Xonotlite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Xonotlite
Formula:
Ca6(Si6O17)(OH)2
Colour:
White, grey, pale pink, colorless
Lustre:
Vitreous, Silky, Pearly
Hardness:
6½
Specific Gravity:
2.70 - 2.72
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in 1866 by Karl Friedrich August Rammelsberg after its discovery locality, Tetela de Xonotla, Mexico.
An ino-silicate mineral with double dreier chains. Several polytypes are known (Hejny & Armbruster, 2001): Ma2bc (space group P2/a, a = 17.032, b = 7.363, c = 7.012 Å, β = 90.36°), Ma2b2c (space group A2/a, a = 17.032, b = 7.363, c = 14.023 Å, β = 90.36°) and M2a2bc (space group P-1 , a = 8.712, b = 7.363, c = 7.012 Å, α = 89.99° β = 90.36°, γ = 102.18°).
Related to the Tobermorite Group.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Xonotlite.
Related to the Tobermorite Group.

Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4343
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4343:0
IMA Classification of Xonotlite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Ca6Si6O17(OH)2
First published:
1866
Classification of Xonotlite
9.DG.35
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
G : Inosilicates with 3-periodic single and multiple chains
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
G : Inosilicates with 3-periodic single and multiple chains
66.3.1.1
66 : INOSILICATES Double-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=2)
3 : Amphiboles - Ca-Na subgroup
66 : INOSILICATES Double-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=2)
3 : Amphiboles - Ca-Na subgroup
14.5.12
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
5 : Silicates of Ca
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
5 : Silicates of Ca
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 |
---|---|---|
Xon | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Xon | 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 |
Pronunciation of Xonotlite
Pronunciation:
Play | Recorded by | Country |
---|---|---|
Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Xonotlite
Vitreous, Silky, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
White, grey, pale pink, colorless
Streak:
White
Hardness:
6½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
in one {h0l} direction
in one {h0l} direction
Fracture:
Splintery
Density:
2.70 - 2.72 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.71 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Xonotlite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.581 - 1.583 nβ = 1.581 - 1.583 nγ = 1.591 - 1.593
2V:
Calculated: 50°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.010
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:
small
Comments:
Z = b
Chemistry of Xonotlite
Mindat Formula:
Ca6(Si6O17)(OH)2
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Fe,Mn,H2O
Crystallography of Xonotlite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 17.032 Å, b = 7.363 Å, c = 7.012 Å
β = 90.36°
β = 90.36°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.313 : 1 : 0.952
Unit Cell V:
879.33 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1
Morphology:
needlelike crystals
Comment:
Space group P2/a (Ma2bc polytype).
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) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0011088 | Xonotlite | Hejny C, Armbruster T (2001) Polytypism in xonotlite Ca6Si6O17(OH)2 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 216 396-408 | ![]() | 2001 | model structure, not experimentally determined | 0 | 293 |
0011089 | Xonotlite | Hejny C, Armbruster T (2001) Polytypism in xonotlite Ca6Si6O17(OH)2 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 216 396-408 | ![]() | 2001 | model structure, not experimentally determined | 0 | 293 |
0011090 | Xonotlite | Hejny C, Armbruster T (2001) Polytypism in xonotlite Ca6Si6O17(OH)2 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 216 396-408 | ![]() | 2001 | model structure, not experimentally determined | 0 | 293 |
0014421 | Xonotlite | Kudoh Y, Takeuchi Y (1979) Polytypism in xonotlite: (I) Structure of an A-1 polytype Mineralogical Journal 9 349-373 | ![]() | 1979 | Heguri, Chiba Prefecture, Japan | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Loading XRD data...
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacing | Intensity |
---|---|
3.07 Å | (vs) |
2.04 Å | (s) |
1.95 Å | (s) |
3.65 Å | (ms) |
3.23 Å | (ms) |
2.83 Å | (m) |
2.71 Å | (mw) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
---|---|
High-𝑇 alteration and/or metamorphism | |
31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations |
Type Occurrence of Xonotlite
Synonyms of Xonotlite
Other Language Names for Xonotlite
Varieties of Xonotlite
Magnesium-bearing Xonotlite | A Mg-bearing variety of xonotlite. |
Relationship of Xonotlite to other Species
Chemically related to group(s):
Tobermorite Group | Ca4+x(AlySi6-y)O15+2x-y · 5H2O |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
138 photos of Xonotlite associated with Jouravskite | Ca3Mn4+(SO4)(CO3)(OH)6 · 12H2O |
42 photos of Xonotlite associated with Bultfonteinite | Ca2(HSiO4)F · H2O |
40 photos of Xonotlite associated with Willemite | Zn2SiO4 |
38 photos of Xonotlite associated with Clinohedrite | CaZn(SiO4) · H2O |
34 photos of Xonotlite associated with Hendricksite | KZn3(Si3Al)O10(OH)2 |
31 photos of Xonotlite associated with Prehnite | Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2 |
30 photos of Xonotlite associated with Inesite | Ca2(Mn,Fe)7Si10O28(OH)2 · 5H2O |
29 photos of Xonotlite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
27 photos of Xonotlite associated with Andradite | Ca3Fe3+2(SiO4)3 |
23 photos of Xonotlite associated with Datolite | CaB(SiO4)(OH) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
9.DG. | Barrydawsonite-(Y) | Na1.5Y0.5CaSi3O8(OH) |
9.DG. | Paratobermorite | Ca5AlSi5O16(OH) · 5H2O |
9.DG. | Calcinaksite | KNaCa(Si4O10) · H2O |
9.DG. | Alvesite | NaKZrSi6O15 · 2H2O |
9.DG.02 | Steedeite | NaMn2[Si3BO9](OH)2 |
9.DG.02 | Nolzeite | NaMn2[Si3BO9](OH)2 · 2H2O |
9.DG.05 | Murakamiite | LiCa2Si3O8(OH) |
9.DG.05 | Serandite | NaMn2+2Si3O8(OH) |
9.DG.05 | Bustamite | CaMn2+(Si2O6) |
9.DG.05 | Pectolite | NaCa2Si3O8(OH) |
9.DG.05 | Tanohataite | LiMn2Si3O8(OH) |
9.DG.05 | Dalnegorskite | Ca5Mn(Si3O9)2 |
9.DG.05 | Wollastonite-1A | CaSiO3 |
9.DG.05 | Wollastonite | Ca3(Si3O9) |
9.DG.05 | Ferrobustamite | CaFe2+(Si2O6) |
9.DG.05 | Schizolite | NaCaMnSi3O8(OH) |
9.DG.07 | Cascandite | CaScSi3O8(OH) |
9.DG.08 | Plombièrite | Ca5Si6O16(OH)2 · 7H2O |
9.DG.10 | Clinotobermorite | Ca5Si6O17 · 5H2O |
9.DG.10 | Riversideite | Ca5Si6O16(OH)2 · 2H2O |
9.DG.10 | Tobermorite | Ca5Si6O17 · 5H2O |
9.DG.12 | Jusite | Na2Ca15Al4Si16O54 · 17H2O |
9.DG.12 | Kenotobermorite | Ca4Si6O15(OH)2 · 5H2O |
9.DG.15 | Foshagite | Ca4(Si3O9)(OH)2 |
9.DG.20 | Jennite | Ca9(Si3O9)2(OH)8 · 8H2O |
9.DG.20 | Kamenevite | K2TiSi3O9 · H2O |
9.DG.25 | Paraumbite | K3Zr2H(Si3O9)2 · nH2O |
9.DG.25 | Umbite | K2(Zr,Ti)Si3O9 · H2O |
9.DG.30 | Sørensenite | Na4SnBe2Si6O16(OH)4 |
9.DG.32 | Escheite | Ca2NaMnTi5[Si12O34]O2(OH)3 · 12H2O |
9.DG.40 | Hillebrandite | Ca2(SiO3)(OH)2 |
9.DG.45 | Zorite | Na8(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,O)5 · 14H2O |
9.DG.45 | Chivruaiite | Ca4(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,O)5 · 13-14H2O |
9.DG.50 | Haineaultite | (Na,Ca)5Ca(Ti,Nb)5(Si6O17)2(OH,F)8 · 5H2O |
9.DG.55 | Epididymite | Na2Be2Si6O15 · H2O |
9.DG.60 | Eudidymite | Na2Be2Si6O15 · H2O |
9.DG.65 | Elpidite | Na2ZrSi6O15 · 3H2O |
9.DG.65 | Patynite | NaKCa4[Si9O23] |
9.DG.67 | Whelanite | Cu2+2Ca6[Si6O17(OH)](CO3)(OH)3 · 2H2O |
9.DG.70 | Enricofrancoite | KNaCaSi4O10 |
9.DG.70 | Yusupovite | Na2Zr(Si6O15) · 2.5H2O |
9.DG.70 | Litidionite | KNaCuSi4O10 |
9.DG.70 | Fenaksite | (K,Na)4(Fe,Mn)2(Si4O10)2(OH,F) |
9.DG.70 | Manaksite | KNaMnSi4O10 |
9.DG.75 | Senkevichite | CsKNaCa2TiO[Si7O18](OH) |
9.DG.75 | Tinaksite | K2Na(Ca,Mn2+)2TiO[Si7O18(OH)] |
9.DG.75 | Tokkoite | K2Ca4[Si7O18(OH)](OH,F) |
9.DG.80 | Fluorcanasite | K3Na3Ca5Si12O30F4 · H2O |
9.DG.80 | Canasite | K3Na3Ca5Si12O30(OH)4 |
9.DG.85 | Miserite | K1.5-x(Ca,Y,REE)5(Si6O15)(Si2O7)(OH,F)2 · yH2O |
9.DG.90 | Frankamenite | K3Na3Ca5(Si12O30)(F,OH)4 · H2O |
9.DG.92 | Charoite | (K,Sr)15-16(Ca,Na)32[Si6O11(O,OH)6]2[Si12O18(O,OH)12]2[Si17O25(O,OH)18]2(OH,F)4 · ~3H2O |
9.DG.95 | Yuksporite | K4(Ca,Na)14(Sr,Ba)2(◻,Mn,Fe)(Ti,Nb)4(O,OH)4(Si6O17)2(Si2O7)3(H2O,OH)3 |
9.DG.97 | Eveslogite | (Na,K,Ca,Sr,Ba)48 [(Ti,Nb,Mn,Fe2+)12Si48O144(OH)12](F,OH,Cl)14 |
Fluorescence of Xonotlite
May fluoresce and phosphoresce violet in SW, MW, and LW ultraviolet light (Franklin, New Jersey).
Other Information
Notes:
Decomposed in acid with separation of pulverulent silica.
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 Xonotlite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4343.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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Mineral Dealers:
References for Xonotlite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1923) The identity of eakleite and xonotlite. American Mineralogist, 8 (10) 181-182
Shannon, Earl V. (1925) An occurrence of xonotlite at Leesburg, Virginia. American Mineralogist, 10 (1) 12-13
M.Schwartz, G. (1925) Xonotlite and pectolite in a diabase pegmatite from Minnesota. American Mineralogist, 10 (4) 83-88
Kaye, Clifford A. (1953) A xonotlite occurrence in Puerto Rico. American Mineralogist, 38 (9-10) 860-861
Smith, Charles H. (1954) On the occurrence and origin of xonotlite. American Mineralogist, 39 (5-6) 531-532
Taylor, H. F. W. (1954) The identity of jurupaite and xonotlite. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 30 (224) 338-341 doi:10.1180/minmag.1954.030.224.06
Dent, L. S., Taylor, H. F. W. (1956) The dehydration of xonotlite. Acta Crystallographica, 9 (12) 1002-1004 doi:10.1107/s0365110x56002916
Taylor, H. F. W. (1959) The transformation of tobermorite into xonotlite. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 32 (245) 110-116 doi:10.1180/minmag.1959.32.245.03
GARD, J. A. (1966) A System of Nomenclature for the Fibrous Calcium Silicates, and a Study of Xonotlite Polytypes. Nature, 211 (5053). 1078-1079 doi:10.1038/2111078a0
O'Brien, J. P., Rodgers, K. A. (1973) Xonotlite and rodingites from Wairere, New Zealand. Mineralogical Magazine, 39 (302) 233-240 doi:10.1180/minmag.1973.039.302.11
Bailey, S. W. (1977) Report of the I.M.A.-I. U.Cr. Joint Committee on Nomenclature. American Mineralogist, 62 (5-6) 411-415
Kalousek, G.L., Mitsuda, T., Taylor, H.F.W. (1977) Xonotlite: Cell parameters, thermogravimetry and analytical electron microscopy. Cement and Concrete Research, 7 (3). 305-312 doi:10.1016/0008-8846(77)90093-x
Brown, P. A. (1978) Xonotlite: a new occurrence at Rose Blanche, Newfoundland. The Canadian Mineralogist, 16 (4) 671-672
Luke, K., Taylor, H.F.W., Kalousek, G.L. (1981) Some factors affecting formation of truscottite and xonotlite at 300–350°C. Cement and Concrete Research, 11 (2). 197-203 doi:10.1016/0008-8846(81)90060-0
Komarneni, Sridhar, Roy, Rustum, Roy, Della M. (1986) Pseudomorphism in xonotlite and tobermorite with Co2+ and Ni2+ exchange for Ca2+ at 25°C. Cement and Concrete Research, 16 (1). 47-58 doi:10.1016/0008-8846(86)90067-0
Shaw, S, Clark, S.M, Henderson, C.M.B (2000) Hydrothermal formation of the calcium silicate hydrates, tobermorite (Ca5Si6O16(OH)2·4H2O) and xonotlite (Ca6Si6O17(OH)2): an in situ synchrotron study. Chemical Geology, 167 (1) 129-140 doi:10.1016/s0009-2541(99)00205-3
Hejny, C., Armbruster, Th. (2001) Polytypism in xonotlite Ca6Si6O17(OH)2. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, 216 (7). 396-408 doi:10.1524/zkri.216.7.396.20363
Esteban, J. J., Cuevas, J., Tubia, J. M., Yusta, I. (2003) Xonotlite in rodingite assemblages from the Ronda peridotites, Betic Cordilleras, southern Spain. The Canadian Mineralogist, 41 (1). 161-170 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.41.1.161
Merlino, Stefano, Bonaccorsi, Elena (2008) Double wollastonite chains: topological/conformational varieties, polytypic forms, isotypic compounds. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie - Crystalline Materials, 223 (1-2). 85-97 doi:10.1524/zkri.2008.0006
Localities for Xonotlite
Locality List




All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Analyses in prep |
Bottrill et al. (2008) | |
| Henry (1999) |
| B. Grguric |
| Sue Koepke collection +1 other reference |
Bulgaria | |
| I. Kostov et al. (1964) |
Canada | |
| Frost et al. (2012) |
Traill (1983) | |
Brown (1978) | |
| Traill (1983) |
| 179-181. +2 other references |
| Sabina (1987) |
Cuba | |
| Litsarev et al. (1998) |
Czech Republic | |
| Anthony et al. (2016) |
Finland | |
| Ilkka Mikkola collection |
Germany | |
| Schröder (1999) |
Greenland | |
| Petersen et al. (1985) |
Iceland | |
| Jakobsson et al. (1992) |
JAKOBSSON et al. (1986) +1 other reference | |
Iran | |
| Baccolo et al. (2019) |
Iraq | |
| Al-Hermezi et al. (1986) |
Ireland | |
| Bull. Soc. Franç. Minéralo. ... |
Italy | |
| Bedognè (2006) |
| Demartin et al. (2006) |
| Michele Dondi Collection |
| Bonaccorsi E. et al. (1996) +1 other reference |
| Passaglia et al. (1995) +2 other references |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| 50 +2 other references |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| Zordan et al. (2008) |
| Boscardin M. et al. (2011) |
| Collections Alessandro Mattiello and ... +1 other reference |
| Zordan (1999) +2 other references |
Japan | |
| Matsuyama (2001) |
| Yamada (2004) |
| Fermor 2011: Ore Deposits in an ... |
| Yamada (2004) |
| |
| Handbook of Mineralogy (c) |
| Ohe Rikosha specimens +1 other reference |
Yamada (2004) | |
| Alluvial cobbles in innumerable ... |
| Uehara et al. (2014) |
| www.handbookofmineralogy.org (n.d.) |
| Henmi et al. (1978) +1 other reference |
| Matsueda (1983) |
| - (n.d.) |
Mexico | |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Dana 6:569 +2 other references |
Panczner (1987) | |
Panczner (1987) | |
Panczner (1987) | |
Panczner (1987) | |
Panczner (1987) | |
Middle East | |
Gross (1977) | |
New Zealand | |
| Coombs (1960) |
| Judy Rowe collection |
| O'Brien et al. (1973) |
Romania | |
Hirtopanu (2006) | |
| Marincea et al. (2011) |
| Marincea +3 other references |
Russia | |
| geo.web.ru (2010) |
| A. E. Zadov data |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Chayka et al. (2023) |
| Spiridonov (2010) |
[World of Stones 12:49] | |
| Antonov A.A. [Антонов А.А.] (2003) |
| Chukanov et al. (2016) |
| Grabezhev et al. (2007) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) +1 other reference |
| Lavinsky (n.d.) |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Thorne (n.d.) | |
Giester et al. (1996) | |
Spain | |
| Esteban et al. (2003) |
Sweden | |
| Holtstam et al. (1999) |
| Mofjell (1990) +1 other reference |
| Sandström et al. (2010) |
Tajikistan | |
| Badalov et al. (1976) |
UK | |
| Henmi et al. (1973) |
Tilley et al. (1931) | |
| BMS Collection |
| [Specimen in the Natural History Museum |
Dana 6:569 | |
Dana 6:569 | |
| Heddle et al. (1901) |
| [Specimen in the Natural History Museum |
| Sweet et al. (1961) |
| American Mineralogist 35:1080 |
USA | |
| Cesbron et al. (1980) +2 other references |
| Mr. Gail E. Dunning. |
| Pabst et al. (1967) +2 other references |
| Murdoch (1966) +1 other reference |
| Murdoch (1966) |
| Woodford et al. (1941) +5 other references |
| ... |
Murdoch (1966) | |
| with chemical analyses by W.T. ... +5 other references |
| Pemberton (1983) +1 other reference |
| Hanks (1888) +3 other references |
Larsen (1917) +2 other references | |
| Scovil (1999) |
| Schwartz (1924) |
| Sherwood et al. (1998) |
| Palache (1935) +1 other reference |
FOMS Millsite Committee (1986) | |
Beth Schaefer | |
| Kenny Gay message 15.09.2005 ... |
| Kaye (1953) |
| Rocks & Minerals: 66 (3) +1 other reference |
| Rocks & Min. Vol. 71 (1996) |
| Shannon (1925) |
Dietrich (1990) | |
Dietrich (1990) | |
| Cannon (1975) |
Cannon (1975) | |
Cannon (1975) | |
| Cannon (1975) +1 other reference |
Cannon (1975) |
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Grolla quarry, Spagnago, Cornedo Vicentino, Vicenza Province, Veneto, Italy