Neptunite (original) (raw)
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
About NeptuniteHide
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Formula:
KNa2Li(Fe2+)2Ti2[Si4O12]2
Specific Gravity:
3.19 - 3.23
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
For Neptune, Roman god of the sea, for close association at type locality with aegirine (named after Aegir, a Scandinavian sea god).
The Fe(II) analogue of manganoneptunite.
Minor rock forming mineral. Probably best know as an associated mineral with benitoite.
Unique IdentifiersHide
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Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2883:3
23c829e5-ba32-4149-9b99-57692bef1ce8
IMA Classification of NeptuniteHide
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Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
KNa2LiFe2+2Ti2Si8O24
Type description reference:
Classification of NeptuniteHide
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9.EH.05
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
E : Phyllosilicates
H : Transitional structures between phyllosilicate and other silicate units
70.4.1.1
70 : INOSILICATES Column or Tube Structures
4 : Column or Tube Structures with linked chains forming cages
14.9.26
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
9 : Silicates of Ti
Mineral SymbolsHide
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As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Npt | 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 NeptuniteHide
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Comment:
Deep blood-red in splinters
Density:
3.19 - 3.23 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.24 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of NeptuniteHide
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RI values:
_n_α = 1.690 - 1.691 _n_β = 1.693 - 1.700 _n_γ = 1.719 - 1.736
2V:
Measured: 36° to 49°, Calculated: 36° to 56°
δ = 0.029 - 0.045
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Comments:
X= pale yellow
Y= yellow-orange
Z= red-orange to red-brown
Chemistry of NeptuniteHide
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Mindat Formula:
KNa2Li(Fe2+)2Ti2[Si4O12]2
Chemical AnalysisHide
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Sample references:
| ID | Type | Locality | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Type Specimen | Narssârssuk pegmatite, Narsaarsuk Plateau, Igaliku, Kujalleq, Greenland | Flink, Gust. (1893) Om några mineral från Grönland. Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholm Förhandlingar, 15 (4) 195-208 doi:10.1080/11035899309442185 | Wet-chemical analysis (Flink), analysis incomplete, Li not analyzed |
| 2 | California State Gem Mine, Santa Rita Peak, San Benito County, California, USA | Laird, Jo, Albee, Arden L. (1972) Chemical composition and physical, optical, and structural properties of benitoite, neptunite, and joaquinite. American Mineralogist, 57 (1-2) 85-102 | Microprobe |
Crystallography of NeptuniteHide
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Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Cell Parameters:
a = 16.427(2) Å, b = 12.478(2) Å, c = 9.975(1) Å
β = 115.56(1)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.316 : 1 : 0.799
Unit Cell V:
1,844.54 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Prismatic crystals
Twinning:
Interpenetrant on {301}
Crystallographic forms of NeptuniteHide
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Crystal Atlas:
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Crystal StructureHide
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| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0018847 | Neptunite | Cannillo E, Mazzi F, Rossi G (1966) The crystal structure of neptunite Acta Crystallographica 21 200-208 |  |
1966 | San Benito, California, USA | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide
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Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.186 Å | (100) |
| 9.6 Å | (60) |
| 3.517 Å | (45) |
| 3.308 Å | (35) |
| 2.942 Å | (32) |
| 2.837 Å | (32) |
| 2.480 Å | (32) |
Geological EnvironmentHide
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Geological Setting:
alkaline rocks
Type Occurrence of NeptuniteHide
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General Appearance of Type Material:
Crystals from mm-sized up to 3-4 cm large, on aegirine or embedded in feldspar
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Flink, G. (1893): Om några mineral från Grönland. Geologiska Föreningen i Stockholms Förhandlingar. 15, 195-208
Synonyms of NeptuniteHide
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Other Language Names for NeptuniteHide
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Simplified Chinese:柱星叶石
Traditional Chinese:柱星葉石
Relationship of Neptunite to other SpeciesHide
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Other Members of this group:
Common AssociatesHide
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Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide
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| 9.EH.05 | Manganoneptunite | KNa2Li(Mn2+)2Ti2[Si4O12]2 | Mon. m : B b |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.EH.05 | Watatsumiite | KNa2Li(Mn2+)2V4+2[Si4O12]2 | Mon. m : B b |
| 9.EH.05 | Magnesioneptunite | KNa2Li(Mg)2Ti2[Si4O12]2 | Mon. 2/m : _B_2/b |
| 9.EH.05 | Rotherkopfite | KNa2Fe2+(Fe2+)2(Ti1.5Fe2+0.5)[Si4O12]2 | Mon. 2/m : _B_2/b |
| 9.EH.10 | Grumantite | Na(HSi2O5) · H2O | Orth. m _m_2 : F d _d_2 |
| 9.EH.15 | Sarcolite | Na4Ca12Al8Si12O46(SiO4,PO4)(OH,H2O)4(CO3,Cl) | Tet. 4/m : _I_4/m |
| 9.EH.20 | Ussingite | Na2AlSi3O8OH | Tric. 1 : _P_1 |
| 9.EH.25 | Leifite | (Na,H2O)Na6[Be2Al2(Al,Si)Si15O39]F2 | Trig. 3_m_ : _P_3_m_1 |
| 9.EH.25 | Telyushenkoite | (Cs,Na,K)Na6[Be2Al3Si15O39]F2 | Trig. 3_m_ _(_32/m ) : P_31_m |
| 9.EH.25 | Eirikite | KNa6Be2(Si15Al3)O39F2 | Trig. 3_m_ _(_32/m ) : _P_3_m_1 |
| 9.EH.30 | Nafertisite | Na3Fe2+10Ti2(Si6O17)2O2(OH)6F(H2O)2 | Mon. 2/m |
| 9.EH.35 | Veblenite | KNa(Fe2+5Fe3+4Mn7)Nb4(Si2O7)2(Si8O22)2O6(OH)10(H2O)3 | Tric. 1 : _P_1 |
Other InformationHide
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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 NeptuniteHide
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References for NeptuniteHide
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Reference List:
Localities for NeptuniteHide
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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.
Locality ListHide
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- 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.