Wadeite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Wadeite
Arthur Wade
Formula:
K2Zr(Si3O9)
Colour:
Colourless, light blue or pink
Lustre:
Adamantine
Hardness:
5½ - 6
Specific Gravity:
3.10 - 3.13
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Member of:
Name:
Named after Arthur Wade (12 November 1878 at Halifax, Yorkshire, England - 8 April 1951, Mermaid Beach, Queensland, Australia), British-born Australian petroleum geologist, who first collected the material.
[http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wade-arthur-8936]
[http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wade-arthur-8936]
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4227
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4227:3
Similar Names
| Jadeite | A valid IMA mineral species | Na(Al,Fe3+)Si2O6 |
| Wadite | A synonym of Wad | |
| Whiteite | A synonym of Whiteite Subgroup | XM1M22M32(H2O)8(OH)2(PO4)4 |
| Whiteite-(CaFeMg) | A valid IMA mineral species | {Ca}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Whiteite-(CaMgMg) | A valid IMA mineral species | CaMg3Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Whiteite-(CaMnFe) | A valid IMA mineral species | CaMnFe2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Whiteite-(CaMnMg) | A valid IMA mineral species | {Ca}{Mn2+}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Whiteite-(CaMnMn) | A valid IMA mineral species | {Ca}{Mn2+}{Mn2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Whiteite-(MnFeMg) | A valid IMA mineral species | {(Mn2+,Ca)}{(Fe2+,Mn2+)}{Mg2}{Al2}(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Whiteite-(MnMnMg) | A valid IMA mineral species | MnMnMg2Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Whiteite-(MnMnMn) | A valid IMA mineral species | Mn2+Mn2+Mn22+Al2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| Wittite | A valid IMA mineral species | Pb9Bi12(S,Se)27 |
IMA Classification of Wadeite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
K2ZrSi3O9
First published:
1939
Classification of Wadeite
9.CA.10
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
A : [Si3O9]6- 3-membered single rings (dreier-Einfachringe), without insular complex anions
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
C : Cyclosilicates
A : [Si3O9]6- 3-membered single rings (dreier-Einfachringe), without insular complex anions
59.1.1.4
59 : CYCLOSILICATES Three-Membered Rings
1 : Three-Membered Rings, anhydrous, no other anions
59 : CYCLOSILICATES Three-Membered Rings
1 : Three-Membered Rings, anhydrous, no other anions
14.10.13
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
10 : Silicates of Zr or Hf
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
10 : Silicates of Zr or Hf
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wad | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Wadeite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Wadeite
Adamantine
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, light blue or pink
Hardness:
5½ - 6 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Poor/Indistinct
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
3.10 - 3.13 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.16 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Wadeite
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.624 - 1.627 nε = 1.655 - 1.673
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.031 - 0.046
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
Chemistry of Wadeite
Mindat Formula:
K2Zr(Si3O9)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Ti,Al,Fe,Mg,Sr,Na,H2O,P
Crystallography of Wadeite
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Class (H-M):
6/m - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P63/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.893(4) Å, c = 10.172(2) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.476
Unit Cell V:
418.56 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
As prisms, to 5 mm, and as hexagonal-shaped basal sections.
Crystal Structure
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Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0008975 | Wadeite | Xu H, Navrotsky A, Balmer M L, Su Y (2005) Crystal-chemical and energetic systematics of wadeite-type phases A2BSi3O9 (A = K, Cs; B = Si, Ti, Zr) Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 32 426-435 | 2005 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.85 Å | (100) |
| 3.85 Å | (80) |
| 5.97 Å | (60) |
| 1.85 Å | (60) |
| 1.69 Å | (60) |
| 1.63 Å | (40) |
| 5.11 Å | (30) |
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 Wadeite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia, 18760.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Leucite lamproites
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Wadeite
Relationship of Wadeite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Benitoite Group:
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 9 photos of Wadeite associated with Aegirine | NaFe3+Si2O6 |
| 6 photos of Wadeite associated with Microcline | K(AlSi3O8) |
| 4 photos of Wadeite associated with Eudialyte | Na15Ca6Fe3Zr3Si(Si25O73)(O,OH,H2O)3(Cl,OH)2 |
| 3 photos of Wadeite associated with Nepheline | Na3K(Al4Si4O16) |
| 2 photos of Wadeite associated with Astrophyllite | K2NaFe2+7Ti2[Si4O12]2O2(OH)4F |
| 1 photo of Wadeite associated with Magnetite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
| 1 photo of Wadeite associated with Lorenzenite | Na2Ti2(Si2O6)O3 |
| 1 photo of Wadeite associated with Lamproite | |
| 1 photo of Wadeite associated with Aenigmatite | Na4[Fe2+10Ti2]O4[Si12O36] |
| 1 photo of Wadeite associated with Gaidonnayite | Na2Zr(Si3O9) · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 9.CA. | UM1975-18-SiO:Mn | α-MnSiO3 |
| 9.CA.05 | Bazirite | BaZr(Si3O9) |
| 9.CA.05 | Benitoite | BaTi(Si3O9) |
| 9.CA.05 | Pabstite | Ba(Sn,Ti)(Si3O9) |
| 9.CA.15 | Calciocatapleiite | CaZr(Si3O9) · 2H2O |
| 9.CA.15 | Catapleiite | Na2Zr(Si3O9) · 2H2O |
| 9.CA.20 | Pseudowollastonite | CaSiO3 |
| 9.CA.25 | Margarosanite | Ca2PbSi3O9 |
| 9.CA.25 | Walstromite | BaCa2(Si3O9) |
| 9.CA.25 | Anatolygurbanovite | SrCa2Si3O9 |
| 9.CA.25 | Breyite | Ca3Si3O9 |
| 9.CA.30 | Bobtraillite | (Na,◻)12(◻,Na)12Sr12Zr14(Si3O9)10[Si2BO7(OH)2]6 · 12H2O |
| 9.CA.35 | Rogermitchellite | Na6Sr12Ba2Zr13Si39B4O123(OH)6 · 20H2O |
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) | 19.6636% | 6,096 | 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
Notes:
Cathodoluminescent
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 Wadeite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4227.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Wadeite
Reference List:
Prider, Rex T. (1939) Some minerals from the leucite-rich rocks of the West Kimberley area, Western Australia. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 25 (166) 373-387 doi:10.1180/minmag.1939.025.166.01
Henshaw, D. E. (1955) The structure of wadeite. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 30 (228) 585-595 doi:10.1180/minmag.1955.030.228.04
McKeown, David A., Nobles, Angela C., Bell, Michael I. (1996) ibrational analysis of wadeite K2ZrSi3O9 and comparisons with benitoite BaTiSi3O9. Physical Review B, 54 (1). 291-304 doi:10.1103/physrevb.54.291
SAKAI, Kohzo, NAKAGAWA, Takeshi, OKUNO, Masayuki, KIHARA, Kuniaki (2000) A mineral wadeite in glass, occurrence and crystal structure. Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences, 95 (4) 24-31 doi:10.2465/jmps.95.24
McDonald, A. M., Chao, G. Y. (2005) Bobtraillite, (Na,Ca)13Sr11(Zr,Y,Nb)14Si42B6O132(OH)12·12H2O, a new mineral species from Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec: description, structure determination and relationship to benitoite and wadeite. The Canadian Mineralogist, 43 (2) 747-758 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.43.2.747
Xu, Hongwu; Navrotsky, Alexandra; Balmer, M. Lou.; Su, Yali (2005) Crystal-chemical and energetic systematics of wadeite-type phases A2BSi3O9 (A = K, Cs; B = Si, Ti, Zr). Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 32 (5-6). 426-435 doi:10.1007/s00269-005-0017-2
Wu, Bin; Wang, Ru-Cheng; Yang, Jin-Hui; Wu, Fu-Yuan; Zhang, Wen-Lan; Gu, Xiang-Ping; Zhang, Ai-Cheng (2015) Wadeite (K2ZrSi3O9), an alkali-zirconosilicate from the Saima agpaitic rocks in northeastern China: Its origin and response to multi-stage activities of alkaline fluids. Lithos, 224-225. 126-142 doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2015.02.008
Localities for Wadeite
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 | |
| Hwang et al. (1994) |
| Jaques et al. (1986) |
| Jaques et al. (1986) | |
| Dept of Mines WA (1990) | |
| Jaques et al. (1986) | |
| Jaques et al. (1986) |
| Jaques et al. (1986) | |
| Mineralogical Magazine 1939 25 : 373-387 +6 other references |
| Boxer et al. (1990) |
Brazil | |
| Atencio et al. (1999) |
| Guarino et al. (2021) +1 other reference | |
Canada | |
| Canadian Museum of Nature collection |
| Piilonen et al. (2025) | |
| Savard (2019) |
| HORVÁTH et al. (2000) |
China | |
| Wu et al. (2015) +2 other references |
India | |
| Kaur et al. (2017) |
| Chakrabarty et al. (2011) +2 other references |
Myanmar | |
| Lapis 42 (3) |
Russia | |
| Konev et al. (1993) |
| Vorob'yev E.I. et al. (1984) +3 other references |
| Konev et al. (1996) |
| Mitchell et al. (1993) +3 other references |
| Gritsenko et al. (2020) |
| [World of Stones 95:5-6 +1 other reference |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference | |
| PEKOV et al. (2013) | |
| [World of Stones 95:5-6 |
| Pekov et al. (2004) | |
| Arzamastsev et al. (2008) |
| Pekov (2000) | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
| Pekov (1998) +1 other reference | |
| Ferraris et al. (2001) | |
| Pekov (1998) | |
South Africa | |
| Hammond et al. (2002) +1 other reference |
| Abersteiner et al. (2024) |
Spain | |
| Dill et al. (2023) |
| Salvioli-Mariani et al. (1996) |
USA | |
| Kuehner et al. (2003, June) |
| Mitchell (2000) +1 other reference |
| Hausel et al. (2001) |
| Barton |
Kukisvumchorr Mt, Murmansk Oblast, Russia