Leonite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Leonite
Formula:
K2Mg(SO4)2 · 4H2O
Colour:
Colourless, pale yellow; colourless (transmitted light)
Lustre:
Vitreous, Waxy
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Specific Gravity:
2.20
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in honor of Leo Balthasar Leberecht Strippelmann (26 July 1826, Kassel, Germany - 17 June 1892, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany), Director of the salt works at Westeregeln, Germany.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2377
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2377:7
IMA Classification of Leonite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1896
Classification of Leonite
7.CC.55
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
C : With medium-sized and large cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
C : With medium-sized and large cations
29.3.3.3
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
3 : A2B(XO4)2·xH2O
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
3 : A2B(XO4)2·xH2O
25.3.14
25 : Sulphates
3 : Sulphates of Mg
25 : Sulphates
3 : Sulphates of 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Leo | 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 Leonite
Vitreous, Waxy
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, pale yellow; colourless (transmitted light)
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
2.20 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.20 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Leonite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.479 - 1.480 nβ = 1.482 - 1.483 nγ = 1.486 - 1.487
2V:
Measured: 90° , Calculated: 76°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.007
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:
none
Optical Extinction:
Y = b; Z ∧ a = small.
Chemistry of Leonite
Mindat Formula:
K2Mg(SO4)2 · 4H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Leonite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.769(2) Å, b = 9.539(3) Å, c = 9.889(3) Å
β = 95.31(2)°
β = 95.31(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.234 : 1 : 1.037
Unit Cell V:
1,105.42 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals tabular {100} and elongated [001]. Usually anhedral.
Twinning:
On {100} - artificial crystals. Lamellar twinning observable under magnification.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0002727 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 |  | 2001 | 0 | 100 | |
| 0002728 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | | 2001 | 0 | 170 | |
| 0002729 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | | 2001 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0002730 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | | 2001 | 0 | 110 | |
| 0002731 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | | 2001 | 0 | 185 | |
| 0002732 | Leonite | Hertweck B, Giester G, Libowitzky E (2001) The crystal structures of the low-temperature phases of leonite-type compounds, K2Me(SO4)2.4H2O (Me=Mg,Mn,Fe) American Mineralogist 86 1282-1292 | | 2001 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017943 | Leonite | Anspach H (1939) Die Struktur des Mn-Leonit _cod_database_code 1011041 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 101 39-77 | 1939 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.42 Å | (100) |
| 3.04 Å | (48) |
| 2.38 Å | (47) |
| 3.49 Å | (41) |
| 3.31 Å | (36) |
| 2.88 Å | (27) |
| 5.88 Å | (22) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 25 : Evaporites (prebiotic) | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] |
Geological Setting:
Oceanic potash deposits.
Type Occurrence of Leonite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
No designated type specimen.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Rock salt deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Leonite
Other Language Names for Leonite
Relationship of Leonite to other Species
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.CC. | Cobaltoblödite | Na2Co(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC. | Andychristyite | PbCu2+Te6+O5(H2O) |
| 7.CC. | Ammoniovoltaite | (NH4)2Fe2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12(H2O)18 |
| 7.CC.05 | Krausite | KFe(SO4)2 · H2O |
| 7.CC.10 | Tamarugite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.15 | Mendozite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.CC.15 | Kalinite | KAl(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Alum-(Na) | NaAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Lonecreekite | (NH4)Fe3+(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Alum-(K) | KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Tschermigite | (NH4)Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.20 | Lanmuchangite | Tl+Al(SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Zincovoltaite | K2Zn5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Voltaite | K2Fe2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Magnesiovoltaite | K2Mg5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Pertlikite | K2(Fe2+,Mg)2(Mg,Fe3+)4Fe3+2Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.25 | Ammoniomagnesiovoltaite | (NH4)2Mg2+5Fe3+3Al(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.CC.30 | Kröhnkite | Na2Cu(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.CC.35 | Ferrinatrite | Na3Fe(SO4)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.CC.40 | Goldichite | KFe(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.45 | Löweite | Na12Mg7(SO4)13 · 15H2O |
| 7.CC.50 | Nickelblödite | Na2Ni(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.50 | Blödite | Na2Mg(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.50 | Changoite | Na2Zn(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.55 | Mereiterite | K2Fe(SO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Nickelpicromerite | K2Ni(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Nickelboussingaultite | (NH4)2Ni(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Katerinopoulosite | (NH4)2Zn(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Picromerite | K2Mg(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Cyanochroite | K2Cu(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Mohrite | (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.60 | Boussingaultite | (NH4)2Mg(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.65 | Polyhalite | K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CC.70 | Leightonite | K2Ca2Cu(SO4)4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CC.75 | Amarillite | NaFe(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.CC.80 | Konyaite | Na2Mg(SO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 7.CC.85 | Wattevilleite | Na2Ca(SO4)2 · 4H2O (?) |
| 7.CC.85 | Xocolatlite | Ca2Mn4+2(Te6+O6)2 · H2O |
| 7.CC.90 | Eckhardite | (Ca,Pb)Cu2+Te6+O5(H2O) |
Radioactivity
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) | 21.3251% | 6,611 | 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: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Dehydration occurs at 410-420 K and leads to langeinite and arcanite.
Notes:
Soluble in H2O, taste slightly bitter. Turns white upon alteration/dehydration to picromerite if left exposed.
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 Leonite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2377.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Leonite
Reference List:
Hertweck, Birgit, Libowitzky, Eugen (2002) Vibrational spectroscopy of phase transitions in leonite-type minerals. European Journal of Mineralogy, 14 (6) 1009-1017 doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2002/0014-1009
Localities for Leonite
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 | |
| Snow et al. (2014) |
Austria | |
| Exel (1993) |
Chile | |
| De Waele et al. (2017) |
| De Waele et al. (2017) | |
China | |
| Mily Wang et al. (1993) |
| Xiaohong Sun et al. (2010) |
| Bingxiao (1992) |
Germany | |
| Krah et al. (1988) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Bode "Mineralien und Fundstellen BRD" ... |
| according information from old germany ... |
| |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Brockt et al. (2001) |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| ... | |
| W.I. Borrisenkow (1968) |
Iran | |
| Khorasanipour (2015) |
Italy | |
| Russo et al. (2004) |
| Mariani P. (1978) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Pekov et al. (1993) |
Namibia | |
| Bowell et al. (2017) |
Pakistan | |
| M. Qasim Jan et al. (1985) |
Romania | |
| - (2001) |
Russia | |
| Shablinskii et al. (2022) |
Ukraine | |
| BILONIZHKA (2003) |
USA | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Hawley +5 other references |
| Philip (2013) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
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Neuhof-Ellers potash works, Neuhof, Fulda, Kassel Region, Hesse, Germany