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Gasparite-(Ce)

A valid IMA mineral species
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About Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Formula:
Ce(AsO4)
Colour:
Light brown-red
Hardness:
5
Specific Gravity:
5.63 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after Giovanni Gaspari, mineral collector of Crodo, Italy, who first found the mineral, and for its dominant cerium content.
Isostructural with:

Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
1656
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1656:4

Similar NamesHide

GaspariteA synonym
Gasparite-(La)A valid IMA mineral speciesLa(AsO4)
KaspariteA variety of Pickeringite(Mg,Co)Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O

IMA Classification of Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Approved
IMA Formula:
Ce3+As5+O4
Approval year:
1986
First published:
1987

Classification of Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

8.AD.50

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
A : Phosphates, etc. without additional anions, without H2O
D : With only large cations
38.4.3.6

38 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, AND VANADATES
4 : AXO4
20.4.11

20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
4 : Arsenates of Group III metals (Al, rare earths)

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
Gsp-CeIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Colour:
Light brown-red
Streak:
White
Hardness:
Hardness:
VHN100=327(5) - Vickers
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Conchoidal
Density:
5.63 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.810(8) nβ = 1.825(8) nγ = 1.92(1)
2V:
Measured: 40° to 45°, Calculated: 46°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.110
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 ”m 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).

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.
Dispersion:
r > v
Optical Extinction:
X = b; Z ∧ c = 4°.
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic

Chemistry of Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Mindat Formula:
Ce(AsO4)
Element Weights:
Element% weight
Ce50.215 %
As26.850 %
O22.935 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Ce
As
O

Crystallography of Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/c
Setting:
P21/n
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.937(3) Å, b = 7.137(4) Å, c = 6.738(6) Å
β = 104.69(5)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.972 : 1 : 0.944
Unit Cell V:
322.69 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Pseudorhombohedral crystals. Forms include {100}, {001}, {110}, {101}.
Twinning:
None observed.

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0007026Gasparite-(Ce)Kolitsch U, Holtstam D, Gatedal K (2004) Crystal chemistry of REEXO4 compounds (X = P, As, V). I. Paragenesis and crystal structure of phosphatian gasparite-(Ce) from the Kesebol Mn-Fe-Cu deposit, Vastra Gotaland, Sweden European Journal of Mineralogy 16 111-1162004Kesebol Mn-Fe-Cu deposit, Vastra Gotaland, Sweden0293
0010388Gasparite-(Ce)Brahim A, Mongi F M, Amor H (2002) Cerium arsenate, CeAsO4 Acta Crystallographica E58 i98-i992002synthetic0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.156 Å(100)
3.355 Å(77)
2.966 Å(70)
2.003 Å(45)
2.709 Å(44)
3.035 Å(34)
1.7787 Å(34)
Comments:
Pizzo Cervandone, Italy. The data are from the type description.

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):

Type Occurrence of Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

General Appearance of Type Material:
Rims to complete pseudomorphs of synchysite crystal aggregates. As pseudorhombohedral crystals, to 0.5 mm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, Basel, Switzerland, 30653.
Mineralogical Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
University, Basel, Switzerland.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In fissures formed by amphibolite-grade metamorphism of metasedimentary rocks.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:

Synonyms of Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Other Language Names for Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Relationship of Gasparite-(Ce) to other SpeciesHide

Other Members of Gasparite Group:
Gasparite-(La)La(AsO4)Mon. 2/m : P21/c
'Unnamed (Nd-dominant Gasparite)'Nd(AsO4)Mon. 2/m

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
10 photos of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with QuartzSiO2
4 photos of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with 'Opal-AN'SiO2 · nH2O
1 photo of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with HematiteFe2O3
1 photo of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with TripuhyiteFe3+Sb5+O4
1 photo of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with Calcybeborosilite-(Y)(Y,Ca)2(◻,Fe2+)(B,Be)2[SiO4]2(OH,O)2
1 photo of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with BastnÀsite-(Y)Y(CO3)F
1 photo of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with Chernovite-(Y)Y(AsO4)
1 photo of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with 'Unnamed (Nd-dominant Gasparite)'Nd(AsO4)
1 photo of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with MuscoviteKAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
1 photo of Gasparite-(Ce) associated with Piemontite(CaCa)(AlAlMn3+)O[Si2O7][SiO4](OH)

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.AD.'Unnamed (Monoclinic polymorph of ximengite)'Bi(PO4)Mon. 2/m : P21/m
8.AD.KepleriteCa9(Ca0.5◻0.5)Mg(PO4)7Trig. 3m : R3c
8.AD.MazoriteBa3(PO4)2Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3m
8.AD.DeynekoiteCa9◻Fe3+(PO4)7Trig. 3m : R3c
8.AD.Monazite-(Gd)Gd(PO4)Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.05NahpoiteNa2(PO3OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/m
8.AD.10WeiliteCa(HAsO4)Tric. 1 : P1
8.AD.10Ć venekiteCa(H2AsO4)2Tric. 1 : P1
8.AD.10MonetiteCa(PO3OH)Tric. 1
8.AD.15Archerite(K,NH4)(H2PO4)Tet. 42m : I42d
8.AD.15BiphosphammiteNH4(H2PO4)Tet. 422 : I4122
8.AD.20Phosphammite(NH4)2(PO3OH)Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.25BuchwalditeNaCa(PO4)Orth. mm2 : Pmn21
8.AD.30SchulténitePb(HAsO4)Mon. 2/m : P2/b
8.AD.35DreyeriteBi(VO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35Wakefieldite-(La)La(VO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35Anningite-(Ce)(Ca0.5Ce4+0.5)(VO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35PretuliteSc(PO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35Wakefieldite-(Ce)Ce(VO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35Wakefieldite-(Y)Y(VO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35Xenotime-(Yb)Yb(PO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35'Chernovite-(Ce)'(Ce,Y)(AsO4)Tet.
8.AD.35Xenotime-(Gd)Gd(PO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35Chernovite-(Y)Y(AsO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35Xenotime-(Y)Y(PO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.35Wakefieldite-(Nd)Nd(VO4)Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I41/amd
8.AD.40PucheriteBi(VO4)Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m)
8.AD.45XimengiteBi(PO4)Trig. 32 : P3121
8.AD.50'UM2005-35-VO:CaFePSiTh'(Th,Ca)(VO4,SiO4,PO4)
8.AD.50RooseveltiteBi(AsO4)Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.50Monazite-(Sm)Sm(PO4)Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.50Monazite-(Ce)Ce(PO4)Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.50Monazite-(La)La(PO4)Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.50Monazite-(Nd)Nd(PO4)Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.50Gasparite-(La)La(AsO4)Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.50CheraliteCaTh(PO4)2Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.55TetrarooseveltiteBi(AsO4)Tet. 4/m : I41/a
8.AD.60Chursinite[Hg2]2+Hg2+2[AsO4]2Mon. 2/m : P21/c
8.AD.65ClinobisvaniteBi(VO4)Mon. 2/m : B2/b
8.AD.70GurimiteBa3(VO4)2Trig. 3m : R3m
8.AD.75PicaiteNaCa[AsO3OH][AsO2(OH)2]Mon. 2/m : P21/c

Fluorescence of Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Bright green fluorescence with a common quartz lamp ("quick tanning lamp").

Other InformationHide

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 Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

References for Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Reference List:

Localities for Gasparite-(Ce)Hide

Showing 30 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Austria
 
  • Salzburg
    • Tamsweg District
      • Tweng
Kolitsch et al. (2015) +2 other references
Kolitsch et al. (2025)
Germany
 
  • Baden-WĂŒrttemberg
    • Freiburg Region
      • Ortenaukreis
        • Oberwolfach
Kolitsch et al. (2005)
Greece
 
  • Attica
    • East Attica
      • Marathon
Stouraiti et al. (2022)
Italy
 
  • Liguria
    • La Spezia Province
      • Borghetto di Vara
Balestra et al. (2020)
  • Piedmont
    • Cuneo Province
      • Montaldo di MondovĂŹ
        • Borgata Oberti
Matteo Giai et al. (2023) +1 other reference
    • Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Province
      • Baceno
        • Devero Alp
Graeser et al. (1987) +4 other references
Albertini (1991) +1 other reference
  • Sardinia
    • South Sardinia Province
      • Gonnosfanadiga
        • Fenugu Sibiri Mine
Caboni et al. (2018)
  • Tuscany
    • Massa-Carrara Province
      • Carrara
        • Monte Brugiana north slope
Mancini (2000)
North Macedonia
 
  • ČaĆĄka Municipality
    • NeĆŸilovo
Ermolaeva et al. (2019)
Norway
 
  • Nordland
    • SĂžrfold
Raade et al. (2006)
Russia
 
  • Khabarovsk Krai
    • Verkhnebureinsky District
Alekseev et al. (2015)
  • Komi Republic
    • Kozhim River Basin
      • Maldynyrd range (Maldy-nyrd range)
Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.)
Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.)
        • Grubependity Lake
Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.)
  • Primorsky Krai
    • Kavalerovsky District
      • Karadubsky ore field
Gorelikova et al. (2021)
Slovakia
 
  • BanskĂĄ Bystrica Region
    • RimavskĂĄ Sobota District
      • Tisovec
Ondrejka M. et al. (Western Carpathians, Slovakia)
South Africa
 
  • North West
    • Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
      • Moses Kotane Local Municipality
Mitchell et al. (2004)
Sweden
 
  • VĂ€rmland County
    • Filipstad
      • LĂ„ngban Ore District
Gatedal (n.d.)
  • VĂ€stra Götaland County
    • ÅmĂ„l
      • Strandhem ore field
Holtstam +7 other references
Switzerland
 
  • Grisons
    • Viamala Region
      • Rheinwald
        • SplĂŒgen
Roth et al. (2011)
  • Valais
    • Conthey
      • Nendaz
Wulser PA (2002)
    • Goms
      • Binn
Graeser et al. (1987) +2 other references
    • Östlich Raron
      • Grengiols
        • Chummibort
Cuchet et al. (2005)
Tajikistan
 
  • Districts of Republican Subordination
Atali Agakhanov analytical data
USA
 
  • New Mexico
    • Catron County
      • Taylor Creek Mining District
- (1989)
    • Sierra County
      • Paramount Canyon
King et al. (1991)
Northrop et al. (1996)
 
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