Nomenclature for the laueite supergroup

Abstract

AbstractA new nomenclature scheme has been set up for the laueite supergroup of minerals, which have the general formula M12+M23+M33+(XO4)2(OH)2·8H2O, where M1 = Fe2+, Mg2+ or Mn2+; M2/M3 = Al3+ or Fe3+; and XO4 = PO4 or AsO4. The laueite supergroup is divided into the laueite group (XO4 = PO4) and the maghrebite group (XO4 = AsO4). These groups are then subdivided into subgroups on the basis of the dominant atoms, Al3+ or Fe3+, in octahedral sites M2/M3. The new nomenclature has been approved by the International Mineralogical Association Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification, proposal 14-F.