Mineral Collection Research Articles

Analytical database of Martian minerals (ADaMM): Project synopsis and Raman data overview

AbstractThe Mars2020/Perseverance and ExoMars/Rosalind Franklin rovers are both slated to return the first Raman spectra ever collected from another planetary surface, Mars. In order to optimize the rovers scientific outcome, the scientific community needs to be provided with tailored tools for data treatment and interpretation. Responding to this need, the purpose of the Analytical Database of Martian Minerals (ADaMM) project is to build an extended multianalytical database of mineral phases that have been detected on Mars or are expected to be found at the landing sites where the two rovers will operate. Besides the use of conventional spectrometers, the main objective of the ADaMM database is to provide access to data collected by means of laboratory prototypes simulating the analytical performances of the spectroscopic systems onboard the Mars 2020 and ExoMars rovers. Planned to be released to the public in 2022, ADaMM will also provide access to data treatment and visualization tools developed in the framework of the mentioned space exploration missions. As such, the present work seeks to provide an overview of the ADaMM online platform, spectral tools, and mineral collection. In addition to that, the manuscript describes the Raman spectrometers used to analyze the mineral collection and presents a representative example of the analytical performance ensured by the Raman prototypes assembled to simulate the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) and SuperCam systems.

Vortex-generator-induced intensification of fine mineral collection in pipe flow

Flotation of fine minerals is becoming increasingly challenging. Mineral particles are believed to collide and attach efficiently to air bubbles in highly turbulent circular pipes. In this study, vortex generators (VGs) are adopted to strengthen the turbulence and improve the collection efficiency of fine minerals in pipe flow flotation. Computational fluid dynamics simulations, bubble size measurements, and flotation tests are conducted in a modified pipe unit with VGs and an initial pipe unit without VGs. The simulation results show that the VGs induce streamwise vortices and increase the turbulent dissipation rate in the pipe unit. Bubble size distribution measurements show that the VGs decrease the bubble size slightly at high velocities. Flotation tests prove that vigorous turbulence induced by VGs is beneficial to the recovery of fine particles. In particular, the flotation rate constant of −20 µm particles at a liquid velocity of 0.7 m/s increases by more than 40% in the presence of VG-s5. Nevertheless, the excessive turbulence induced by VG-s5 caused a 20% decrease in the flotation rate of +45–74 μm particles when the liquid velocity increases to 2.0 m/s. This indicates that a relationship exists between turbulence and the particle size recovered. For a specified particle size, turbulence can be adjusted by varying the vortex generator spacing and changing the flow velocity to achieve the optimum flotation performance.

The mineralogy of the historical Mochalin Log REE deposit, South Urals, Russia. Part IV. Alexkuznetsovite-(La), La2Mn(CO3)(Si2O7), alexkuznetsovite-(Ce), Ce2Mn(CO3)(Si2O7) and biraite-(La), La2Fe2+(CO3)(Si2O7), three new isostructural minerals and a definition of the biraite group

AbstractThree new isostructural minerals, alexkuznetsovite-(La), ideally La2Mn(CO3)(Si2O7), alexkuznetsovite-(Ce) Ce2Mn(CO3)(Si2O7) and biraite-(La) La2Fe2+(CO3)(Si2O7), were discovered in polymineralic nodules from the Mochalin Log REE deposit, South Urals, Russia. The new minerals form anhedral grains up to 0.3 mm × 0.4 mm [alexkuznetsovite-(La)], 0.5 mm × 0.9 mm [alexkuznetsovite-(Ce)] and 0.2 mm × 1.2 mm [biraite-(La)] embedded in granular aggregates consisting of different REE minerals [allanite-(Ce)/-(La), bastnäsite-(Ce)/-(La), fluorbritholite-(Ce), perbøeite-(Ce)/-(La), percleveite-(Ce)/-(La) and törnebohmite-(Ce)/-(La)]. All three new species are brown to dark brown, translucent in thin fragments, with white streak, vitreous lustre and Mohs’ hardness of ~5. Dcalc = 4.713 [alexkuznetsovite-(La)], 4.687 [alexkuznetsovite-(Ce)] and 4.682 [biraite-La)] g⋅cm–3. Their empirical formulae, calculated on the basis of 2 Si and 10 O apfu, are: alexkuznetsovite-(La): (La0.98Ce0.89Nd0.10Pr0.05)Σ2.02Mn2+0.50Fe2+0.29Ca0.12Mg0.03(CO3)0.94(HCO3)0.06 (Si2O7); alexkuznetsovite-(Ce): (Ce0.96La0.78Nd0.16Pr0.07)Σ1.97Th0.01Mn2+0.50Fe2+0.33Ca0.14Mg0.02(CO3)0.93(HCO3)0.07(Si2O7); and biraite-(La): (La0.95Ce0.87Nd0.08Pr0.04)Σ1.94Th0.01Ca0.12Fe2+0.44Mn2+0.38Mg0.07(CO3)0.88(HCO3)0.12(Si2O7). The new minerals are monoclinic, P21/c and Z = 4. The unit-cell parameters of alexkuznetsovite-(La)/alexkuznetsovite-(Ce)/biraite-(La) are: a = 6.5642(3)/6.5764(4)/6.5660(10), b = 6.7689(3)/6.7685(4)/6.7666(11), c = 18.7213(10)/18.7493(15)/18.698(3) Å, β = 108.684(6)/108.672(8)/108.952(16)° and V = 788.00(7)/790.66(10)/785.7(2) Å3. The crystal structures are solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data; R = 0.0628 [alexkuznetsovite-(La)], 0.0589 [alexkuznetsovite-(Ce)] and 0.1193 [biraite-(La)]. A new biraite group is defined; it includes isostructural biraite-(Ce) and the three new minerals described herein. The rootname alexkuznetsovite is given in honour of the Russian mineral collector Alexey M. Kuznetsov (born 1962) who provided samples in which all three new minerals were found. The Levinson's suffix-modifier -(La) or -(Ce) indicates the predominance of La or Ce among REE in the mineral. Biraite-(La) is named as an analogue of biraite-(Ce) with La prevailing among REE.

Measuring solar neutrinos over gigayear timescales with paleo detectors

Measuring the solar neutrino flux over gigayear timescales could provide a new window to inform the Solar Standard Model as well as studies of the Earth's long-term climate. We demonstrate the feasibility of measuring the time-evolution of the $^8$B solar neutrino flux over gigayear timescales using paleo detectors, naturally occurring minerals which record neutrino-induced recoil tracks over geological times. We explore suitable minerals and identify track lengths of 15--30 nm to be a practical window to detect the $^8$B solar neutrino flux. A collection of ultra-radiopure minerals of different ages, each some 0.1 kg by mass, can be used to probe the rise of the $^8$B solar neutrino flux over the recent gigayear of the Sun's evolution. We also show that models of the solar abundance problem can be distinguished based on the time-integrated tracks induced by the $^8$B solar neutrino flux.

Adsorption Characteristics of Combined Sulfhydryl Collector on Chalcopyrite and Arsenopyrite in Flotation of Complex Gold Ores

The paper presents the results of experimental study of the adsorption properties of the combined sulfhydril collecting reagent –a mixed solution of sodium diethyl-dithiocarbamate (DEDTC) and oxypropyl diethyl-dithiocarbamate ester (OPDTC) towardschalcopyrite and arsenopyrite with a view to its application as a selective collector of Au-containing sulfide minerals in flotationof complex refractory ores. Combined diethyl-dithiocarbamate solution (DEDTCc) incorporated a fixed content of anionic andnon-ionic components (DEDTC:OPDTC = 1:1) and occurred variable hydrophobic effect on the surface of the basic gold-bearingsulfide minerals – chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite.The mechanism of adsorption of the components of combined collector on the surface of chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite was identifiedto form characteristic molecular shape of adsorbed collector convex neoplasms and sinter chemically adsorbed film of thereactant, which is firmly anchored on the surface. The newly formed phase of the adsorbed reagent did not dissolve in water at asubsequent washing. In this case, the phase of nonionic ester OPDTC was partially removed by water and the residual adsorbeddroplets changed their shape and became flatter. By X-ray microanalysis C and O bands relating to the structure of the combinedDEDTCc were identified on the surface of arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite. The original technic for analyzing the liner dimension ofsurface images with an application of scanning laser microscopy and the software of the Analyzer was developed and the authorssucceeded to provide a quantitative evaluation of the adsorption of DEDTCc on the surface of chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN SERBUK BATA MERAH TERHADAP NILAI CBR

Abstract Soil is a collection of minerals, organic matter and relatively loose sediments that are located above the bedrock. Based on the particle size, it is divided into four types, namely gravel, sand, silt and clay. The role of soil is very important in a construction because the soil functions as a support for the loads that are above it, so that the soil is expected to have a good bearing capacity. In this study, the soil taken is soft soil in Hambalang, Bogor where the soil conditions in the area are hard in the dry season and soft in the rainy season, so it is necessary to review the CBR (California Bearing Ratio) value. In this study, using waste from red brick as an additive to soft soil. CBR testing is appropriate (SNI 1744: 2012), with the CBR Laboratory test soaked and unsoaked. Along with the addition of% red brick powder, the CBR values of soaked and unsoaked (top and bottom) have increased, so that the addition of% content of red brick powder is 15% respectively got a value of 4.55% and 4.9% (soaked) and 17.94% and 19.70 (unsoaked). So, from this CBR test, it was found that the effect of adding red brick powder increases CBR tilapia soaked and unsoaked soft soil of Hambalang. Keywords: Soft Soil, Red Brick Powder,CBR soaked, CBR unsoaked

Hidden Gems: Using Collections in Museums to Discover the Motivations of Collectors

Motivations and drives for collecting have varied through time. From amassing as many examples of different species or artefacts in the sixteenth century to highlighting the importance and strength of the British Empire in the eighteenth century. General trends are seen across historic collections in museums. In an attempt to understand the motivations behind individual collectors, this paper reviews the lives of four mineral collectors from the collections in The Box, Plymouth: Sir John St. Aubyn (175801839), Colonel Sir William Serjeant (1857–1930), René Gallant (1906–1985), and Richard Barstow (1947–1986). Combined they acquired over 4,000 minerals, mostly from the South West of the British Isles. Through examining their lives and collections we may gain insight into their motivations, presenting an opportunity to exhibit new narrative and story-telling alongside the specimens, and in doing so, enriching the visitor experience.

Bianchiniite, Ba2(Ti4+V3+)(As2O5)2OF, a new diarsenite mineral from the Monte Arsiccio mine, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy

AbstractThe new mineral bianchiniite, Ba2(Ti4+V3+)(As2O5)2OF, has been discovered in the Monte Arsiccio mine, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy. It occurs as brown {001} tabular crystals, up to 1 mm across, with a vitreous lustre. It is brittle, with a perfect {001} cleavage. Streak is brownish. In reflected light, bianchiniite is grey, with orange–yellow internal reflections. It is weakly bireflectant, with a very weak anisotropy in shades of grey. Minimum and maximum reflectance data for COM wavelengths [Rmin/Rmax(%), (λ, nm)] are: 5.0/5.8 (470), 5.7/6.5 (546), 5.7/7.0 (589) and 5.2/6.3 (650). Electron microprobe analyses gave (wt.% – average of 10 spot analyses): TiO210.34, V2O33.77, Fe2O33.76, As2O344.36, Sb2O30.22, SrO 0.45, BaO 34.79, PbO 0.28, F 1.77, sum 99.74, –O = F –0.75, total 98.99. On the basis of 12 anions per formula unit, the empirical formula of bianchiniite is (Ba2.00Sr0.04Pb0.02)Σ2.06(Ti4+1.14V3+0.44Fe3+0.42)Σ2.00[(As3.96Sb0.02)Σ3.98O10](O1.18F0.82)Σ2.00. Bianchiniite is tetragonal, space groupI4/mcm, with unit-cell parametersa= 8.7266(4),c= 15.6777(7) Å,V= 1193.91(12) Å3andZ= 8. Its crystal structure was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data toR1= 0.0134 on the basis of 555 unique reflections withFo> 4σ(Fo) and 34 refined parameters. The crystal structure shows columns of corner-sharing [Ti/(V,Fe)]-centred octahedra running alongc, connected alongaandbthrough (As2O5) dimers. A {001} layer of Ba-centred [10+2]-coordinated polyhedra is intercalated between (As2O5) dimers. Bianchiniite has structural relations with fresnoite- and melilite-group minerals. The name honours the two mineral collectors Andrea Bianchini (b. 1959) and Mario Bianchini (b. 1962) for their contribution to the knowledge of the mineralogy of pyrite ± baryte ± iron-oxide ore deposits from the Apuan Alps.

Women in geology. Olga Alekseevna Denisova (1893—1972)

The article presents the biography of O.A. Denisova (1893—1972), one of the first Russian female geologists involved in practical geology. In 1918, she graduated from the Natural Department of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of Moscow Higher Women’s Courses. During her studies, she participated in field research in the Moscow Region, on Volkhov and Vychegda rivers under the guidance of A.B. Missuna. In 1923, she graduated from Moscow State University with a degree in geology. Since 1918, O.A. Denisova had worked as a researcher in the Moscow branch of the Geological Committee, since 1920 as a geologist in the Geological Department of the Special Commission for the Study of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly. Later she was engaged in the study of deposits of building materials and hydrogeological surveys. O.A. Denisova began her activity under the supervision of A.D. Arkhangelsky. The article contains her previously unpublished memories about this famous geologist. O.A. Denisova taught geology and hydrogeology at universities and technical schools in Moscow. In 1936 O.A. Denisova was awarded the degree of Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences without defending a thesis, and in 1946 the All-Union Certification Commission approved her with the academic rank of Associate Professor at the Department of Geology. O.A. Denisova was awarded the medal “For Valiant Labour during the Great Patriotic War of 1941— 1945” (1946) and “In memory of the 800th anniversary of Moscow” (1948). The collections of rocks and minerals collected by O.A. Denisova during field work in the Kursk and Belgorod regions, are stored in the State Geological Museum named after V.I. Vernadsky of RAS.

Efektivitas dan Efisiensi Pemungutan Serta Kontribusi Pajak Mineral Bukan Logam dan Batuan Terhadap Pajak Daerah Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin

This study discusses the analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency of tax collection and the contribution of nonmetallic minerals and rocks to local taxes. Determination of local tax revenue targets does not match the actual potential and the achievement of nonmetallic mineral and rock tax revenue targets have not been effective so that it will have an impact on the contribution of tax revenues on nonmetallic minerals and rocks. The methods used in this research are quantitative and qualitative methods. The data used are primary and secondary data. The results of this study explain that the level of effectiveness of tax collection of nonmetallic minerals and rocks to the local tax of Musi Banyuasin Regency from 2015 to 2019 is in the category of very effective with an average ratio of 115.82%. The ratio of nonmetallic mineral and rock tax efficiency to the local tax of Musi Banyuasin Regency from 2015 to 2019 is in the criteria of very efficient with an average ratio of 18.17%. The contribution of nonmetallic mineral and rock taxes to regional tax revenue is still lacking, where in 2015 to 2019 the tax on nonmetallic minerals and rocks has an average value of 1.53%.

On the anomalous shapes of native copper crystals from the Michigan Copper Country

Abstract. For over a century, the anomalous shapes of Michigan copper crystals from the Michigan Copper Country have been acknowledged. They are well known by mineral collectors and curated in museums from all around the world; still, their particular habits remain enigmatic. These natural crystals do not seem to follow crystal shape theories, based on the internal three-dimensional crystal structure. In this article, we offer a unique perspective on the formation of Michigan copper crystals. Firstly, we review the most common theories of crystal shapes. Then, taking into account the surface reconstructions induced by adsorbed oxygen, detected by ultra-high vacuum techniques, we present evidence of a strong correlation between these oxygen-induced surface reconstructions and the anomalous shapes. Finally, in order to understand why these shapes are not found in copper at other localities, oxygen dosing was performed using NanoSIMS on different natural copper crystals as a preliminary investigation. The higher oxygen content found in the Michigan copper crystal studied compared to others supports the influence of adsorbed oxygen on the anomalous crystal shapes. This result shows which mechanisms could modify crystal shapes and allow the development of strategies to monitor them, due to the presence of oxygen impurities. This new find is of great importance in shape-dependent catalysis, sensor characteristics, or other properties of material such as nanocrystals.

Evaluation of the Use of Recycled Vegetable Oil as a Collector Reagent in the Flotation of Copper Sulfide Minerals Using Seawater

Considering sustainable mining, the use of seawater in mineral processing to replace conventional water is an attractive alternative, especially in cases where this resource is limited. However, the use of this aqueous medium generates a series of challenges; specifically, in the seawater flotation process, it is necessary to adapt traditional reagents to the aqueous medium or to propose new reagents that achieve better performance and are environmentally friendly. In this research, the technical feasibility of using recycled vegetable oil (RVO) as a collector of copper sulfide minerals in the flotation process using seawater was studied. The study considered the analysis of the metallurgical indexes when different concentrations of collector and foaming reagent were used, considering as collectors the RVO, potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) and mixtures of these, in addition to the methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) as foaming agent. In addition, it was evidenced that the best metallurgical indexes were achieved using 40 g/t of RVO and 15 g/t of MIBC, which corresponded to an enrichment ratio of 6.29, a concentration ratio of 7.01, a copper recovery of 90.06% and a selectivity index with respect to pyrite of 4.03 and with respect to silica of 12.89. Finally, in relation to the study of the RVO and PAX collector mixtures, it was found that a mixture of 60 g/t of RVO and 40 g/t of PAX in the absence of foaming agent presented the best results in terms of copper recovery (98.66%) and the selectivity index with respect to pyrite (2.88) and silica (14.65), improving PAX selectivity and recovery compared to the use of RVO as the only collector. According to these results, it is possible to conclude that the addition of RVO improved the selectivity in the rougher flotation for copper sulfides in seawater. This could be an interesting opportunity for the industry to minimize the costs of the flotation process and generate a lower environmental impact.

Dvorní rada Julius Frieser (1843–1908) a identifikace minerálů z jeho sbírky ve sbírce Národního muzea v Praze

Julius Frieser (1843–1908) was a prominent mineral collector who contributed to the research of minerals of the Bohemian Central Mountains, especially zeolites. He personally discovered a new mesolite mineral site in Bedřichov near Benešov nad Ploučnicí. He was known among professional mineralogists from Prague and Vienna, as well as among other collectors of minerals, and was a member of the Litoměřice mineral collectors‘ club, which organized regular mineral exchanges in Litoměřice around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, visited by famous geologists and mineralogists. He built a large systematic collection of minerals from around the world, which included about four thousand items and 350 species. After his death, the collection, or part of it, was acquired by the collector Julia Schildbach from Mariánské Lázně. Her collection was acquired by the National Museum, Prague in 1946. Among Schildbach‘s minerals, 854 items originally from Frieser have currently been identified.

DIGITAL 3D MODELS OF MINERALS AND ROCKS IN A NUTSHELL: ENHANCING SCIENTIFIC, LEARNING, AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ENVIRONMENTS IN GEOSCIENCES BY USING CROSS-POLARIZED LIGHT PHOTOGRAMMETRY

Three-dimensional (3D) minerals and rocks in the form of interactive, engaging, and immersive experiences are of paramount importance to the geoscience community, researchers, students, and philomaths. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) crisis affecting our society in the spring of 2020 highlighted the importance of 3D material in geoscience education — compared to 2D images, the three-dimensional models provide a better way to learn and to recognize different minerals and rocks, properties, textures, etc. This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive method to create an interactive scientific, learning, and cultural heritage environment in the field of Geosciences. In this paper, we overcome most of the Structure-from-Motion - Multi-View Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetry limitations, where samples with a transparent, translucent, or glossy surface are a real challenge for the feature detection algorithms of the SfM workflow. Correct lighting setup, the usage of cross-polarized light photogrammetry workflow, anti-reflection coating spray and post-processing steps are the essential ingredients for an enhanced photogrammetric study. The main output of this research consists of a comprehensive virtual 3D collection of minerals and rocks which are available online via the Sketchfab repository of the Museum of Mineralogy and Petrography “Grigore Cobălcescu” (https://sketchfab.com/MineralogyPetrographyMuseum).

Apatite and the Apatite Supergroup

Most mineral collectors are familiar with apatite, a calcium phosphate, and know that there is a group of minerals with the same root name, which includes fluorapatite, hydroxylapatite, and chlorap...

Introduction to Tucson 2021: Celebrating Apatite-Supergroup Minerals & The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Fluorescent Mineral Society

Time is a variable thing—all mineral and gem collectors know that. Days spent collecting in the field seem abnormally short, surely only an hour or so long despite what our watch says. Years, too, ...

Female aristocrats in the natural history world before the establishment of the Geological Society of London

Abstract A fascination with natural history does not recognize class, as is shown through the activities of female aristocrats who, during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, contributed significantly by increasing the number of collections at natural history museums. These women were not members of the Geological Society of London because, at that time, women were not even allowed to be members, but they still left their impressive legacy in museums. This paper will focus on three women who made extensive collections that are now incorporated into British museums. The first of these, the Duchess of Portland, made one of the finest collections in England and, possibly, the best collection of shells and fossils in Europe of her time, which was later acquired by the Natural History Museum, London. She was followed by the Countess of Aylesford who made one of the most important mineral collections of her time, which is now at the Natural History Museum, London. Finally, Baroness Brassey collected geological samples during her trips that were used to establish the Brassey Institute in Hastings. These three women used their own income and influence to build collections.

The "Gonzalo y Tarín" historical fossil collection of the province of Granada from the Geominero Museum (IGME, Madrid, Spain)

The value and importance of the collections of fossils, minerals and rocks housed in the Geominero Museum is due to their origin, closely related to the Commission for the Geological Map of Spain, the germ institution of the current Geological and Mining Institute of Spain. Joaquín Gonzalo y Tarín was commissioned to carry out geological research in the province of Granada. In order to carry out these geological studies, many fossils were collected and taxonomically identified. These specimens later became part of the bulk of the material deposited in the rock collection repository of the Commission for the Geological Map of Spain, the origin of the future Museum that was inaugurated in 1927. However, the documentation corresponding to these collections has suffered some damage over time, so that on many occasions it is necessary to carry out arduous research work to establish its authorship. It is precisely this work that has led to the identification of fossils collected by Gonzalo y Tarín in the province of Granada. It is a set of 84 specimens, among the 199 records that currently make up the total collection of the Granada fossils deposited in the Geominero Museum. A catalogue of them all has been prepared, describing the labelling stuck and/or attached presented by each record, typifying two new types of labels related to the Commission.

Design and selection of flotation collectors for zinc oxide minerals based on bond valence model

Based on the bond valence model and density functional theory (DFT), the correlation between the bonding strengths of groups and complex stability constants is established and adopted to design flotation collectors. Lauric acid (LA), N-laurylaminoacetic acid (LAA), N-Dodecanoylglycine (DGL), and N-Lauroylsarcosine (LSA) were used to verify the feasibility of design approach. Micro-flotation tests show that LAA and LSA exhibit better flotation ability than LA and DGL toward hemimorphite. However, the quartz can be collected by LAA due to the highly reactive imine groups, which means it can adsorb on the mineral surface through physical adsorption rather than the chemisorption. Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis shows that DGL and LSA can adsorb on hemimorphite surface through chemisorption. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that the reaction is generated between carboxyl and amide groups and Zn site on the hemimorphite surface, forming seven-membered structure as the DFT simulation shown.

In Memoriam: Benjamin “Benjy” C. Kuehling III (1938–2020)

Bill Dameron photoBenjy Kuehling, well‐known mineral collector, mining artifact connoisseur, antique car collector, and retired mineral dealer (Columbine Minerals), passed away this past May after ...