Redefinition of coquim bite, AlFe33+(SO4)6(H2O)12•6H2O

Coquimbite, AlFe33+(SO4)(6) (H2O)(12)center dot 6H(2)O, was considered as a pure Fe3+ hydrated sulfate. However, previous mineralogical studies pointed out the occurrence of essential Al, occupying a distinct site in the crystal structure of this mineral. Through the critical re-examination of the available literature and new crystal-chemical data collected on a specimen from the Monte Arsiccio mine, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy, the chemical formula of coquimbite has been revised, taking into account the occurrence of Al. Coquimbite has a homeotypic relationship with paracoquimbite, Fe-4 (SO4)(6) (H2O)(12)center dot 6H(2)O; both mineral species belong to the coquimbite group. On the contrary, aluminocoquimbite, Al-2 Fe-2 (SO4)(6) (H2O)(12)center dot 6H(2)O, has a different topology and does not belong to that group.