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Aluminosugilite

A valid IMA mineral species
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05411050017271953564942.jpg
Aluminosugilite

Cerchiara Mine, Borghetto di Vara, La Spezia Province, Liguria, Italy
02106990017271953577056.jpg
Aluminosugilite, etc.

N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
08942030017271953576112.jpg
Aluminosugilite

Cerchiara Mine, Borghetto di Vara, La Spezia Province, Liguria, Italy
09017610017866427632903.jpg
Aluminosugilite

Cerchiara Mine, Borghetto di Vara, La Spezia Province, Liguria, Italy
02106990017271953577056.jpg
Aluminosugilite, etc.

N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
08942030017271953576112.jpg
Aluminosugilite

Cerchiara Mine, Borghetto di Vara, La Spezia Province, Liguria, Italy
05944770017271953586049.jpg
Aluminosugilite

Cerchiara Mine, Borghetto di Vara, La Spezia Province, Liguria, Italy
02106990017271953577056.jpg
Aluminosugilite, etc.

N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
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About AluminosugiliteHide

Formula:
KNa2Al2Li3[Si12O30]
Colour:
Pinkish-purple
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
6 - 6½
Specific Gravity:
2.71 - 2.72
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Member of:
Osumilite Group
Name:
Named for being the aluminum analogue of sugilite. There is a technical discussion in Nagashima et al. (2020) on why the modifier was made a prefix rather than a suffix.
This page provides mineralogical data about Aluminosugilite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
53545
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:53545:0

IMA Classification of AluminosugiliteHide

Classification of AluminosugiliteHide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
9.CM.

9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
M : [Si6O18]12- 6-membered double rings (sechser-Doppelringe)

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

Physical Properties of AluminosugiliteHide

Lustre:
Vitreous
Colour:
Pinkish-purple
Streak:
Pale purple to white
Hardness:
6 - 6½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Poor/Indistinct
On (0001)
Density:
2.71 - 2.72 g/cm3 (Measured)    2.73 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of AluminosugiliteHide

Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.577 - 1.586 nε = 1.575 - 1.585
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.001 - 0.002
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate (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 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.
Pleochroism:
Weak

Chemistry of AluminosugiliteHide

Mindat Formula:
KNa2Al2Li3[Si12O30]
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O49.135 %
Si34.501 %
Al5.524 %
Na4.707 %
K4.002 %
Li2.132 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
O
Si
Al
Na
K
Li
Elements listed:
Al, K, Li, Na, O, Si - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Chemical AnalysisHide

Oxide wt%:
 12
SiO271.86 %72.92 %
TiO20.05 %0.01 %
Al2O35.99 %7.63 %
Cr2O30.01 %
Mn2O3*4.46 %1.57 %
Fe2O3*2.14 %0.91 %
MnO*0.27 %1.73 %
MgO0.08 %0.21 %
SrO0.03 %0.03 %
BaO0.03 %
Na2O5.95 %6.29 %
K2O4.65 %4.65 %
Li2O (by stoichiometry)4.37 %4.33 %
P2O50.01 %
CaO0.01 %
Total:99.89 %100.3 %
Empirical formulas:
Sample IDEmpirical Formula
1(K0.99◻0.01)(Na1.93◻0.07)(Al1.10Mn3+0.57Fe3+0.27Mn2+0.04Mg0.02Ti0.01)(Li2.93Al0.07)[Si11.99Al0.01O30]
2(K0.98Na0.01)Na2.00(Al1.39Mn2+0.24Mn3+0.20Fe3+0.11Mg0.05)(Li2.87Al0.09)[Si12.03O30]
Sample references:
IDLocalityReferenceNotes
1N'Chwaning III Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Joe Morolong Local Municipality, John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa
Frank K. Mazdab collection; sample FKM-173; https://www.rockptx.com/fkm-176-to-fkm-200/#FKM-173
occurs as abundant low-z "globular" and vuggy masses overgrown by similar globular sugilite. Li2O content for this analysis is calculated by stoichiometry. Mn and Fe initially treated as 2+; subsequent Mn3+ (and hence Mn2O3) and Fe3+ (and hence Fe2O3) derived by charge balance. This analysis is a "representative" composition.
2  "  "
Frank K. Mazdab collection; sample FKM-173; https://www.rockptx.com/fkm-176-to-fkm-200/#FKM-173
occurs as abundant low-z "globular" and vuggy masses overgrown by similar globular sugilite. Li2O content for this analysis is calculated by stoichiometry. Mn and Fe initially treated as 2+; subsequent Mn3+ (and hence Mn2O3) and Fe3+ (and hence Fe2O3) derived by charge balance. This analysis represents the most Al-rich composition observed.

Crystallography of AluminosugiliteHide

Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Class (H-M):
6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) - Dihexagonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P6/mcc
Setting:
P6/mcc
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.9830(4) Å, c = 13.9667(5) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.399
Unit Cell V:
1205.45 ų
Comment:
Cell parameters for single crystal X-ray. Powder gave slightly smaller dimensions.

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
High-? alteration and/or metamorphism
32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits
Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks>3.0
35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks

Type Occurrence of AluminosugiliteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Cerchiara Mine, Borghetto di Vara, La Spezia Province, Liguria, Italy
General Appearance of Type Material:
Aggregates of small prismatic and/or granular crystals up to 1 mm in length
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Type material is deposited in the mineralogical collections of the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba, Japan, specimen numbers NSMMF- 16503
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Manganiferous metacherts
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
K FeldsparQuartz
Reference:
Nagashima, Mariko, Fukuda, Chihiro, Matsumoto, Takashi, Imaoka, Teruyoshi, Odicino, Gianluca, Armellino, Gianluca (2020) Aluminosugilite, KNa2Al2Li3Si12O30, an Al analogue of sugilite, from the Cerchiara mine, Liguria, Italy. European Journal of Mineralogy, 32 (1) 57-66 doi:10.5194/ejm-32-57-2020

Synonyms of AluminosugiliteHide

Other Language Names for AluminosugiliteHide

Relationship of Aluminosugilite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Osumilite Group
Other Members of Osumilite Group:
Agakhanovite-(Y)K◻2(YCa)Be3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
AlmaruditeK◻2Mn2+2(Be2Al)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mmm
ArmeniteBa(H2O)2Ca2Al3[Al3Si9O30]Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnna
BerezanskiteK◻2Ti2Li3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
BrannockiteK◻2Sn2Li3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
ChayesiteK◻2Mg2(Mg2Fe3+)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
DarapiositeKNa2Mn2(Zn2Li)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
DusmatoviteK(K◻)Mn2+2Zn3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
EifeliteKNa2(MgNa)Mg3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
FriedrichbeckeiteK(◻Na)Mg2(Be2Mg)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
KlöchiteK◻2(Fe2+Fe3+)Zn3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
LaurentthomasiteK◻2Mg2(Be2Al)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
MerrihueiteK(◻Na)Fe2+2Fe2+3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
MilariteK(◻H2O)Ca2(Be2Al)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
OftedaliteK◻2(ScCa)Be3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
OsumiliteK◻2Fe2+2Al3[Al2Si10O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
Osumilite-(Mg)K◻2Mg2Al3[Al2Si10O30] Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
PlechoviteCa2[K(H2O)]KBe3Si12O30Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
PoudretteiteK◻2Na2B3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
RoedderiteK(◻Na)Mg2Mg3[Si12O30]Hex. 6m2 : P62c
ShibkoviteK(◻K)Ca2Zn3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
SogdianiteK◻2Zr2Li3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
SugiliteKNa2Fe3+2Li3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
Trattnerite◻(◻)2Fe3+2Mg3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
'UM1990-73-SiO:KMnNaZn'K(KNa0.5◻0.5)(Mn1.5Na0.5)Zn3[Si12O30]Hex.
'Unnamed (Mn3+-dominant analog of Sugilite)'KNa2Mn3+2Li3[Si12O30]
YagiiteNa◻2Mg2Al3[Al2Si10O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
3 photos of Aluminosugilite associated with SugiliteKNa2Fe3+2Li3[Si12O30]
3 photos of Aluminosugilite associated with QuartzSiO2
3 photos of Aluminosugilite associated with PectoliteNaCa2Si3O8(OH)
2 photos of Aluminosugilite associated with Garnet GroupX3Z2(SiO4)3
1 photo of Aluminosugilite associated with NamansiliteNaMn3+Si2O6

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

9.CM.Agakhanovite-(Y)K◻2(YCa)Be3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.PlechoviteCa2[K(H2O)]KBe3Si12O30Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05FriedrichbeckeiteK(◻Na)Mg2(Be2Mg)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05LaurentthomasiteK◻2Mg2(Be2Al)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05'UM1990-73-SiO:KMnNaZn'K(KNa0.5◻0.5)(Mn1.5Na0.5)Zn3[Si12O30]Hex.
9.CM.05EifeliteKNa2(MgNa)Mg3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05AlmaruditeK◻2Mn2+2(Be2Al)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mmm
9.CM.05ArmeniteBa(H2O)2Ca2Al3[Al3Si9O30]Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnna
9.CM.05MerrihueiteK(◻Na)Fe2+2Fe2+3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05OftedaliteK◻2(ScCa)Be3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05RoedderiteK(◻Na)Mg2Mg3[Si12O30]Hex. 6m2 : P62c
9.CM.05ShibkoviteK(◻K)Ca2Zn3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05SogdianiteK◻2Zr2Li3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05MilariteK(◻H2O)Ca2(Be2Al)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05BerezanskiteK◻2Ti2Li3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05PoudretteiteK◻2Na2B3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05DarapiositeKNa2Mn2(Zn2Li)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05ChayesiteK◻2Mg2(Mg2Fe3+)[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05Osumilite-(Mg)K◻2Mg2Al3[Al2Si10O30] Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05OsumiliteK◻2Fe2+2Al3[Al2Si10O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05SugiliteKNa2Fe3+2Li3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05Trattnerite◻(◻)2Fe3+2Mg3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05BrannockiteK◻2Sn2Li3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05KlöchiteK◻2(Fe2+Fe3+)Zn3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P63/mmc
9.CM.05DusmatoviteK(K◻)Mn2+2Zn3[Si12O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.05YagiiteNa◻2Mg2Al3[Al2Si10O30]Hex. 6/mmm(6/m2/m2/m) : P6/mcc
9.CM.10FaizieviteK2Na(Ca6Na)Ti4Li6[Si6O18]2[Si12O30]F2Tric. 1 : P1

RadioactivityHide

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) 4.0024% 1,241 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: –

DistanceDose rateRisk
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 InformationHide

Notes:
Insoluble in HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4
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 AluminosugiliteHide

References for AluminosugiliteHide

Localities for AluminosugiliteHide

Showing 4 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.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

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.
Italy (TL)
 
  • Liguria
    • La Spezia Province
      • Borghetto di Vara
Cabella et al. (1990) +2 other references
Japan
 
  • Ehime Prefecture
    • Iyo district
      • Tobe-cho
HIROWATARI et al. (1989) +1 other reference
  • Iwate Prefecture
    • Kunohe-gun
      • Hirono
        • Ono
Specimen obtained from Dr Go Ito
South Africa
 
  • Northern Cape
    • John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality
      • Joe Morolong Local Municipality
        • N'Chwaning Mines
Frank K. Mazdab collection: ...
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