Dumortierite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Dumortierite
Formula:
Al(Al2O)(Al2O)2(SiO4)3(BO3)
The given formula is the anhydrous end-member. Hydrogen incorporation leads to a more complex formula:
(Al,◻)[Al2(O,OH)](Al2O)2[SiO3(O,OH)]3(BO3)
(Al,◻)[Al2(O,OH)](Al2O)2[SiO3(O,OH)]3(BO3)
Colour:
Blue, greenish-blue, violet-blue, pale blue, pink, red
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
7 - 8
Specific Gravity:
3.21 - 3.41
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named in honour of Eugène Dumortier (3 December 1801, Lyon, France – 13 August 1876, Lyon, France), palaeontologist who wrote 'Études Paléontologiques sur les dépôts jurassiques du Bassin du Rhône'.
Isostructural with:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1329
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1329:7
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
664e3d36-6519-4342-bdd5-b1a1eb326737
IMA Classification of Dumortierite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
AlAl6BSi3O18
First published:
1881
Classification of Dumortierite
9.AJ.10
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
A : Nesosilicates
J : Nesosilicates with BO3 triangles and/or B[4], Be[4] tetrahedra, cornersharing with SiO4
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
A : Nesosilicates
J : Nesosilicates with BO3 triangles and/or B[4], Be[4] tetrahedra, cornersharing with SiO4
54.1.2.1
54 : NESOSILICATES Borosilicates and Some Beryllosilicates
1 : Borosilicates and Some Beryllosilicates with (BO3)
54 : NESOSILICATES Borosilicates and Some Beryllosilicates
1 : Borosilicates and Some Beryllosilicates with (BO3)
17.5.25
17 : Silicates Containing other Anions
5 : Borosilicates
17 : Silicates Containing other Anions
5 : Borosilicates
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Symbol | Source | Reference |
---|---|---|
Dum | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Dum | Whitney & Evans (2010) | Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W. (2010) Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95, 185–187 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3371 |
Dum | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Pronunciation of Dumortierite
Pronunciation:
Play | Recorded by | Country |
---|---|---|
Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Dumortierite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Comment:
Vitreous to dull.
Colour:
Blue, greenish-blue, violet-blue, pale blue, pink, red
Hardness:
7 - 8 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Distinct on {100}, poor on {110},
Distinct on {100}, poor on {110},
Parting:
parting on {001}
Density:
3.21 - 3.41 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.45 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Dumortierite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.659 - 1.678 nβ = 1.684 - 1.691 nγ = 1.686 - 1.692
2V:
Measured: 20° to 52°, Calculated: 30°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.027
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
High
Dispersion:
r > v or r < v
Optical Extinction:
Parallel. X = c; Y = b; Z = a.
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X = deep blue or violet; Y = yellow to red-violet or nearly colorless; Z = colorless or very pale blue.
Chemistry of Dumortierite
Mindat Formula:
Al(Al2O)(Al2O)2(SiO4)3(BO3)
The given formula is the anhydrous end-member. Hydrogen incorporation leads to a more complex formula:
(Al,◻)[Al2(O,OH)](Al2O)2[SiO3(O,OH)]3(BO3)
The given formula is the anhydrous end-member. Hydrogen incorporation leads to a more complex formula:
(Al,◻)[Al2(O,OH)](Al2O)2[SiO3(O,OH)]3(BO3)
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Fe,Ti,Mg,Ca
Chemical Analysis
Oxide wt%:
1 | |
---|---|
SiO2 | 30.90 % |
TiO2 | 1.11 % |
Al2O3 | 57.24 % |
Fe2O3 | 0.44 % |
MgO | 2.92 % |
B2O3 | 6.09 % |
H2O | 1.18 % |
Total: | 99.88 % |
Sample references:
ID | Locality | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Bjordam, Bamble, Vestfold og Telemark, Norway | Visser, D. & Senior, A. (1991): Mg-rich dumortierite in cordierite-orthoamphibole bearing rocks from the highgrade Bamble Sector, South Norway. Mineralogical Magazine 55: 563-577 | H2O and B2O3 calculated assuming one B and 0.75 (OH) per formula unit for dumortierite, after Moore & Araki (1978) |
Crystallography of Dumortierite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.828(1) Å, b = 20.243(3) Å, c = 4.7001(5) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.584 : 1 : 0.232
Unit Cell V:
1,125.36 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Twinning:
Common on {110} sometimes producing trillings.
Comment:
Non-standard space group setting (Pmcn).
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
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0001022 | Dumortierite | Alexander V D, Griffen D T, Martin T J (1986) Crystal chemistry of some Fe- and Ti-poor dumortierites American Mineralogist 71 786-794 | 1986 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001023 | Dumortierite | Alexander V D, Griffen D T, Martin T J (1986) Crystal chemistry of some Fe- and Ti-poor dumortierites O5y and O11x have been editted American Mineralogist 71 786-794 | 1986 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001024 | Dumortierite | Alexander V D, Griffen D T, Martin T J (1986) Crystal chemistry of some Fe- and Ti-poor dumortierites American Mineralogist 71 786-794 | 1986 | 0 | 293 | ||
0001025 | Dumortierite | Alexander V D, Griffen D T, Martin T J (1986) Crystal chemistry of some Fe- and Ti-poor dumortierites American Mineralogist 71 786-794 | 1986 | 0 | 293 | ||
0020826 | Dumortierite | Evans R J, Fyfe C A, Groat L A, Lam A E (2012) MAS NMR measurements and ab initio calculations of the 29Si chemical shifts in dumortierite and holtite American Mineralogist 97 329-340 | 2012 | Madagascar | 0 | 293 | |
0019559 | Dumortierite | Groat L A, Evans R J, Grew E S, Pieczka A (2012) The crystal chemistry of As- and Sb-bearing dumortierite The Canadian Mineralogist 50 855-872 | 2012 | Hartmannsdorf quarry, 12 km northwest of Chemnitz in Saxony, Germany | 0 | 293 | |
0019560 | Dumortierite | Groat L A, Evans R J, Grew E S, Pieczka A (2012) The crystal chemistry of As- and Sb-bearing dumortierite The Canadian Mineralogist 50 855-872 | 2012 | west shore of Lake Uvildy in the Ilmen Mountains, southern Urals, Russia | 0 | 293 | |
0019561 | Dumortierite | Groat L A, Evans R J, Grew E S, Pieczka A (2012) The crystal chemistry of As- and Sb-bearing dumortierite The Canadian Mineralogist 50 855-872 | 2012 | Tonagh Island in Amundsen Bay, Enderby Land, East Antarctica | 0 | 293 | |
0019562 | Dumortierite | Groat L A, Evans R J, Grew E S, Pieczka A (2012) The crystal chemistry of As- and Sb-bearing dumortierite The Canadian Mineralogist 50 855-872 | 2012 | the Larsemann Hills, Prydz Bay, Princess Elizabeth Land, East Antarctica | 0 | 293 | |
0007091 | Dumortierite | Fuchs Y, Ertl A, Hughes J M, Prowatke S, Brandstatter F, Schuster R (2005) Dumortierite from the Gfohl unit, Lower Austria: chemistry, structure, and infra-red spectroscopy European Journal of Mineralogy 17 173-183 | 2005 | Gfohl unit, Lower Austria | 0 | 293 | |
0007092 | Dumortierite | Fuchs Y, Ertl A, Hughes J M, Prowatke S, Brandstatter F, Schuster R (2005) Dumortierite from the Gfohl unit, Lower Austria: chemistry, structure, and infra-red spectroscopy European Journal of Mineralogy 17 173-183 | 2005 | Gfohl unit, Lower Austria | 0 | 293 | |
0019939 | Dumortierite | Moore P B, Araki T (1978) Dumortierite, Si3B[Al6.75[]0.25O17.25(OH)0.75]: a detailed structure analysis Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Abhandlungen 132 231-241 | 1978 | Saharina, Madagascar | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
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Radiation - Copper Kα
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacing | Intensity |
---|---|
5.85 Å | (strong) |
2.09 Å | (medium strong) |
5.06 Å | (medium) |
3.43 Å | (medium) |
3.22 Å | (medium) |
2.91 Å | (medium |
broad) Å | ( |
4.26 Å | (medium weak) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
---|---|
Near-surface Processes | |
23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) | |
Stage 5: Initiation of plate tectonics | <3.5-2.5 |
40 : Regional metamorphism (greenschist, amphibolite, granulite facies) |
Geological Setting:
In Al rich regionally metamorphosed rocks disseminated and in veinlets cutting schist, also in pegmatitic veins.
Type Occurrence of Dumortierite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Muséum Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France, numbers 83.63 (holotype), 93.311 (cotype), 95.10 (cotype).
Reference:
Gonnard, M.F. (1881) Note sur l´existance d´une espèce minérale nouvelle, la dumortiérite dans le gneiss de Beaunan, au-dessus des anciens aqueducs galloromains de la vallée de l´Izeron (Rhône). Bulletin de la Société Minéralogique de France: 4: 2-5.
Other Language Names for Dumortierite
Dutch:Dumortieriet
German:Dumortierit
Italian:Dumortierite
Polish:Dumortieryt
Russian:Дюмортьерит
Spanish:Dumortierita
Relationship of Dumortierite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
Magnesiodumortierite | Mg(Al2OH)(Al2O)2(SiO4)3(BO3) | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
107 photos of Dumortierite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
19 photos of Dumortierite associated with Muscovite | KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
15 photos of Dumortierite associated with Quartzite | |
12 photos of Dumortierite associated with Albite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
6 photos of Dumortierite associated with Schorl | NaFe2+3Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
6 photos of Dumortierite associated with Citrine | SiO2 |
6 photos of Dumortierite associated with Hematite | Fe2O3 |
5 photos of Dumortierite associated with Chlorite Group | |
5 photos of Dumortierite associated with Kyanite | Al2(SiO4)O |
4 photos of Dumortierite associated with Dickite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
9.AJ. | Hingganite-(Nd) | Nd2◻Be2Si2O8(OH)2 |
9.AJ. | Arrheniusite-(Ce) | CaMg[(Ce7Y3)Ca5](SiO4)4(Si2B3AsO18)(BO3)F11 |
9.AJ.05 | Grandidierite | (Mg,Fe2+)(Al,Fe3+)3(SiO4)(BO3)O2 |
9.AJ.05 | Ominelite | (Fe2+,Mg)(Al,Fe3+)3(SiO4)(BO3)O2 |
9.AJ.10 | Holtite | (Ta0.6◻0.4)Al6BSi3O18(O,OH)2.25 |
9.AJ.10 | Magnesiodumortierite | Mg(Al2OH)(Al2O)2(SiO4)3(BO3) |
9.AJ.10 | Nioboholtite | (Nb0.6◻0.4)Al6BSi3O18 |
9.AJ.10 | Titanoholtite | (Ti0.75◻0.25)Al6BSi3O18 |
9.AJ.15 | Garrelsite | Ba3NaSi2B7O16(OH)4 |
9.AJ.20 | Muromontite | near Be2FeY2Si3O12 |
9.AJ.20 | Datolite | CaB(SiO4)(OH) |
9.AJ.20 | Gadolinite-(Ce) | (Ce,La,Nd,Y)2Fe2+Be2Si2O10 |
9.AJ.20 | Gadolinite-(Y) | Y2Fe2+Be2Si2O10 |
9.AJ.20 | Hingganite-(Ce) | (Ce,REE)2(◻,Fe2+)Be2[SiO4]2(OH)2 |
9.AJ.20 | Hingganite-(Y) | (Y,REE,Ca)2(◻,Fe2+)Be2[SiO4]2(OH)2 |
9.AJ.20 | Hingganite-(Yb) | (Yb,Y,REE)2◻Be2[SiO4]2(OH)2 |
9.AJ.20 | Homilite | Ca2(Fe2+,Mg)B2Si2O10 |
9.AJ.20 | Melanocerite-(Ce) | (Ce,Ca)5(SiO4,BO4)3(OH,0) |
9.AJ.20 | Minasgeraisite-(Y) | (Ca2Y2)◻2(Be2B2)[SiO4]4(OH)4 |
9.AJ.20 | Calcybeborosilite-(Y) | (Y,Ca)2(◻,Fe2+)(B,Be)2[SiO4]2(OH,O)2 |
9.AJ.20 | Gadolinite-(Nd) | Nd2Fe2+Be2O2(SiO4)2 |
9.AJ.20 | Unnamed (OH-analogue of Gadolinite-(Y)) | (Y,Ca)2(Fe,◻)Be2Si2O8(OH,O)2 |
9.AJ.25 | Stillwellite-(Ce) | (Ce,La,Ca)BSiO5 |
9.AJ.30 | Cappelenite-(Y) | Ba(Y,Ce)6Si3B6O24F2 |
9.AJ.35 | Okanoganite-(Y) | (Na,Ca)3(Y,Ce)12Si6B2O27F14 |
9.AJ.35 | Vicanite-(Ce) | (Ca,Ce,La,Th)15As5+(As3+0.5,Na0.5)Fe3+Si6B4O40F7 |
9.AJ.35 | Hundholmenite-(Y) | (Y,REE,Ca,Na)15(Al,Fe3+)(CaxAs3+1-x)(Si,As5+)Si6B3(O,F)48 |
9.AJ.35 | Proshchenkoite-(Y) | Ca(Y,REE,Ca,Na,Mn)15Fe2+(P,Si)Si6B3O34F14 |
9.AJ.35 | Laptevite-(Ce) | Ca6(Fe2+,Mn2+)Y3REE7(SiO4)3(PO4)(B3Si3O18)(BO3)F11 |
9.AJ.40 | Jadarite | LiNaSiB3O7(OH) |
Fluorescence of Dumortierite
blue shortwave-excited luminescence excited by SW UV caused by titanate groups (TiO6)
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Dumortierite in petrology
An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.
Internet Links for Dumortierite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1329.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Dumortierite
Reference List:
Localities for Dumortierite
Locality List
- 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.
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
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| Morteani, Giulio, Ackermand, Dietrich (2006) Mineralogy, geochemistry and petrology of an amphibolite-facies aluminum-phosphate and borosilicate (APB)-bearing quartzite from the Mesoproterozoic Itremo Group (Central Madagascar). Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie - Abhandlungen, 182 (2). 123-148 doi:10.1127/0077-7757/2006/0036 |
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| Grew, Edward S., McGee, James J., Yates, Martin G., Peacor, Donald R., Rouse, Roland C., Huijsmanns, Joep P. P., Shearer, Charles K., Wiedenbeck, Michael, Thost, Douglas E., Su, Shu-Chun (1998) Boralsilite (Al16B6Si2O37); a new mineral related to sillimanite from pegmatites in granulite-facies rocks. American Mineralogist, 83 (5). 638-651 doi:10.2138/am-1998-5-624 |
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| Van King collectionIdentified by Van King: Visual Identification |
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Quick NavTopAbout DumortieriteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPronunciation Physical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Chemical AnalysisCrystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationDumortierite in petrologyInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Vaca Morta quarry, Serra da Vereda, Boquira, Bahia, Brazil