Simplotite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Simplotite
John R. Simplot
Formula:
CaV4+4O9 · 5H2O
Colour:
Black, greenish black
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
1
Specific Gravity:
2.64
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in honor of John Richard (Jack or J.R.) Simplot (4 January 1909, Dubuque, Iowa, USA - 25 May 2008, Boise, Idaho, USA), owner of the J. R. Simplot Mining Company, Boise, Idaho, owner of the type locality. His primary company was a potato processing company, in part providing McDonald's restaurants with fries, making Simplot a self-made billionaire.
Type Locality:
This page provides mineralogical data about Simplotite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3669
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3669:2
IMA Classification of Simplotite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
Classification of Simplotite
4.HG.20
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
G : Unclassified V oxides
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
G : Unclassified V oxides
47.4.8.1
47 : VANADIUM OXYSALTS
4 : Vanadium Bronzes
47 : VANADIUM OXYSALTS
4 : Vanadium Bronzes
7.12.12
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
12 : Oxides of V, Nb and Ta
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
12 : Oxides of V, Nb and Ta
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Spo | 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 Simplotite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Black, greenish black
Comment:
Thin flakes yellow-green
Streak:
Brownish black
Hardness:
1 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
on {010}
on {010}
Density:
2.64(2) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.65 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Simplotite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.705(2) nβ = 1.767(2) nγ = 1.769(2)
2V:
Measured: 40° , Calculated: 18°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.064
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 > v weak
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = yellow; Y = Z = green.
Comments:
RI increases after several years of dehydration
Chemistry of Simplotite
Mindat Formula:
CaV4+4O9 · 5H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Simplotite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.39(3) Å, b = 17.02(5) Å, c = 8.37(3) Å
β = 90.42(10)°
β = 90.42(10)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.493 : 1 : 0.492
Unit Cell V:
1,195.19 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Platy
Comment:
Point Group: 2/m, m, or 2; Space Group: A2/m, Am, or A2.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.51 Å | (100) |
| 2.62 Å | (25) |
| 3.14 Å | (18) |
| 4.26 Å | (9) |
| 2.84 Å | (9) |
| 3.42 Å | (6) |
| 2.52 Å | (5) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 53 : Other minerals with taphonomic origins | <0.4 |
Type Occurrence of Simplotite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 115881.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Simplotite
German:Simplotit
Spanish:Simplotita
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 1 photo of Simplotite associated with Volborthite | Cu3(V2O7)(OH)2 · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.HG. | Calciodelrioite | Ca(VO3)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.HG. | Trebiskyite | Na3Mg2[TiV9O28] · 22H2O |
| 4.HG. | Cadvanite | Cd(VO3)2 |
| 4.HG.05 | Fervanite | Fe3+4V5+4O16 · 5H2O |
| 4.HG.10 | Huemulite | Na4Mg(V10O28) · 24H2O |
| 4.HG.15 | Vanalite | NaAl9V12O42(OH)4 · 33H2O |
| 4.HG.25 | Vanoxite | V4+4V5+2O13 · 8H2O |
| 4.HG.30 | Navajoite | Fe3+V5+9O24 · 12H2O |
| 4.HG.35 | Delrioite | CaSr(V2O6)(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.HG.40 | Metadelrioite | CaSr(V2O6)(OH)2 |
| 4.HG.45 | Barnesite | (Na,Ca)V6O16 · 3H2O |
| 4.HG.50 | Hendersonite | (Ca,Sr)1.3V6O16 · 6H2O |
| 4.HG.55 | Grantsite | (Na,Ca)2+x(V5+,V4+)6O16 · 4H2O |
| 4.HG.60 | Lenoblite | V4+2O4 · 2H2O |
| 4.HG.65 | Satpaevite | Al12V4+2V5+6O37 · 30H2O |
| 4.HG.70 | Pandoraite-Ba | BaV4+5V5+2O16 · 3H2O |
| 4.HG.70 | Pandoraite-Ca | CaV4+5V5+2O16 · 3H2O |
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.
Internet Links for Simplotite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3669.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 Simplotite
Reference List:
Localities for Simplotite
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.
Germany | |
| Witzke et al. (2001) |
USA | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Thompson et al. (1956) +4 other references |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Minerals of Colorado 2nd ed. | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Am Min (1958) +1 other reference |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Huff et al. (1962) |
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Uravan Mining District, Colorado, USA