ti2[Si4O12]2O2 · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Byelorussite-(Ce) | NaBa2Ce2MnTi2[Si4O12]2O2(F,OH) · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Joaquinite-(Ce) | NaBa2Ce2FeTi2[Si4O12]2O2(OH,F) · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Orthojoaquinite-(La) | NaBa2La2Fe2+Ti2[Si4O12]2O2(O,OH) · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Strontiojoaquinite | Sr2Ba2(Na,Fe)2Ti2[Si4O12]2O2(O,OH)2 · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Orthojoaquinite-(Ce) | NaBa2Ce2FeTi2[Si4O12]2O2(O,OH) · H2O |
| 9.CE.25 | Strontio-orthojoaquinite | (Na,Fe)2Sr2Ba2Ti2[Si4O12]2O2(O,OH)2 · H2O |
| 9.CE.30e | Labuntsovite-Mn | Na4K4(Ba,K)2Mn2+(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · 10-12H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Tsepinite-Na | Na2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Gjerdingenite-Na | K2Na(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(OH,O)4 · 5H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Burovaite-Ca | (Na,K)4Ca2(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(OH,O)8 · 12H2O |
| 9.CE.30a | Nenadkevichite | (Na,◻)8Nb4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 8H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Tsepinite-Sr | Sr(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Gjerdingenite-Mn | K2Mn2+(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Paratsepinite-Na | (Na,Sr,K,Ca)7(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · nH2O n ~ 8 |
| 9.CE.30d | Lemmleinite-K | K2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 4H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Karupmøllerite-Ca | (Na,Ca,K)2Ca(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 7H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Lepkhenelmite-Zn | (Ba,K)2Zn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 7H2O |
| 9.CE.30h | Gutkovaite-Mn | K2CaMn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 9.CE.30e | Labuntsovite-Mg | Na4K4(Ba,K)2Mg(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · 10H2O |
| 9.CE.30e | Labuntsovite-Fe | Na4K4(Ba,K)2Fe2+(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · 10H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Kuzmenkoite-Zn | K2Zn(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(OH,O)4 · 6-8H2O |
| 9.CE.30f | Paralabuntsovite-Mg | Na8K8Mg4Ti16(Si4O12)8(OH,O)16 · 20-24H2O |
| 9.CE.30d | Lemmleinite-Ba | Na2K2Ba(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5H2O |
| 9.CE.30g | Organovaite-Mn | K2Mn(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5-7H2O |
| 9.CE.30g | Organovaite-Zn | K2Zn(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Vuoriyarvite-K | K2(Nb,Ti)2(Si4O12)(O,OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Gjerdingenite-Fe | K2Fe2+(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 9.CE.30a | 'Unnamed (Ca-Na-ordered analogue of Korobitsynite)' | (Ca,Na)2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3-4H2O |
| 9.CE.30g | Parakuzmenkoite-Fe | (K,Ba)4Fe(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(O,OH)8 · 14H2O |
| 9.CE.30a | Korobitsynite | (Na,◻)4Ti2(Si4O12)(O,OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Kuzmenkoite-Mn | K2Mn2+(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(OH,O)4 · 5-6H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Tsepinite-K | K2(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 3H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Paratsepinite-Ba | Ba4(Ti,Nb)8(Si4O12)4(OH,O)8 · 8H2O |
| 9.CE.30h | Neskevaaraite-Fe | K3Na2Fe2+(Ti,Nb)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 5-6 H2O |
| 9.CE.30c | Gjerdingenite-Ca | K2Ca(Nb,Ti)4(Si4O12)2(O,OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 9.CE.30b | Tsepinite-Ca | (Ca,K,Na)2-x(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)(OH,O)2 · 4H2O |
| 9.CE.45 | 'Natrokomarovite' | (Na,Ca,H)2Nb2Si2O10(OH,F)2 · H2O |
| 9.CE.45 | Komarovite | (Ca,Mn)(Nb,Ti)2[Si2O7](O,F)3 · 3.5H2O |
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) | 3.2438% | 1,006 | 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
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 Alsakharovite-Zn
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-26417.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 Alsakharovite-Zn
Reference List:
Chukanov, Nikita V., Pekov, Igor V., Khomyakov, Alexander P. (2002) Recommended nomenclature for labuntsovite-group minerals. European Journal of Mineralogy, 14 (1) 165-173 doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2002/0014-0165
Localities for Alsakharovite-Zn
Showing 2 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) | |
| Pekov et al. (2003) +1 other reference |
| Pekov et al. (2004) |
Quick NavTopAbout Alsakharovite-ZnUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Lepkhe-Nel'm Mt, Seidozero Lake, Lovozersky District, Murmansk Oblast, Russia