Weddellite

Weddellite (CaC2O4·2H2O) is a mineral form of calcium oxalate named for occurrences of millimeter-sized crystals found in bottom sediments of the Weddell Sea, off Antarctica. Occasionally, weddellite partially dehydrates to whewellite, forming excellent pseudomorphs of grainy whewellite after weddellite's short tetragonal dipyramids. It was first described in 1942.[1]

Weddellite
Scanning electron micrograph of the surface of a kidney stone showing crystals of weddellite emerging from the amorphous central part of the stone. Horizontal length of the picture represents 0.5 mm of the figured original.
General
CategoryOxalate minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
CaC2O4·2H2O
Strunz classification10.AB.40
Crystal systemTetragonal
Crystal classDipyramidal (4/m)
H-M symbol: (4/m)
Space groupI4/m
Unit cella = 12.371, c = 7.357 [Å]; Z = 8
Identification
ColorColorless to white, may be yellowish brown to brown from impurities
Crystal habitIsolated crystals, may be corroded
TwinningSingle or multiple
CleavageGood on {010}
FractureConchoidal
Mohs scale hardness4
LusterVitreous
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTransparent
Specific gravity1.94
Optical propertiesUniaxial (+)
Refractive indexnω = 1.523 nε = 1.544
Birefringenceδ = 0.021
Other characteristicsDehydrates on air exposure
References[1][2][3]

Structural properties

Weddellite, or calcium oxalate dihydrate, crystallises in a tetragonal system: the classic crystal shape is the eight-face bipyramid. Using bright field microscopy, the weddellite crystals are recognised easily by their shape, reminiscent of a postal envelope. More complex shapes of weddellite are possible; the dumbbell shape is not rare and has no precise angles or sides. This form is, in reality, a microcrystalline agglomerate that takes the shape of a biconcave disc. Weddellite crystals are poorly birefringent and do not show any interference pattern under polarised light.

Biological role

Weddellite crystals are usually of little clinical value. Together, whewellite and weddellite are the most common renal calculi.

Occurrence

Weddellite occurs as authigenic crystals in sea floor mud. It also has been reported in peat bearing sediments and in calcite-bearing lacustrine sediments. It occurs with whewellite, urea, phosphammite and aphthitalite.[2]

References

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