Lovdarite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Lovdarite
Formula:
K2Na6Be4Si14O36 · 9H2O
Colour:
Colorless, white, yellowish
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
5 - 6
Specific Gravity:
2.33
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named by Y.P. Men'shikov, A.P. Denisov, Y.I. Uspenskaya, and E.A. Lipatova in 1973. The name derives from the Russian 'dar Lovozera', meaning 'a gift from Lovozero', Lovozero being the type locality.
This page provides mineralogical data about Lovdarite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2443
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2443:9
IMA Classification of Lovdarite
Approved
First published:
1973
Classification of Lovdarite
9.GF.15
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
G : Tektosilicates with zeolitic H2O; zeolite family
F : Other Rare Zeolites
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
G : Tektosilicates with zeolitic H2O; zeolite family
F : Other Rare Zeolites
78.6.2.1
78 : Unclassified Silicates
6 :
78 : Unclassified Silicates
6 :
16.6.6
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
6 : Aluminosilicates of Be
16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
6 : Aluminosilicates of Be
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lov | 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 Lovdarite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colorless, white, yellowish
Streak:
White
Hardness:
5 - 6 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Distinct along (100), (010) and (001) and weak along (110).
Distinct along (100), (010) and (001) and weak along (110).
Density:
2.33 g/cm3 (Measured)
Optical Data of Lovdarite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.513 nβ = 1.516 nγ = 1.518
2V:
Measured: 90° , Calculated: 78°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.005
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:
strong
Optical Extinction:
X = a; Y = b; Z = c.
Chemistry of Lovdarite
Mindat Formula:
K2Na6Be4Si14O36 · 9H2O
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
Ti,Al,Fe,Mn,Mg,Ca,Ba,F,P
Crystallography of Lovdarite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 39.576(1) Å, b = 6.9308(2) Å, c = 7.1526(3) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 5.71 : 1 : 1.032
Unit Cell V:
1,961.91 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Prismatic crystals.
Comment:
Space group Pma2. Distinct domains and various degrees of structural disorder are present (Merlino 1990).
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0006403 | Lovdarite | Merlino S (1990) Lovdarite, K4Na12(Be8Si28O72).18H2O, a zeolite-like mineral: structural features and OD character European Journal of Mineralogy 2 809-817 | 1990 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.56 Å | (60) |
| 4.96 Å | (90) |
| 3.29 Å | (100) |
| 3.14 Å | (100) |
| 2.447 Å | (60) |
| 2.288 Å | (60) |
| 1.785 Å | (50) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks |
Type Occurrence of Lovdarite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Massive rims, with a thickness of 1-2 cm, on chkalovite grains and crystals. Aggregates are porcelanous or have a fibrous-radial structure. Also as druses of prismatic crystals 1-2 mm long.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National School of Mines, Paris, France.
Geology Museum, Kola Branch, Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russia, 3208.
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Geology Museum, Kola Branch, Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russia, 3208.
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Alkaline pegmatite. A late stage hydrothermal mineral, originating after natrolite and replacing chkalovite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Lovdarite
Relationship of Lovdarite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Zeolite Group:
| Alflarsenite | NaCa2Be3Si4O13(OH) · 2H2O | Mon. 2 : P21 |
| Amicite | K2Na2Al4Si4O16 · 5H2O | Mon. 2 |
| Ammonioleucite | (NH4)(AlSi2O6) | Tet. 4/m : I41/a |
| Analcime | Na(AlSi2O6) · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Arzamastsevite | K6Al5Si6O20(OH)4Cl | Tet. 4 2m : I4 2m |
| Bellbergite | (K,Ba,Sr)2Sr2Ca2(Ca,Na)4[Al3Si3O12]6 · 30H2O | Hex. |
| Bikitaite | LiAlSi2O6 · H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Boggsite | Ca8Na3(Si,Al)96O192 · 70H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Imma |
| Brewsterite Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
| Chabazite-Levyne Subgroup | M[Al2Si4O12] · 6H2O | |
| Chiavennite | CaMnBe2Si5O13(OH)2 · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Clinoptilolite Subgroup | (Na/Ca/K)3-6[Al6-7Si29-30O72] · 20H2O | |
| Cowlesite | CaAl2Si3O10 · 6H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Dachiardite Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
| Direnzoite | NaK6MgCa2(Al13Si47O120) · 36H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmmn |
| Edingtonite | Ba[Al2Si3O10] · 4H2O | Orth. 2 2 2 : P21 21 21 |
| Epistilbite | CaAl2Si6O16 · 5H2O | Mon. |
| Erionite Subgroup | M2[Al4Si14O36] · 15H2O | |
| Fabrièsite | Na3Al3Si3O12 · 2H2O | Orth. mm2 : Pmm2 |
| Faujasite Subgroup | M3.5[Al7Si17O48] · 32H2O | |
| Ferrierite Subgroup | Name used for unanalysed specimens that could be either ferrierite-K, ferrierite-Mg, ... | |
| Ferrochiavennite | Ca1-2Fe[(Si,Al,Be)5Be2O13(OH)2] · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Flörkeite | (K3Ca2Na)[Al8Si8O32] · 12H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Garronite Subgroup | ||
| Gaultite | Na4Zn2Si7O18 · 5H2O | Orth. mm2 : Fdd2 |
| Gismondine Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
| Gmelinite Subgroup | In 1997, gmelinite was split into Gmelinite-Ca, Gmelinite-Na and Gmelinite-K. | |
| Gobbinsite | Na5(Si11Al5)O32 · 11H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma |
| Goosecreekite | Ca[Al2Si6O16] · 5H2O | Mon. 2 : P21 |
| Gottardiite | Na3Mg3Ca5Al19Si117O272 · 93H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Cmca |
| Heulandite Subgroup | (Na/Ca/K)5-6[Al8-9 Si27-28 O72] · nH2O | |
| Hsianghualite | Ca3Li2(Be3Si3O12)F2 | Iso. 4 3 2 : I41 3 2 |
| Kalborsite | K6Al4BSi6O20(OH)4Cl | Tet. 4 2m : P4 21c |
| Kirchhoffite | Cs(BSi2O6) | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I41/acd |
| Laumontite | CaAl2Si4O12 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Leucite | K(AlSi2O6) | Tet. 4/m : I41/a |
| Limousinite | BaCa[Be4P4O16] · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Lithosite | K6Al4Si8O25 · 2H2O | Mon. |
| Loomisite | Ba[Be2P2O8] · H2O | Mon. m |
| Maricopaite | Pb7Ca2(Si,Al)48O100 · 32H2O | Orth. |
| Martinandresite | Ba2(Al4Si12O32) · 10H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pmmn |
| Mazzite Subgroup | Zeolite Group. | |
| Meierite | Ba44Si66Al30O192Cl25(OH)33 | Iso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Im3m |
| Merlinoite | K5Ca2(Si23Al9)O64 · 24H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Immm |
| Montesommaite | (K,Na)9Al9Si23O64 · 10H2O | Orth. mm2 : Fdd2 |
| Mordenite | (Na2,Ca,K2)4(Al8Si40)O96 · 28H2O | Orth. |
| Mountainite | KNa2Ca2[Si8O19(OH)] · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m : P2/b |
| Mutinaite | Na3Ca4Si85Al11O192 · 60H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma |
| Nabesite | Na2BeSi4O10 · 4H2O | Orth. 2 2 2 : P21 21 21 |
| Natrolite Subgroup | A subgroup of the Zeolite Group. | |
| Offretite | KCaMg(Si13Al5)O36 · 15H2O | Hex. 6 m2 : P6m2 |
| Pahasapaite | Li8(Ca,Li,K)10.5Be24(PO4)24 · 38H2O | Iso. 2 3 : I2 3 |
| Parthéite | Ca2(Si4Al4) O15 (OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Paulingite Subgroup | Paulingite was originally described in 1960. | |
| Perlialite | K9Na(Ca,Sr)[Al2Si4O12]6 · 15H2O | Hex. 6/mmm (6/m 2/m 2/m) : P6/mmm |
| Phillipsite Subgroup | (Ca0.5,K,Na,Ba0.5)4-7[Al4-7Si12-9O32] . 12H2O | |
| Pollucite | (Cs,Na)2(Al2Si4O12) · 2H2O | Iso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Ia3d |
| Roggianite | Ca2Be(OH)2Al2Si4O13 · 2.5H2O | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mcm |
| Rongibbsite | Pb2(Si4Al)O11(OH) | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Stilbite Subgroup | M6-7[Al8-9Si27-28O72] · nH2O | |
| Terranovaite | (Na,Ca)8(Si68Al12)O160 · 29H2O | Orth. |
| Thomsonite Subgroup | The large majority of "thomsonite" is thomsonite-Ca. | |
| Thornasite | (Na,K)12Th3[Si8O19]4 · 18H2O | Trig. 3m : R3m |
| Tschernichite | (Ca,Na2)[Al2Si4O12] · 4-8H2O | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/mmm |
| Tschörtnerite | Ca4(Ca,Sr,K,Ba)3Cu3[Al3Si3O12]4(OH)8 · nH2O | Iso. m3m (4/m 3 2/m) : Fm3m |
| UM1996-38-SiO:AlCaHNa | Na-Ca-Al-Si-O-H | |
| UM1999-33-SiO:AlHKNa | K7Na5Al12Si20O64 · 24H2O | |
| UM2002-40-SiO:AlCaHKMgNa | (Mg,Ca,Na,K)7.5(Al12.8Si51.2)O128 · 65H2O | Tet. 4 2 2 : P41 2 2 |
| Unnamed (Ca analogue of Merlinoite) | (Ca,K,Na)5(Ca,Ba)2Al9Si23O64 · 23H2O ? | |
| Wairakite | Ca(Al2Si4O12) · 2H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Weinebeneite | CaBe3(PO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O | Mon. m : Bb |
| Wenkite | (Ba,K)4(Ca,Na)6[(Si,Al)20O39(OH)2](SO4)3 · 0.5H2O | Hex. 6 m2 : P62m |
| Wilancookite | (Ba5Li2◻)Ba6Be24P24O96 · 26H2O | Iso. 2 3 : I2 3 |
| Willhendersonite | KCa[Al3Si3O12] · 5H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Yugawaralite | CaAl2Si6O16 · 4H2O | Mon. m : Pb |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 2 photos of Lovdarite associated with Chkalovite | Na2BeSi2O6 |
| 1 photo of Lovdarite associated with Hydrocerussite | Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Lovdarite associated with Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
| 1 photo of Lovdarite associated with Albite | Na(AlSi3O8) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.GF.05 | Terranovaite | (Na,Ca)8(Si68Al12)O160 · 29H2O |
| 9.GF.10 | Gottardiite | Na3Mg3Ca5Al19Si117O272 · 93H2O |
| 9.GF.20 | Gaultite | Na4Zn2Si7O18 · 5H2O |
| 9.GF.25 | Ferrochiavennite | Ca1-2Fe[(Si,Al,Be)5Be2O13(OH)2] · 2H2O |
| 9.GF.25 | Chiavennite | CaMnBe2Si5O13(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 9.GF.30 | Tschernichite | (Ca,Na2)[Al2Si4O12] · 4-8H2O |
| 9.GF.35 | Mutinaite | Na3Ca4Si85Al11O192 · 60H2O |
| 9.GF.40 | Tschörtnerite | Ca4(Ca,Sr,K,Ba)3Cu3[Al3Si3O12]4(OH)8 · nH2O |
| 9.GF.50 | Thornasite | (Na,K)12Th3[Si8O19]4 · 18H2O |
| 9.GF.55 | Direnzoite | NaK6MgCa2(Al13Si47O120) · 36H2O |
| 9.GF.60 | Meierite | Ba44Si66Al30O192Cl25(OH)33 |
| 9.GF.65 | Rongibbsite | Pb2(Si4Al)O11(OH) |
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) | 5.6521% | 1,752 | 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
IR Spectrum:
The infrared spectrum indicates the presence of hydroxyl and H2O groups.
Thermal Behaviour:
When heated, it loses water steadily to about 400°; about 10%. After heating to 300°, water is resorbed at room temperature in about 2 hours.
The DTA curve shows a double endothermic effect at about 250° and endothermic effects at 390° and 640°.
The DTA curve shows a double endothermic effect at about 250° and endothermic effects at 390° and 640°.
Notes:
Readily melting in the blowpipe to a colorless glass.
Insoluble in 4% HCl, 6% HNO3, and 5% H2SO4, at 20 C.
Insoluble in 4% HCl, 6% HNO3, and 5% H2SO4, at 20 C.
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 Lovdarite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2443.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
References for Lovdarite
Reference List:
Dunn, Pete J., Fleischer, Michael, Burns, Roger G., Pabst, Adolf (1983) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 68 (3-4) 471-475
Coombs, Douglas S., Alberti, Alberto, Armbruster, Thomas, Artioli, Gilberto, Colella, Carmine, Galli, Ermanno, Grice, Joel D., Liebau, Friedrich, Mandarino, Joseph A., Minato, Hideo, et al. (1997) Recommended nomenclature for zeolite minerals; report of the Subcommittee on Zeolites of the International Mineralogical Association, Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. The Canadian Mineralogist, 35 (6). 1571-1606
Localities for Lovdarite
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.
Greenland | |
| Petersen (2001) |
| Petersen et al. (2002) +1 other reference | |
| Petersen et al. (2002) | |
Namibia | |
| Blaß et al. (2016) +1 other reference |
Russia (TL) | |
| Men'shikov et al. (1973) +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
USA | |
| DeMark (1984) +2 other references |
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Point of Rocks Quarry, Point of Rocks Mesa, Springer, Colfax County, New Mexico, USA