Prismatic Crystals Research Articles

The Study of Crystals in the Fruits of Some Apiaceae Species Using Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy

Crystals in the fruits of Apiaceae are of great importance for taxonomy. The presence/absence and location of large prismatic crystals, druses, and spherical aggregates characterize genera, tribes, and subfamilies. When the fruits of Apiaceae split into mericarps, cell separation occurs, and probably cell death and the destruction of their walls. In clades Saniculeae and Scandicinae, this process is accompanied by the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the abscission layer. However, reports of smaller crystals are rare, and their taxonomic significance is unknown. To fill this gap, we started research with four species of the clade Apieae: Ammi majus, Modesciadium involucratum, Deverra aphylla, and Rutheopsis tortuosa; in the last two species, crystals were described for the first time. We also studied crystals in Chaerophyllum bulbosum from the clade Scandicinae, and in Sanicula rubriflora from the clade Saniculeae. Conventional optical and polarizing microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used. In the clade Apieae, the studied species contained crystals in the exocarp and on the commissure, and often in the mesocarp parenchyma as well; the shapes of the crystals are small druses and crystal sand. The calcium content in the crystals was determined as 10–31%; crystals contain also carbon and oxygen and are most likely composed of calcium oxalate. In the fruits of Apiaceae studied, the silicon content is low (<0.3%).

Chrysoberyl and associated beryllium minerals resulting from metamorphic overprinting of the Maršíkov–Schinderhübel III pegmatite, Czech Republic

AbstractThe Maršíkov–Schinderhübel III pegmatite in the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains, Silesian Domain, Czech Republic, is a classic example of chrysoberyl-bearing LCT granitic pegmatite of beryl–columbite subtype. This thin pegmatite dyke, (up to 1 m in thickness in biotite–amphibole gneiss is characterised by symmetrical internal zoning. Tabular and prismatic chrysoberyl crystals (≤3 cm) occur typically in the intermediate albite-rich unit and rarely in the quartz core. Chrysoberyl microtextures are quite complex; their crystals are irregularly patchy, concentric or fine oscillatory zoned with large variations in Fe content (1.1–5.3 wt.% Fe2O3; ≤0.09 apfu). Chrysoberyl compositions reveal dominant Fe3+ = Al3+ and minor Fe2+ + Ti4+ = 2(Al, Fe)3+ substitution mechanisms in the octahedral sites. Tin, Ga, and V (determined by LA-ICP-MS) are characteristic trace elements incorporated in the chrysoberyl structure, whereas anomalously high Ta and Nb concentrations (thousands ppm) in chrysoberyl are probably caused by nano- to micro-inclusions of Nb–Ta oxide minerals; especially columbite–tantalite. Textural relationships between associated minerals, distinct schistosity of the pegmatite parallel to the host gneiss foliation and fragmentation of the pegmatite body into blocks as a result of superimposed stress are clear evidence for deformation and metamorphic overprinting of the pegmatite. Primary magmatic beryl, albite and muscovite were transformed to chrysoberyl, fibrolitic sillimanite, secondary quartz and muscovite during a high-temperature (~600°C) and medium-pressure (~250–500 MPa) prograde metamorphic stage under amphibolite-facies conditions. A subsequent retrograde, low-temperature (~200–500°C) and pressure (≤250 MPa) metamorphic stage resulted in the local alteration of chrysoberyl to secondary Fe,Na-rich beryl, euclase, bertrandite and late muscovite.

Inclusions communes et rares dans l’aigue-marine

In this article, the author chose to reveal the secrets surrounding two surprising samples of aquamarine from her collection, through the reading and understanding of their inclusions, emphasized both for their beauty and for their remarkable gemological qualities. In the first sample, a star Brazilian aquamarine cabochon, it is possible to observe marvelous fluid inclusions which looks like colored « confetti » as well as more or less filled channels, both showing amazing interference colors. The second sample, corresponds to a prismatic crystal from Pakistan, and reveals two-phase negative crystals as well as hexagonal growth structures, never before described in an aquamarine.

Process Performance and Operational Challenges in Continuous Crystallization: A Study of the Polymorphs of L-Glutamic Acid.

The crystallization of the two polymorphs of l-glutamic acid (LGA) is carried out in a continuous crystallization process, and its performance according to different criteria is evaluated. The study aims at identifying suitable operating conditions for producing either αLGA or βLGA with a high polymorphic purity. To this end, we investigate the process both from a theoretical perspective and through experiments using either a single stirred-tank crystallizer or a cascade of two stirred-tank crystallizers in series. In terms of theory, we extend the MSMPR-based steady-state stability analysis of Farmer et al. (Farmer, T. C. et al. AIChE J.2016, 62, 3505-3514) by accounting for the possibility of a nonrepresentative withdrawal of the solid phase from the crystallizer. Additionally, the process is simulated using population balance equations, thereby investigating the effect of operating conditions on polymorphic purity, yield, and productivity. Guided by the model-based conclusions, we identified suitable operating conditions and experimentally tested them. The experimental campaign has demonstrated that βLGA could be successfully and continuously produced in both process configurations according to the theory with performance as expected, whereas that was not possible for αLGA. The difference between the two stems from different operational challenges, whose consequence is that steady-state operation is attained in the case of βLGA but not in that of αLGA. In the former case, the needle-like βLGA crystals, which exhibit no agglomeration, tend to be only slightly oversampled; in the latter case, the prismatic αLGA crystals undergo major agglomeration and hence are very difficult to suspend and effectively withdraw from the crystallizer.

A Case Study on Distribution of Gemstone in Bela Ophiolite, District Khuzdar, Balochistan

Bela Ophiolite and suture zone host several types of gemstones in the underlain and overlain rocks such as garnet (demantoid and almandine), quartz, brucite, malachite, chrysocolla, azurite, calcite, natrolite, green chert, jasper, serpentine, agate, epidote, augite and prehnite. However, the rare gemstones including demantoid garnet are found as dodecahedron green crystals associated with the altered peridotite rocks such as serpentinite. Brucite is found in the botryoidal habit in the ultramafic rocks of Bela Ophiolite associated with the chromite mines in the Baran Lak and Amorzai area of Wadh in the host rock dunite. The serpentine is found in several locations associated with the altered ultramafic rocks formed after the serpentinization of peridotite. Furthermore, one of the rare gemstones such as petroleum and diamond quartz is formed due to the hydrothermal intrusion in the sedimentary rocks such as limestone; calcite also occurs in limestone as dogtooth crystals. While azurite, malachite and chrysocolla are formed as secondary deposits in the oxidized zone of copper and sulphide mines in the Manjawi, Nal and Sonaro associated adjacent to basalt. Moreover, epidote is found as green crystals having porphyritic texture in the host rock granite mainly in the Bakhalo area, Wadh. Agate, jasper, green chert and several other kinds of chert are found associated with the basalt chert unit in the mélange and gossan. In addition to that natrolite is found in the Nal ophiolite mainly in the Hazarghanji town found associated with the cracks and vugs of dolerite dykes as fibrous and cylindrical crystals. In metamorphic sole rocks of Bela Ophiolite in the Sonaro area, marble and quartzite are associated with the metamorphic rocks such as greenschist and amphibolite facies that are formed during the e volution period of the ophiolite. In pegmatite gabbro, the elongated and prismatic black crystals of augite are found in the host rock gabbro near the Ornach cross area, and the prehnite gemstone is found associated with the basalt and gabbroic rocks transition zone in the Ornach area.

Investigation on band gap mechanism and vibration attenuation characteristics of cantilever-beam-type power-exponent prismatic phononic crystal plates

This study proposes a novel phononic crystal (NPC) configuration composed of power-exponent prismatic phononic crystal (EPC) and cantilever beams to address the vibration problem of the ship plate structure. Through the dispersion curve, it is found that NPC has complete flexural band gaps of low-, medium-, and high-frequency. The medium-frequency and high-frequency band gaps are the coupled band gaps induced by local resonance under the superimposition between the resonance of cantilever beams and the energy concentration effect in the primary structure. It is found that the addition of cantilever beam can make EPC produce low-frequency, and medium-frequency band gaps and broaden high-frequency band gap. Changing the parameters of the cantilever beam can adjust the low-, medium-, and high-frequency band gaps at the same time. Changing the parameters of the power index prism can adjust the medium-frequency and high-frequency band gap without changing the low-frequency band gap. The present simulation and model tests validated the above conclusions. Compared with the traditional embedded ABH model, NPC cannot weaken the structural strength with greater flexibility in application, suggesting broad application prospects in ship structure engineering. The present research results can support the vibration control of ship structures.

Linear transmission of “whiteness”: A textual analysis of a year 9 “timeline”

This paper draws on theories of history and interculturality to explore how a ‘timeline’ and its visual language as a ‘crystallised text’ constructs the linear transmission of ‘whiteness’. When the concept of interculturality or associated term of Intercultural Understanding (ICU) is related to history education, it carries connotations of disruption to dominant narratives. The absence of difference, diversity, and the stories of ‘other’, are explicated in critical inclusions and exclusions of historical content knowledge and the way it is organised within key pedagogies such as ‘chronology’. In addition to focus group interviews with history teachers, the study conducted a textual analysis of a ‘timeline’ used at Year 9 (students aged 13-15) defined here as a ‘Western Drama’, underpinned by linear progress as a basic theme. It was analysed through the lens of a ‘crystal prism’ which conceptually draws on the foundational work of educationalist Jörn Rüsen to explore intersections between history, interculturality and discourse.

Characterization of Anatomical and Non-Anatomical Properties for the Identification of Six Commercial Wood Species from Vietnamese Plantation Forests

This study investigated the anatomical and non-anatomical characteristics of six wood species, Acacia mangium, Acacia hybrid, Dillenia pentagyna, Anacardium occidentale, Hevea brasiliensis, and Melaleuca cajuputi, from a plantation in Vietnam. The anatomical characteristics and non-anatomical characteristics were observed following the International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA) list. All species showed diffuse porosity and non-septate fibers. Exclusively solitary vessels were only observed in M. cajuputi. Vestured pits were observed in A. mangium, A. hybrid, and M. cajuputi, and tyloses were found in A. occidentale and H. brasiliensis. We observed vasicentric axial parenchyma in A. mangium, A. hybrid, A. occidentale, and H. brasiliensis, whereas diffuse axial parenchyma was observed in D. pentagyna and M. cajuputi. Further, prismatic crystals in the axial parenchyma cells existed in A. mangium, A. hybrid, and H. brasiliensis, and raphides in ray cells were observed in D. pentagyna. Silica bodies in ray cells were found in A. occidentale and M. cajuputi. H. brasiliensis exhibited the greatest vessel diameter and ray height, with D. pentagyna exhibiting the greatest fiber length and wall thickness. All the species showed considerable differences in heartwood fluorescence, water and ethanol extract colors, and froth test reactions.

Murphyite, Pb(TeO4), the Te-Analogue of Raspite, a New Mineral from Tombstone, Arizona, USA

Abstract A new mineral species, murphyite (IMA 2021-107), ideally Pb(TeO4), has been found from the Grand Central mine, Tombstone, Arizona, USA. It occurs as bladed or prismatic crystals on top of a quartz matrix. Associated minerals include chlorargyrite, emmonsite, ottoite, stolzite, scheelite, schieffelinite, quartz, and jarosite. Individual crystals of murphyite are up to 0.20 × 0.05 × 0.05 mm in size. Twinning is common on {100}. Murphyite is colorless to very pale yellow in transmitted light, transparent with white streak and adamantine luster. It is brittle and has a Mohs hardness of ∼3½, with perfect cleavage on {100}. The calculated density is 7.579 g/cm3. Murphyite is insoluble in water or hydrochloric acid. An electron microprobe analysis yielded the empirical formula (based on 4 O apfu): (Pb0.96Fe0.03Mn0.02)Σ1.01[(Te0.61W0.38)Σ0.99O4], which can be simplified to Pb[(Te,W)O4]. Murphyite is the Te-analogue of raspite, Pb(WO4), and represents the first mineral with Te6+ substituting for W6+ over 50%. It is monoclinic with space group P21/a and unit-cell parameters a = 13.6089(3), b = 5.01750(10), c = 5.5767(2) Å, β = 107.9280(10)°, V = 362.302(17) Å3, and Z = 4. Its crystal structure consists of distorted MO6 (M = Te + W) octahedra sharing edges to form zigzag chains running parallel to [010]. These chains are linked together by PbO7 polyhedra. Compared to raspite, the substitution of W6+ by Te6+, which has a smaller ionic radius, results in a noticeable structural change: a significant decrease in MO6 octahedral angle distortion, with a concomitant increase in both MO6 octahedral volume and average Pb–O bond length. The unit-cell volume increases from 358.72(4) Å3 for raspite to 362.302(17) Å3 for murphyite. Raman spectroscopic data show that the major peak ascribable to M–O symmetrical stretching vibrations within the MO6 octahedron is centered at 870 cm−1 for raspite but at 881 cm−1 for murphyite.

Macro-microscopic and HPTLC Atlas of Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. Fruit

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,277-287.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.030Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Susikumar Sundharamoorthy, Gokula Kannan Sundharamoorthy, Achintya Kumar Mandal, Shakila Ramachandran, Senthilvel Govindaraju, and Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayanan Author(s) affiliations:Susikumar Sundharamoorthy1,*, Gokula Kannan Sundharamoorthy2, Achintya Kumar Mandal1, Shakila Ramachandran1, Senthilvel Govindaraju1, Sunil Kumar Koppala Narayanan1 1Siddha Central Research Institute, Central Council for Research in Siddha, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, A. A. Hospital Campus, Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 2Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC. (Family Leguminosae) is a large annual or perennial climber with a terete glabrous stem, native to Indo-Malaysian and also distributed in tropical, subtropical regions. C. gladiata (Jacq.) DC. is generally confused with another closely related species i.e. C. ensiformis (Linn.) DC (Jack bean). The tender pods of both the above species have close similarity in morphology, especially shape and size of fruit, therefore it is difficult to differentiate on their vegetative and also fruiting stages. The plant C. ensiformis mentioned as a synonym of C. gladiata in many of the earlier literature though they are 2 different taxa. Some authors published different colour seeds in the name of C. gladiata. It is doubtful if C. ensiformis (Linn.) DC. or C. gladiata (Jacq.) DC was studied during that analysis. Objectives: A systematic pharmacognostical study has been executed to identify the correct botanical source. Materials and Methods: All the studies were carried out by standard procedures in Pharmacopoeias and other authentic literature. Results: Macroscopically surface characters followed by odour and taste, anatomically TS of the pericarp, plecenta, testa, cotyledon and radical, powder microscopically epidermal cells with stomata and prismatic crystal cystolith, trichomes, testa palisade cells, sclereids with different shape and size, brownish content, starch grains, tracheids, fibres and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate are the unique diagnostic characters observed. HPTLC with different spots having unique Rf values in the pericarp, testa, cotyledon and seeds will be helpful for critical identification of the species. Conclusion: The findings of the present study will be helpful in the identification and differentiation of related species as the whole drug or in powder form. Keywords:Jack bean, Seed anatomy, Sword bean, Vegetable Crude Drug.View:PDF (1.49 MB)

Dutrowite, Na(Fe2+2.5Ti0.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O, a new mineral from the Apuan Alps (Tuscany, Italy): the first member of the tourmaline supergroup with Ti as a species-forming chemical constituent

Abstract. The new tourmaline supergroup mineral dutrowite, Na(Fe2.52+Ti0.5)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O, has been discovered in an outcrop of a Permian metarhyolite near the hamlet of Fornovolasco, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy. It occurs as chemically homogeneous domains, up to 0.5 mm, brown in colour, with a light-brown streak and a vitreous lustre, within anhedral to subhedral prismatic crystals, up to 1 mm in size, closely associated with Fe-rich oxy-dravite. Dutrowite is trigonal, space group R3m, with a=15.9864(8), c=7.2187(4) Å, V=1597.68(18) Å3, and Z=3. The crystal structure was refined to R1=0.0257 for 1095 unique reflections with Fo>4σ (Fo) and 94 refined parameters. Electron microprobe analysis, coupled with Mössbauer spectroscopy, resulted in the empirical structural formula X(Na0.81Ca0.20K0.01)Σ1.02 Y(Fe1.252+Mg0.76Ti0.56Al0.42)Σ3.00 Z(Al4.71Fe0.273+V0.023+Mg0.82Fe0.182+)Σ6.00 T[(Si5.82Al0.18)Σ6.00O18] (BO3)3O(3)(OH)3O(1)[O0.59(OH)0.41]Σ1.00, which was recast in the empirical ordered formula, required for classification purposes: X(Na0.81Ca0.20K0.01)Σ1.02 Y(Fe1.432+Mg1.00Ti0.56)Σ3.00 Z(Al5.13Fe0.273+V0.023+Mg0.58)Σ6.00 T[(Si5.82Al0.18)Σ6.00O18] (BO3)3V(OH)3 W[O0.59(OH)0.41]Σ1.00. Dutrowite is an oxy-species belonging to the alkali group of the tourmaline supergroup. Titanium is hosted in octahedral coordination, and its incorporation is probably due to the substitution 2Al3+ = Ti4+ + (Fe,Mg)2+. Its occurrence seems to be related to late-stage high-T/low-P replacement of “biotite” during the late-magmatic/hydrothermal evolution of the Permian metarhyolite.

Nanomechanical response of tungsten carbide single crystals in extreme conditions: Temperature and strain rate dependence

The mechanical response of tungsten carbide (WC) single crystals under extreme conditions was investigated by means of pendulum-based nano-impact testing, from ambient to high temperatures. Dynamic hardness measurements and damage accumulation observations were conducted by single and multiple impact tests, respectively, at high strain rates (∼ 103-104 s-1). Large WC single crystals with different orientations, namely, (0001) basal and (101¯0) prismatic crystals, were studied. The results obtained from impact testing were compared to results acquired by high temperature nanoindentation in the quasi-static regime (10−2 s−1), at a similar length scale, up to 600 °C. Whilst basal WC crystals were shown to exhibit a higher dynamic hardness at high strain rates across the entire range of temperatures, the hardness of prismatic WC crystals at high strain rates were only found higher at temperatures below 200 °C and comparable at elevated temperatures. Post-mortem topographical scans revealed the generation of substantial plastic deformation during impact and large pile up formation in the vicinity of the impact imprints in prismatic crystals. Electron Channelling Contrast Imaging (ECCI) of the repetitive impacts suggested preferential planes for the accommodation of stress through plastic flow at high strain rates, as previously reported in the quasi-static regime. The results shed light on the mechanical behaviour of WC in extreme conditions, evidencing anisotropic mechanical behaviours.

Comparative Pharmacognostic and Powder Microscopic Studies of the Bark of Four Ficus Species (Nalpamaram)

Nalpamaram is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic system for the treatment of several ailments. It is very effective for the treatment of skin diseases like pigmentation, wrinkles and dark circles. This has a brown texture and a unique aroma. Nalpamaram is a mixture of four plant species of the family Moraceae - Ficus religiosa (Asvattha), Ficus benghalensis (Nyagrodha), Ficus racemosa (Udumbara) and Ficus microcarpa (Plaksah). The barks of the species are usually interchanged or adulterated with other species of Ficus because of the limited knowledge in identification and differentiation. Therefore, a detailed comparative pharmacognostic evaluation of the four species has been carried out with the aim to establish the diagnostic keys of these important drugs based on the pharmacognostic and powder macroscopic profiles. Pharmacognostic study of all these shows differences in values. Total ash is low in F. racemosa and high in F. benghalensis Acid insoluble ash is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Water soluble extractive is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Alcohol soluble extractive is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Unique identification features like stone cells and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate were found in the powder of all four species. The information from the present study provide data which is useful for the development of suitable monograph, determining the quality and purity of a crude drug and laying down Pharmacopoeia standards for Nalpamaram.

Raydemarkite, the Natural Analogue of Synthetic α-MoO3·H2O, from Cookes Peak, Luna County, New Mexico, USA

AbstractA new mineral species, raydemarkite, ideally MoO3·H2O, was discovered in an unnamed short adit on the Summit group of claims near Cookes Peak, Luna County, New Mexico, USA. It occurs as sprays of acicular or prismatic crystals on a matrix consisting mainly of quartz and pyrite. Individual crystals of raydemarkite are up to 1.00 × 0.10 × 0.06 mm. Associated minerals include sidwillite, ilsemannite, jordisite, powellite, anhydrite, gypsum, bouškaite, pyrite, and quartz. Raydemarkite is colorless in transmitted light and transparent with white streak and vitreous luster. It is flexible and has a Mohs hardness of ∼1½; cleavage is perfect on {100} and {001}. Twinning is common on (010). The measured and calculated densities are 3.44(5) and 3.41 g/cm3, respectively. Raydemarkite is insoluble in water or hydrochloric acid. An electron microprobe analysis yielded an empirical formula, based on 4 O apfu, of MoO3·H2O.Raydemarkite is the natural analogue of the α-form of MoO3·H2O, which was first synthesized over a century ago (Rosenheim & Davidsohn 1903). Its crystal structure was solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It is triclinic, crystallizing in space group and the unit-cell parameters a = 7.3750(2), b = 3.70920(10), c = 6.6833(2) Å, α = 108.1080(10), β = 112.779(2), γ = 91.7420(10)°, V = 157.828(8) Å3, and Z = 2. The crystal structure of raydemarkite is built up from isolated double chains of highly distorted, edge-sharing MoO5(H2O) octahedra parallel to [010] that are linked together through hydrogen bonds, accounting for its acicular/prismatic morphology and the marked flexibility. Synthetic hemihydrate MoO3·1/2H2O (monoclinic, space group P21/m) can be regarded as a combination of molybdite and raydemarkite both structurally and chemically.

Micromorphology and Histochemistry of Vegetative Organs from Nicandra Physalodes (L.) Gaertn (Solanaceae)

Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn is a sub-shrub used in folk medicine for various purposes, as it is also considered a toxic plant. Due to its ethnobotanical importance, a study of vegetative organs (leaves, stem, root) of this species was carried out, for its micromorphological and histochemical characterization, with the objective of finding parameters to support the taxonomy and quality control of their ethnodrugs. Paradermic and cross sections were carried out on fresh samples of leaves, stem and root, from the plant collected in the municipality of Bananeiras, State of Paraíba, Brazil, as well as histochemical tests with specific conductors, following the usual techniques in botanical anatomy. It was observed that N. physalodes has an amphistomatic leaf blade, anisocytic and anomocytic stomata, 1-serial epidermis, sinuous anticlinical cell walls, dorsiventral mesophyll, 1-serial palisade parenchyma and the 3-4-serial spongy border; biconvex midrib, bicolateral, arched; semicircular petiole with lateral, adaxial projections, 5-6-seriate collenchyma and vascular system similar to the midrib, 2 central bundles and 2 accessories in the lateral projections. The stem is irregularly pentagonal, epidermis 1-seriate, angular collenchyma 3-4-seriate, prismatic crystals are observed in the cortex and medullary parenchyma, and the vascular system is amphiphilic siphonostelic. The root is circular, with the endoderm 1-serial, siphonostelic vascular system. Histochemical tests showed a positive reaction for lipids, lignin, starch, alkaloids, phenolic compounds and proteins in the rib, petiole and stem. The anatomical character set of the leaf epidermis, stem and root together with the histochemical data are distinctive for N. physalodes, who support her taxonomy and the quality control of her ethnodrugs.

Pharmacognostical and physicochemical evaluation of gandhakadi yoga vati: An ayurveda herbo-mineral formulation for thalassemia major

Background: Ayurveda is age-old medical system, practiced in India. Ayurveda medicines are being prepared from natural sources like herbs, animal products, and minerals. Ancient Ayurveda scholars have mentioned various pharmaceutical procedures to make it bioavailable. They also mentioned about various parameters to control the quality and standardize those formulations. But due to globalization and industrialization, it is need of the time to produce medicines in larger scale and to evaluate its quality with currently available tools for the global acceptance of Ayurveda. Gandhakadi Yoga Vati is an herbo-mineral formulation used as an adjuvant in the management of Thalassemia Major. Till date quality data of this formulation is not been evaluated. Aims and Objectives: To analyze the Gandhakadi Yoga Vati through pharmacognostically and physicochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: In this analytical study, preauthenticated raw drugs were procured from pharmacy, ITRA, Jamnagar. Drug was prepared at RSBK department and pharmacy, ITRA, Jamnagar. Organoleptic parameters and microscopic analysis of Vati were done at pharmacognosy department, ITRA. Physicochemical analysis and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) were carried out at pharmaceutical laboratory, ITRA. Results: Microscopic characteristics of Gandhakadi Yoga Vati showed simple trichome, starch grain, epidermal cells, fibers, parenchymal cell of Agastya Patra (Sesbenia grandiflora Linn.), pitted stone cells, lignified stone cell, trichome, tanin content, prismatic crystal, brown content, spool cells of Vidanga (Embelia ribes Burm.f.), and black debris of Gandhaka. In physicochemical analysis, Ash value was 8.64%w/w, loss on drying was 0.85%w/w, pH was 6.4, acid-insoluble ash value was 2.49% w/w alcohol-soluble extractive was 14.9%w/w, and water-soluble extractive was 5.09%w/w. HPTLC study showed 06 and 07 peaks at 254 and 366 nm wave lengths, respectively. Conclusion: This study generated preliminary data on pharmacognostical, physicochemical parameters, and HPTLC of Gandhakadi Yoga Vati. These fingerprinting can be useful for future researchers to reproduce this formulation.

Betzite, Na6Ca2(Al6Si6O24)Cl4, a New Cancrinite-Group Mineral from the Eifel Paleovolcanic Region, Germany

AbstractBetzite, ideally Na6Ca2(Al6Si6O24)Cl4, a new cancrinite-group mineral, was discovered in a metasomatically altered (pyrometamorphosed) calcic xenolith, hosted by alkaline basalt at the Bellerberg paleovolcano in the Eastern Eifel region, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The associated minerals are anorthite, phlogopite, diopside, grossular, fluorite, calcite, a tobermorite-like mineral, and vanadoallanite-(Ce). Betzite occurs as colorless hexagonal prismatic crystals up to 2 mm long and up to 0.5 mm thick. The new mineral is brittle, with a Mohs' hardness of 5½. Distinct cleavage on {100} and parting on {0001} are observed. The Dmeas = 2.38(2) g/cm3 and Dcalc = 2.363 g/cm3. Betzite is optically uniaxial (+) with ω = 1.528(2) and ε = 1.545(3). The IR spectrum is given. The chemical composition of betzite is (wt.%; electron microprobe, H2O determined by the modified Penfield method): Na2O 11.88, K2O 4.82, CaO 10.74, MgO 0.21, Al2O3 27.32, Fe2O3 0.68, SiO2 32.84, SO3 1.89, Cl 10.48, H2O 1.10, −O≡Cl −2.37, total 99.59. The empirical formula is Na4.22K1.13Ca2.11Mg0.06(Si6.01Al5.90Fe3+0.09O24)Cl3.25(SO4)0.26(H1.34O0.64). The crystal structure was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It is hexagonal, space group P63, a = 12.8166(9) Å, c = 5.3562(3) Å, V = 761.95(12) Å3 (at a temperature of 100 K) and Z = 3. Betzite is a dimorph of quadridavyne, with a disordered distribution of extra-framework components occupying channels. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å (I, %) (hkl)] are: 11.14 (31) (100), 4.833 (93) (101), 3.715 (95) (300), 3.313 (100) (211), 2.787 (37) (400), 2.681 (56) (002, 131), 2.474 (35) (112, 401), 2.146 (24) (330). The mineral is named in honor of the German amateur mineralogist Volker Betz (b. 1947).

New data on sulfosalts from the hydrothermal siderite-type veins in the Spišsko-gemerské rudohorie Mts. (eastern Slovakia): 5. Minerals of the kobellite-tintinaite series from the Majerská dolina ore occurrence near Čučma

A new occurrence of minerals of the kobellite-tintinaite series was recently discovered at the Majerská dolina siderite-type hydrothermal ore occurrence near Čučma, Spišsko-gemerské rudohorie Mts., Rožňava Co., Košice Region, Slovakia. Minerals of the kobellite-tintinaite series occur in quartz gangue as acicular to prismatic crystals up 5 mm long, associated together with arsenopyrite, pyrite and chalcopyrite. The calculated value of N for studied samples is ranging from 1.91 to 2.00 and the Sb/(Sb+Bi) atomic ratio in three studied samples varies between 0.41 and 0.52, hence corresponding mostly to Sb-rich kobellite, with a few analyses representing Bi-rich tintinaite.

Stellerit z Košťálova u Semil (Česká republika)

Stellerite was discovered in an active quarry at Košt’álov near Semily (Liberec Region, Czech Republic). The mine- ral occurs on fractures of Paleozoic basaltic andesite in association with fluorapophyllite-(K), chabazite-Ca and calcite. Stellerite forms clear columnar striated crystals reaching 1.5 mm in size. Unit cell parameters derived from the powder X-ray data are: a 13.586(6) Å, b 18.204(7) Å, c 17.839(12) Å and V 4412(2) Å3. Chemical analyses gave the empirical formula (Ca3.97Na0.08K0.03)Σ4.08(Si28.22Al7.69)O72·28 H2O. Transparent colourless dipyramidal and prismatic crystals of fluor- apophyllite-(K) are up to 4 mm in size. The chemical analyses correspond to the empirical formula K0.73Na0.10Ca3.98 (Si7.78Al0.22)Σ8.00O20(F0.94OH0.06)Σ1.00·8 H2O. Chabazite-Ca with an empirical formula (Ca1.34K1.02Na0.67Ba0.10Sr0.01)[Al3.22 Si8.44O24]·12 H2O forms intergrowths of colourless rhombohedrons up to 6 mm in size. Chabazite-Ca contains very small, elongated inclusions of baryte. Calcite in groups of colourless to pale cream scalenohedral crystals up to 2 mm in size is the youngest mineral of the mineral assemblage. In the case of stellerite this is the first description within the Czech Republic, in the case of fluorapophyllite-(K) it is the first detailed characterization from the locality of Košt’álov.

James E. Talmage and the Selenite Crystals

James E. Talmage and the Selenite Crystals