Bobierrite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Bobierrite
Formula:
Mg3(PO4)2 · 8H2O
Colour:
Colorless to gray-white; colorless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Pearly
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
2.195
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named by James Dwight Dana in 1868 in honor of French agricultural chemist Pierre Adolphe Bobierre (May 7, 1823 Paris, France - September 18, 1881 Nantes, France), who first described the mineral.
Dimorph of:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
701
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:701:8
Similar Names
IMA Classification of Bobierrite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1868
Classification of Bobierrite
8.CE.35
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O about 1:2.5
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
C : Phosphates without additional anions, with H2O
E : With only medium-sized cations, RO4:H2O about 1:2.5
40.3.7.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
3 : A3(XO4)2·xH2O
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
3 : A3(XO4)2·xH2O
19.3.19
19 : Phosphates
3 : Phosphates of Be and Mg
19 : Phosphates
3 : Phosphates of Be and Mg
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Bob | 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 Bobierrite
Sub-Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent
Comment:
Pearly cleavages
Colour:
Colorless to gray-white; colorless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {010}, perfect.
On {010}, perfect.
Density:
2.195 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.17 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Measured density value is on artificial material.
Optical Data of Bobierrite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.51 - 1.5468 nβ = 1.52 - 1.5533 nγ = 1.543 - 1.582
2V:
Measured: 53° to 71°, Calculated: 52° to 73°
Birefringence:
0.032
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.033 - 0.035
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
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.
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.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r
Optical Extinction:
Y = b, Z ∧ c = 27°-29°.
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Bobierrite
Mindat Formula:
Mg3(PO4)2 · 8H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Bobierrite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/b
Setting:
C2/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 4.667 Å, b = 27.926 Å, c = 10.067 Å
β = 105.01°
β = 105.01°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.167 : 1 : 0.36
Unit Cell V:
1,267.27 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals acicular or fibrous, minute, elongated [001] and flattened {010}. Also forms rosette-like flattened aggregates; lamellar; crystalline agglomerations; masive.
Comment:
Takagi, S., Mathew, M., and Brown, W. E. (1986) Crystal Structures of Bobierrite and Synthetic Mg3(PO4)2.8H2O. American Mineralogist: 71: 1229-1233.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0001048 | Bobierrite | Takagi S, Mathew M, Brown W E (1986) Crystal structures of bobierrite and synthetic Mg3(PO4)2(H2O)8 American Mineralogist 71 1229-1233 |  | 1986 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.96 Å | (100) |
| 8.04 Å | (18) |
| 3.02 Å | (10) |
| 2.94 Å | (27) |
| 2.81 Å | (13) |
| 2.41 Å | (12) |
| 2.13 Å | (10) |
Comments:
Synthetic
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 52 : Guano- and urine-derived minerals | <0.4 |
| 53 : Other minerals with taphonomic origins | <0.4 |
Geological Setting:
Guano deposits.
Phosphatic fossils.
Late stage phosphate mineralization in granite pegmatite.
Phosphatic fossils.
Late stage phosphate mineralization in granite pegmatite.
Type Occurrence of Bobierrite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Six-sided minute prismatic crystals forming aggregates, embedded in guano.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines, Paris, France, number 4401.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Guano deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Bobierrite
Other Language Names for Bobierrite
Dutch:Bobierriet
German:Bobierrit
Russian:Бобьерит
Simplified Chinese:白磷镁石
Spanish:Bobierrita
Traditional Chinese:白磷鎂石
Relationship of Bobierrite to other Species
Chemically related to group(s):
| Vivianite Group | M1M22(XO4)2 · 8H2O |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 8 photos of Bobierrite associated with Collinsite | Ca2Mg(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 6 photos of Bobierrite associated with Arthurite | CuFe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 5 photos of Bobierrite associated with Kovdorskite | Mg2(PO4)(OH) · 3H2O |
| 4 photos of Bobierrite associated with Wavellite | Al3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 1 photo of Bobierrite associated with Metatorbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 1 photo of Bobierrite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Bobierrite associated with Rimkorolgite | (Mg,Mn)5(Ba,Sr,Ca)(PO4)4 · 8H2O |
| 1 photo of Bobierrite associated with Kalicinite | KHCO3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.CE. | Monteneroite | Cu2+Mn2+2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE. | Belmonteite | CaMn2(AsO4)2 · 7H2O |
| 8.CE.X | Babánekite | Cu3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.05 | Chudobaite | Mg5(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.CE.05 | Geigerite | Mn2+5(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.CE.10 | Newberyite | Mg(PO3OH) · 3H2O |
| 8.CE.10 | Manganonewberyite | Mn(PO3OH)(H2O)3 |
| 8.CE.15 | Fanguangite | (MoO2)(PO3OH) · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.15 | Brassite | Mg(HAsO4) · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.20 | Phosphorrösslerite | Mg(PO3OH) · 7H2O |
| 8.CE.20 | Rösslerite | Mg(HAsO4) · 7H2O |
| 8.CE.25 | Switzerite | Mn2+3(PO4)2 · 7H2O |
| 8.CE.25 | Metaswitzerite | Mn2+3(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Pradetite | CoCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Veselovskýite | ZnCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Lindackerite | CuCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Klajite | MnCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 9-10H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Hloušekite | (Ni,Co)Cu4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2 · 9H2O |
| 8.CE.30 | Ondrušite | CaCu4(AsO4)2(HAsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Barićite | (Mg,Fe)3(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Parasymplesite | Fe2+3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Gritsenkoite | CoMg2(AsO4)2(H2O)8 |
| 8.CE.40 | Cabrerite | NiMg2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Pakhomovskyite | Co3(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Vivianite | Fe2+Fe2+2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Arupite | Ni3(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Erythrite | Co3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Hörnesite | Mg3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Manganohörnesite | Mn2+3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Köttigite | Zn3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Ferrisymplesite | Fe3+3(AsO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.CE.40 | Annabergite | Ni3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.45 | Symplesite | Fe2+3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.50 | Cattiite | Mg3(PO4)2 · 22H2O |
| 8.CE.55 | Koninckite | Fe3+PO4 · 3H2O |
| 8.CE.60 | Kaňkite | FeAsO4 · 3.5H2O |
| 8.CE.60 | Hilarionite | Fe3+2(SO4)(AsO4)(OH) · 6H2O |
| 8.CE.65 | Steigerite | Al(VO4) · 3H2O |
| 8.CE.70 | Metaschoderite | Al2(PO4)(VO4) · 6H2O |
| 8.CE.70 | Schoderite | Al2(PO4)(VO4) · 8H2O |
| 8.CE.75 | Zigrasite | MgZr(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.75 | 'UM2009-11-PO:CaHZr' | CaZr[PO4]2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.75 | Malhmoodite | FeZr(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.CE.80 | Santabarbaraite | Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O |
| 8.CE.85 | Metaköttigite | (Zn,Fe,Fe)3(AsO4)2 · 8(H2O,OH) |
| 8.CE.90 | Slavkovite | Cu13(AsO4)6(AsO3OH)4 · 23H2O |
Fluorescence of Bobierrite
Not fluorescent.
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Heated in a closed tube gives considerable water.
Notes:
Insoluble in water. Readily soluble in acids without 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 Bobierrite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-701.html
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References for Bobierrite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.49
Barth, Tom F. W. (1937) Crystallographic studies in the vivianite group. American Mineralogist, 22 (5) 325-341
Gruner, John W., Stauffer, C. R. (1943) A unique occurrence of bobierrite, Mg3(PO4)2·8H2O. American Mineralogist, 28 (5). 339-340
Frazier, A. William, Lehr, James R., Smith, James P. (1963) The magnesium phosphates hannayite, schertelite and bobierrite. American Mineralogist, 48 (5-6) 635-641
Frost, R. L., Martens, W., Williams, P. A., Kloprogge, J. T. (2002) Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of the vivianite-group phosphates vivianite, baricite and bobierrite. Mineralogical Magazine, 66 (6) 1063-1073 doi:10.1180/0026461026660077
Localities for Bobierrite
Showing 22 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The 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).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
| Mason et al. (1974) |
Canada | |
| Robinson et al. (1992) |
| Robinson et al. (1992) | |
Chile (TL) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Atencio et al. (2012) +1 other reference | |
| Gerhard Möhn collection |
China | |
| Yuan et al. (2015) |
Germany | |
| Gerhard Möhn Collection Analyzed by ... |
Greece | |
| Rieck et al. (2022) |
Kenya | |
| Mineralogical Society of America - ... |
New Zealand | |
| Railton et al. (1990) | |
Norway | |
| Michel (1893) +1 other reference |
Poland | |
| Ł. Kruszewski PXRD data (to be published soon) +3 other references |
Portugal | |
| Idoia Garate-Olabe et al. (Guarda, Portugal) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler et al. (1991) |
Romania | |
| Onac et al. (1995) |
Russia | |
| Liferovich et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
| [World of Stones 95:5-6 +3 other references | |
Ukraine | |
| Chukanov (2005) |
| Shnykov E.F. at al. (1971) |
USA | |
| Gruner et al. (1943) +1 other reference |
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Kovdor Zheleznyi Mine, Kovdor Massif, Kovdorsky District, Murmansk Oblast, Russia