Chemistry:Putnisite

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Putnisite
Putnisite.jpg
Putnisite, from Polar Bear Peninsula, Western Australia, Australia
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
SrCa4Cr83+(CO3)8(SO4)(OH)16·25 H2O
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPnma
Unit cella = 15.351 Å,
b = 20.421 Å,
c = 18.270 Å; Z = 4
Identification
ColorPurple
Crystal habitPseudocubic crystals
Cleavage[100], [010] and [001] good
FractureBrittle – uneven
Mohs scale hardness1.5–2
|re|er}}Vitreous
StreakPink
DiaphaneityTranslucent
Specific gravity2.20
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.552, nβ = 1.583 and nγ = 1.599
PleochroismDistinct: X pale bluish grey, Y pale purple, Z pale purple
References[1][2][3][4]

Putnisite is a mineral composed of strontium, calcium, chromium, sulfur, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.[3] It was discovered on the Polar Bear Peninsula in Shire of Dundas, Western Australia in 2007 during mining activity.[3][4] Following identification and recognition by the IMA in 2012[4] the mineral was named after mineralogists Andrew and Christine Putnis.[2]

Putnisite has unique chemical and structural properties, and does not appear to be related to any of the existing mineralogical families.[2] Crystals are translucent purple, but show distinct pleochroism (from pale purple to pale bluish grey,[3] depending on the angle of observation) and leave pink streaks when rubbed on a flat surface.[3]

Putnisite occurs as small (< 0.5 mm) cube-like crystals in volcanic rock.[2] The mineral formed during the oxidation environment within komatiite to dioritic bodies containing sulfide minerals.[3]

References