Quenstedtite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Quenstedtite
Friedrich August Quenstedt
Formula:
Fe2(SO4)3 · 11H2O
Colour:
White to very pale violet to red-violet; colorless to pale rose in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Silky
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
2.11 - 2.15
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named in 1888 by Gottlob Eduard Linck in honor of Friedrich August von Quenstedt [July 10, 1809 Eisleben, Saxony, Germany – December 21, 1889], professor of mineralogy and geology at Eberhard Karls Universität in Tübingen. Quenstedt was also noted for his paleontological research (ammonites and pterodactyls) and a fossil turtle, Proganochelys quenstedti, is named for him as well as five genera of other extinct species (2 coenlenterates, 1 ammonite, 1 mollusc, and 1 crinoid).
Type Locality:
Straight fibrous to columnar crystals with a bright luster and fibrous appearance
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3341
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3341:7
IMA Classification of Quenstedtite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Fe3+2(S6+O4)3·11H2O
First published:
1888
Classification of Quenstedtite
7.CB.65
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations
29.8.5.1
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
8 : A2(XO4)3·H2O
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
8 : A2(XO4)3·H2O
25.10.11
25 : Sulphates
10 : Sulphates of Fe alone
25 : Sulphates
10 : Sulphates of Fe alone
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Qst | 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 Quenstedtite
Sub-Vitreous, Silky
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
White to very pale violet to red-violet; colorless to pale rose in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on {010}
Good on {100}
Perfect on {010}
Good on {100}
Fracture:
Fibrous
Density:
2.11 - 2.15 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.14 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Quenstedtite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.547 nβ = 1.566 nγ = 1.594
2V:
Measured: 70° , Calculated: 82°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.047
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:
Moderate (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:
Strong r
Optical Extinction:
X(–43°,45°); Y(128°,43°); Z(–138°,88°) with c(0°,0°) and b*(0°,90°) using (φ,ρ).
Chemistry of Quenstedtite
Mindat Formula:
Fe2(SO4)3 · 11H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Quenstedtite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.184(5) Å, b = 23.6(2) Å, c = 6.539(5) Å
α = 94.18(8)°, β = 101.73(8)°, γ = 96.27(8)°
α = 94.18(8)°, β = 101.73(8)°, γ = 96.27(8)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.262 : 1 : 0.277
Unit Cell V:
924.35 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Aggregates of minute crystals, tabular {010}, or short prismatic [100], highly modified at times.
Twinning:
Common on {010}.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000409 | Quenstedtite | Thomas J N, Robinson P D, Fang J H (1974) Crystal structures and mineral chemistry of hydrated ferric sulfates. IV. The crystal structure of quenstedtite American Mineralogist 59 582-586 |  | 1974 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.08 Å | (very very strong) |
| 5.78 Å | (very strong) |
| 4.19 Å | (very strong) |
| 3.80 Å | (strong) |
| 5.03 Å | (moderately strong) |
| 5.57 Å | (moderately weak) |
| 5.34 Å | (moderately weak) |
Comments:
Tierra Amarilla, Chile. The data are from Cesbron (1964).
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] |
Geological Setting:
Oxidized zone of pyrite rich orebodies, especially in arid climates.
Type Occurrence of Quenstedtite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Small reddish-violet gypsum-like tablets up to 5 mm long, 1-2 mm wide and 1 mm thick.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Muséum Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Sulfate deposit. Oxidized zone of a pyrite-rich deposit in a desert.
Other Language Names for Quenstedtite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 2 photos of Quenstedtite associated with Römerite | Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 14H2O |
| 1 photo of Quenstedtite associated with 'Amethyst' | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Quenstedtite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Quenstedtite associated with Native Sulphur | S8 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.CB. | Sarvodaite | Al2(SO4)3 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.02 | Voudourisite | CdSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Szmikite | MnSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Szomolnokite | FeSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Cobaltkieserite | CoSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Dwornikite | Ni(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Kieserite | MgSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Poitevinite | (Cu,Fe)SO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Gunningite | ZnSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.07 | Sanderite | MgSO4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CB.10 | Bonattite | CuSO4 · 3H2O |
| 7.CB.12 | Belogubite | CuZn(SO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Drobecite | CdSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Aplowite | CoSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Cranswickite | MgSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Rozenite | FeSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Starkeyite | MgSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Ilesite | Mn2+(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Boyleite | ZnSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Siderotil | FeSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Jôkokuite | MnSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Pentahydrite | MgSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Chalcanthite | CuSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.25 | Chvaleticeite | Mn2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Nickelhexahydrite | Ni2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Hexahydrite | Mg(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Bianchite | Zn(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Moorhouseite | Co2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Ferrohexahydrite | Fe2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.30 | Retgersite | NiSO4 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Zincmelanterite | Zn(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Melanterite | Fe2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Alpersite | (Mg,Cu2+)(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Bieberite | Co2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Boothite | Cu2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Mallardite | Mn2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Epsomite | MgSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Goslarite | ZnSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Morenosite | NiSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.45 | Meta-alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| 7.CB.45 | Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| 7.CB.50 | Aluminocoquimbite | Al2Fe2(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.50 | Lazaridisite | Cd3(SO4)3 · 8H2O |
| 7.CB.52 | Pararaisaite | CuMg[Te6+O4(OH)2] · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Paracoquimbite | Fe4(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Rhomboclase | (H5O2)Fe3+(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Raisaite | CuMg[Te6+O4(OH)2] · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Coquimbite | AlFe3(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.57 | 'Caichengyunite' | Fe2+3Al2(SO4)6 · 30H2O |
| 7.CB.60 | Kornelite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.70 | Lausenite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.75 | Römerite | Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 14H2O |
| 7.CB.75 | Lishizhenite | ZnFe2(SO4)4 · 14H2O |
| 7.CB.80 | Ransomite | CuFe2(SO4)4 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Dietrichite | ZnAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Halotrichite | Fe2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Apjohnite | Mn2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Redingtonite | Fe2+Cr3+2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Pickeringite | MgAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Bílinite | Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Wupatkiite | Co2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.90 | Meridianiite | MgSO4 · 11H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Easily soluble in water.
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 Quenstedtite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3341.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Quenstedtite
Reference List:
Ungemach, Henri (1935) Sur certains minéraux sulfatés du Chili. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 58 (3) 97-221 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1935.4369
Bandy, Mark C. (1938) Mineralogy of three sulphate deposits of northern Chile. American Mineralogist, 23 (11) 669-760
Cesbron, Fabien (1964) Contribution à la Minéralogie des sulfates de fer hydratés. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 87 (2) 125-143 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1964.5721
Localities for Quenstedtite
Showing 21 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.
Argentina | |
| Morello et al. (2016) |
Canada | |
| Gomi (2001) |
Chile | |
| Färber (n.d.) |
| identified by Gerhard Möhn et al. (unlike Coquimbite) | |
| Kampf +5 other references |
| Natural History Museum Vienna collection (Uwe Kolitsch SXRD on Arturo Molina material) |
| Neues Jahrb.Min. (1888) +2 other references |
Germany | |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Der Aufschluss Vol.55 +1 other reference |
Greece | |
| Schnorrer (1995) +1 other reference |
| Rieck (n.d.) | |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Hans van Zelfeld |
Japan | |
| Miura et al. (1994) |
Romania | |
| Ed.:Szakáll S.-Kristály ... |
Slovakia | |
| Anthony et al. (2016) |
Spain | |
| Calvo Rebollar et al. (2022) |
USA | |
| part 2 +5 other references |
| Yale Peabody Museum |
Quick NavTopAbout QuenstedtiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Golosina mine, Sierra Almagrera, Cuevas del Almanzora, Almería, Andalusia, Spain