Zaratite (original) (raw)
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered - questionable
About ZaratiteHide
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Formula:
Ni3(CO3)(OH)4 · 4H2O ?
Colour:
Emerald-green; green in transmitted light.
Specific Gravity:
2.57 - 2.649
Name:
Named after Antonio Gil y Zarate (1 December 1793, El Escorial, Madrid, Spain – 27 January 1861, Madrid, Spain), dramatist.
A secondary nickel carbonate of uncertain and apparently variable composition.
Garcia-Guinea et al. (2014) concluded that "zaratite" should not deserve a species status. Their samples taken from various localities proved to be low-crystalline anhydrous zaratite, nullaginite, or gaspéite, all differing in Ni/C/H ratios.
See also hellyerite.
Unique IdentifiersHide
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Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4388:1
9c77c069-9f37-4b18-9666-0684ece96a00
IMA Classification of ZaratiteHide
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Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959), Questionable
IMA Formula:
Ni3(CO3)(OH)4 · 4H2O
Type description reference:
Classification of ZaratiteHide
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5.DA.15
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
D : Carbonates with additional anions, with H2O
A : With medium-sized cations
16b.4.1.1
16b : HYDRATED CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : AmBn(XO3)pZq
xH2O & with (m+n):p = 3:1
11.14.6
11 : Carbonates
14 : Carbonates of Co and Ni
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zar | 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 ZaratiteHide
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Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Emerald-green; green in transmitted light.
Density:
2.57 - 2.649 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.67 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of ZaratiteHide
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RI values:
_n_α = 1.597 _n_β = 1.602 _n_γ = 1.609 n = 1.56 - 1.62
δ = 0.012
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Comments:
Emerald green (fiber length)
Yellowish green (perpendicular to fiber length).
Chemistry of ZaratiteHide
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Mindat Formula:
Ni3(CO3)(OH)4 · 4H2O ?
Crystallography of ZaratiteHide
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Cell Parameters:
a = 6.16 Å
Unit Cell V:
233.74 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Incrustations; small stalactititic; minute mammillary. Microcrystalline structure; massive, compact.
Comment:
Crystal Data: n.d. Point Group: n.d.; Cell Data: Space Group: n.d. Z = n.d
X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide
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Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.07 Å | (vs) |
| 8.93 Å | (s) |
| 2.45 Å | (s) |
| 2.73 Å | (m) |
| 2.00 Å | (mw) |
| 1.91 Å | (w) |
| 1.55 Å | (w) |
Comments:
; diffuse pattern, probably of a mixture
Geological EnvironmentHide
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Geological Setting:
Basic igneous rocks and serpentinites.
Type Occurrence of ZaratiteHide
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Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Martinez Alcibar A (1850) Raro é importante mineral de niquel. Revista Minera 1, 302-306
Synonyms of ZaratiteHide
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Other Language Names for ZaratiteHide
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Common AssociatesHide
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Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide
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Other InformationHide
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Notes:
Readily soluble in heated dilute HCl with effervescence.
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 ZaratiteHide
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References for ZaratiteHide
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Reference List:
Localities for ZaratiteHide
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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.