Szaibélyite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Szaibélyite
Formula:
MgBO2(OH)
Colour:
White to light yellow; colourless in transmitted light
Lustre:
Silky, Dull
Hardness:
3 - 3½
Specific Gravity:
2.62
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in 1861 by Karl Ferdinand Peters in honor of Stephen Szaibely (Sjájbely) (1777-1855), mine surveyor of Rézbánya, Hungary, who found the first specimens in what is now the Băiţa Mining District (Baita Bihor), Romania.
Type Locality:
Name Encoding
ASCII-7:
Szaibelyite
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3857
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3857:3
IMA Classification of Szaibélyite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1862
Classification of Szaibélyite
6.BA.15
6 : BORATES
B : Diborates
A : Neso-diborates with double triangles B2(O,OH)5; 2(2D); 2(2D) + OH, etc.
6 : BORATES
B : Diborates
A : Neso-diborates with double triangles B2(O,OH)5; 2(2D); 2(2D) + OH, etc.
25.2.1.2
25 : ANHYDROUS BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
2 : Diborates
25 : ANHYDROUS BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
2 : Diborates
9.2.4
9 : Borates
2 : Borates of Be and Mg
9 : Borates
2 : Borates of Be and Mg
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 for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Sza | 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 Szaibélyite
Silky, Dull
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
White to light yellow; colourless in transmitted light
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3 - 3½ on Mohs scale
Fracture:
Fibrous
Density:
2.62 g/cm3 (Measured)
Optical Data of Szaibélyite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.53 - 1.67 nβ = 1.53 - 1.73 nγ = 1.55 - 1.74
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.020 - 0.070
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:
none
Optical Extinction:
Parallel extinction
Comments:
X ∥ elongation; Z ⊥ flattening.
Chemistry of Szaibélyite
Mindat Formula:
MgBO2(OH)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Szaibélyite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.577(2) Å, b = 10.393(2) Å, c = 3.139(1) Å
β = 95.88(2)°
β = 95.88(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.21 : 1 : 0.302
Unit Cell V:
408.15 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
8
Morphology:
Veinlets or masses with a felted or matted fibrous structure. Nodules, dense or chalky at times. Microscopically presents as minute laths or flattened fibers.
Twinning:
On {100}
Comment:
Non-standard setting P21/a; Fe-enriched variety (from Internatsional’naya kimberlite pipe): P21/c
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 6.27 Å | (100) |
| 2.664 Å | (70) |
| 2.089 Å | (65) |
| 2.207 Å | (58) |
| 2.441 Å | (50) |
| 3.04 Å | (41) |
| 2.548 Å | (37) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47) | |
| 25 : Evaporites (prebiotic) | |
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 31 : Thermally altered carbonate, phosphate, and iron formations |
Geological Setting:
Saline and borate deposits.
Magnesian skarns.
Magnesian skarns.
Type Occurrence of Szaibélyite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Nodular masses.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Loránd Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary, E555.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Crystalline limestone
Synonyms of Szaibélyite
Other Language Names for Szaibélyite
Varieties of Szaibélyite
| Hydroascharite | Unnecessary name for Saibelyite with extra water |
Relationship of Szaibélyite to other Species
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 25 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Ludwigite | Mg2Fe3+(BO3)O2 |
| 15 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Magnetite | Fe2+Fe3+2O4 |
| 10 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Lizardite | Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 9 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 8 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Serpentine Subgroup | D3[Si2O5](OH)4 |
| 6 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Borcarite | Ca4Mg(B4O6(OH)6)(CO3)2 |
| 5 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Dypingite | Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 4 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Kotoite | Mg3[BO3]2 |
| 3 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 3 photos of Szaibélyite associated with Clinohumite | Mg9(SiO4)4F2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 6.BA.05 | Suanite | Mg2[B2O5] |
| 6.BA.10 | Clinokurchatovite | Ca(Mg,Fe2+,Mn2+)[B2O5] |
| 6.BA.10 | Kurchatovite | Ca(Mg,Mn2+)[B2O5] |
| 6.BA.15 | Sussexite | Mn2+BO2(OH) |
| 6.BA.20 | Wiserite | (Mn2+,Mg)14(B2O5)4(OH)8 · (Si,Mg)(O,OH)4Cl |
Fluorescence of Szaibélyite
None.
Other Information
IR Spectrum:
Kebirnin'ya creek material [cm-1]: 3690w, 3560, 2975w, 2900w, 2760w, 2620sh, 2560w, 2495, 2030w, 1925, 1825w, 1465s, 1405sh, 1388s, 1274s, 1245s, 1223s, 1014, 981, 923, 841, 703s, 679, 623s, 563, 533, 508, 486, 440s, 400s
Notes:
Slowly soluble in acids.
An alteration product of Colemanite, Inyoite, and Hydroboracite (Inder deposits).
An alteration product of Colemanite, Inyoite, and Hydroboracite (Inder deposits).
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 Szaibélyite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3857.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Szaibélyite
Reference List:
Groth, F. (1874) Tabellarische Übersicht der Einfachen Mineralien (1st ed.). Friedrich Vieweg und Sohn.p.38 - as Boromagnesit
Eakle, Arthur S. (1925) Camsellite from California. American Mineralogist, 10 (4) 100-102 (also see Schaller, 1942)
Ginner, John W. (1932) Magnesiosussexite, a new mineral from a Michigan iron mine, isomorphous with sussexite and camsellite. American Mineralogist, 17 (11) 509-513 (as Magnesiosussexite)
Schaller, Waldemar T. (1942) The identity of ascharite, camsellite, and β-ascharite with szaibelyite; and some relations of the magnesium borate minerals. American Mineralogist, 27 (7) 467-486
Takeuchi, Y., Kudoh, Yasuhiro (1975) Szaibelyite, Mg2(OH)[B2O4(OH)]: Crystal structure, pseudosymmetry and polymorphism. American Mineralogist, 60 (3-4) 273-279
Roulston, B. V., Waugh, D. C. E. (1981) A borate mineral assemblage from Penobsquis and Salt Springs evaporite deposits of southern New Brunswick. The Canadian Mineralogist, 19 (2) 291-301
Marincea, S. (2001) New data on szaibelyite from the type locality, Băiţa Bihor. The Canadian Mineralogist, 39 (1). 111-127 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.39.1.111
Localities for Szaibélyite
Showing 115 localities.
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 | |
| R Bottrill unpub. Data |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) | |
| Ralph Bottrill unpublished data 2019 |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
Belarus | |
| USGS MRDS database potash: ... |
Canada | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Grice et al. (2002) |
| Grice et al. (2005) |
| 162-165. +1 other reference |
| Sabina (1986) |
China | |
| Zhao et al. (2022) +1 other reference |
| Zhao et al. (1999) |
| Wang (1983) +1 other reference |
| Zhenhai Wang (2000) |
| Chang Zhaoshan and Feng Zhongyan (1996) +1 other reference |
| Rongwen Zhou and Zhishun Chen (1991) |
| Yang Guangming et al. (1985) | |
| Rongwen Zhou and Zaixi Li (1992) | |
| Fushun Li et al. (2012) |
| Kamitani et al. (2007) |
| www.portergeo.com.au (2007) +1 other reference |
| Zhaobin Su and Shaoying Jiang (1984) | |
| Matsuda (1969) |
| Rongge Xiao et al. (2003) +4 other references |
| Kamitani et al. (2007) | |
| Guyue Hu et al. (2014) |
| Xie Hongyuan et al. (1998) | |
| Jingdang Liu et al. (2005) +1 other reference | |
| Rongge Xiao et al. (2003) | |
| Rongge Xiao et al. (2003) +2 other references |
| Qian Yang (1989) |
| Hualing et al. (2026) |
| Zhou et al. (2001) |
| Shilu Zhang (1986) |
Czech Republic | |
| Bohuslav Burev collection |
France | |
| Goujou et al. (2000) +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Brockt et al. (2001) |
| Mädler (1992) |
| Wittern (2001) |
Greece | |
| |
Iran | |
| Hairapetian et al. (2017) |
Italy | |
| Bedognè +2 other references |
| Bedognè et al. (2006) |
| Campostrini (2001) |
Japan | |
| Minakawa (1977) |
| 上原誠一郎. (1987) |
| - (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Kato et al. (2006) |
Kazakhstan | |
| - (1993) +1 other reference |
| Pekov (1998) +1 other reference | |
| ERCOSPAN (2011) |
Morocco | |
| Weiß (2006) |
North Korea | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Norway | |
| Bøggild (1947) |
| Jøsang (1966) | |
| Neumann (1985) | |
| Raade et al. (1975) +1 other reference | |
Poland | |
| Fijał J. (1970) +1 other reference |
Romania (TL) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +4 other references |
| Shimizu et al. (1998) | |
| Ş +1 other reference | |
| Marincea et al. (2023) | |
| Marincea (1999) +2 other references |
| Stefan Marincea et al. (2018) |
| Stefan Marincea et al. (2018) | |
Russia | |
| Pekov (1998) |
| Varlakov (1962) |
| Mazurov et al. (2007) |
| Galuskina et al. (2008) |
| Aleksandrov et al. (2009) +1 other reference |
| American Mineralogist 42:582-583 +1 other reference | |
| USGS Open File Report 2005-1252 p23 +2 other references |
| Alrosa |
| maurice.strahlen.org (2004) +2 other references |
| Galuskina et al. (2008) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) | |
| Chukanov (2014) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
| Kovalev et al. (2019) |
Slovakia | |
| Vladimír Bilohuščin (2016) +1 other reference |
| Koděra (1986) |
Spain | |
| Torres Ruiz (1993) +1 other reference |
Sweden | |
| www.k1q.net (n.d.) |
| Nysten & Langhof (in LångbansNytt 2021) |
| Holtstam (2001) | |
| Gatedal (n.d.) |
| Appel et al. (1999) |
| Ersson (2021) |
UK | |
| Genis et al. (2016) |
| Smith et al. (2014) |
| Smith et al. (2014) |
| Smith et al. (2014) | |
| |
| Livingstone (2002) |
USA | |
| Rocks & Min.: 64:472. |
| Pelletier |
| Eakle (1925) +4 other references | |
| [micromounts@yahoogroups.com] |
| McNamara (Mineral Lore) |
| Rocks & Minerals: 58: 108. +1 other reference |
| AmMin 10:137 |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Rocks & Minerals. Nov. 1999. | |
| American Mineralogist 10:137-139 +1 other reference | |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Steven Kuitems +1 other reference |
| RRUFF project +2 other references |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Omer B. Raup and Beth M. Madsen (1986) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Woodford et al. (2001) |
Quick NavTopAbout SzaibélyiteName EncodingUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesVarietiesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List







symbol to view information about a locality.
The
Băiţa mining district, Nucet, Bihor County, Romania