Allactite

Allactite
Picture width 3 mm
General
Category	Arsenate mineral
Formula (repeating unit)	Mn7(AsO4)2(OH)8
IMA symbol	Ala[1]
Strunz classification	8.BE.30
Dana classification	41.2.1.1
Crystal system	Monoclinic
Crystal class	Prismatic (2/m) (same H-M symbol)
Space group	P21/a
Unit cell	a = 11.03, b = 12.12 c = 5.51 [Å], β = 114°, Z = 2
Identification
Color	Brown, dark to light purplish red, brownish red, colorless to white
Crystal habit	Elongated prisms, bladed, tabular, rosette-like aggregates
Cleavage	Distinct, {001}
Fracture	Uneven
Tenacity	Brittle
Mohs scale hardness	4.5
Luster	Vitreous, slightly greasy on fracture surfaces
Streak	Gray to faint brown
Specific gravity	3.83 (meas.), 3.94 (calc.)
Optical properties	Biaxial (−)
Refractive index	nα = 1.755–1.761 nβ = 1.772–1.786 nγ = 1.774–1.787
Pleochroism	X = blood-red; Y = pale yellow; Z = sea-green
2V angle	~0°
References	[2][3][4]

Allactite is a rare arsenate mineral of metamorphosed manganese zinc ore deposits. It is found in Sweden and New Jersey, US. Its name originated from Greek αλλάκτειν (allaktein) meaning "to change", referring to the strong pleochroism of the mineral.[3]

References

1. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
2. Allactite. Mindat
3. Allactite. Handbook of Mineralogy
4. Moore P. (1968). "Crystal chemistry of the basic manganese arsenate minerals: II. The crystal structure of allactite" (PDF). American Mineralogist. 53: 733–741.

Bibliography

• Palache, P.; Berman H.; Frondel, C. (1960). "Dana's System of Mineralogy, Volume II: Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. (Seventh Edition)" John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, pp. 785-787.