White Streak Research Articles

Lauraniite, Cu6Cd2(SO4)2(OH)12·5H2O, a New Copper Cadmium Sulfate Mineral from the Laurani Mine, Bolivia

ABSTRACT Lauraniite, Cu6Cd2(SO4)2(OH)12·5H2O, is a new mineral from the Laurani Mine, Aroma Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia, where it is found as a secondary mineral associated with serpierite and brochantite, on a matrix consisting of tennantite and chalcocite. Lauraniite occurs as bladed crystals up to 110 μm in length. Crystals are pale blue and transparent, with a vitreous luster and a white streak. Fracture is uneven. Cleavage is perfect on {100}. The calculated density is 3.40 g/cm3 based on the empirical formula. Optically, lauraniite is uniaxial (+) with α = 1.637(3), β = 1.638(3), γ = 1.638(3) (white light), 2V = 20(2)°, and orientation Z ≈ a. The empirical formula, based on data obtained from electron microprobe analysis, is Cu6.13(Cd1.62Zn0.24)(SO4)1.96(OH12.03Cl0.05)12.08·5.08H2O. Lauraniite is monoclinic, P21/c, a = 7.3200(15), b = 25.424(5), c = 11.283(2) Å, β = 91.62(3)°, V = 2099.0(7) Å3, and Z = 4. The crystal structure, determined using single-crystal data obtained using synchrotron radiation, refined to R1 = 0.0468% for 5999 observed reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo). It is characterized by undulating, brucite-like sheets consisting of seven Cuϕ6 (ϕ: O2–, OH–, H2O) octahedra and two Cd(OH)6(H2O) polyhedra. Sheets are decorated on one side by corner-sharing SO4 tetrahedra. Linkages between adjacent sheets are provided by H-bonds.

33351 Dermoscopy of the diverse spectrum of cutaneous tuberculosis

Introduction: Dermoscopy is widely used for diagnosing various inflammatory, neoplastic and pigmentary dermatoses. Its utility in suspecting infective diseases is increasingly established. Cutaneous tuberculosis is common in the Indian subcontinent, and knowledge of its dermoscopy characteristics can help timely diagnosis resulting in better treatment outcomes. Methods: Patients with cutaneous tuberculosis seen during 2 years (July 2019 to June 2021) confirmed on histopathology were enrolled in the study. Dermoscopy of all the cases was done using DermLite DL200 Hybrid dermoscope, and findings were recorded on a structured form. Results: Twenty patients with cutaneous tuberculosis were enrolled during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 33.6 (17.8) years; 12 of them were women. Lupus vulgaris was the most typical presentation, seen in 11 patients. Yellow-orange structureless areas were visible dermoscopically in all patients (11/11) with lupus vulgaris. Well-focused linear/branching vessels (9/11) and white scales (10/11) were additional noteworthy features. Notable cases had keratin plugs (6/11), white streaks (6/11), and follicular plugs (5/11). Most patients with scrofuloderma (5) had yellow-orange structureless areas (4/5) with linear vessels, focal brown scales, and ulceration/ hemorrhagic crust. Prominent dermoscopy finding in tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (2) was dirty white thick scales. Lichen scrofulosorum (1) revealed white globules with peripheral erythema and pigment network. Paulo-necrotic tuberculid revealed yellow-orange structureless areas with keratin plugs. Conclusion: Dermoscopy can help diagnose patients with cutaneous tuberculosis, as most patients have yellow-orange structureless areas depicting granulomas on histopathology.

Dondoellite, Ca2Fe(PO4)2·2H2O, a New Mineral Species Polymorphic with Messelite, from Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada

ABSTRACT A new mineral species, dondoellite, ideally Ca2Fe(PO4)2·2H2O, was found in the Grizzly Bear Creek, Dawson mining district, Yukon, Canada. It is polymorphic with messelite, a member of the fairfieldite group. Dondoellite occurs as spherical aggregates (diameters up to 2 cm) of radiating bladed crystals. Associated minerals include hydroxylapatite, siderite, and quartz. No twinning or parting is observed. The mineral is colorless to pale yellow in transmitted light, is transparent with white streak, and has vitreous luster. It is brittle and has a Mohs hardness of 3½–4, with perfect cleavage on {001}. The measured and calculated densities are 3.14(5) and 3.15 g/cm3, respectively. Optically, dondoellite is biaxial (+), with α = 1.649(5), β = 1.654(5), γ = 1.672(5) (white light), 2V (meas.) = 55(2)°, 2V (calc.) = 58°. An electron probe microanalysis yields an empirical formula (based on 10 O apfu) Ca1.99(Fe0.89Mg0.13Mn0.01)Σ1.03(P1.00O4)2·2H2O, which can be simplified to Ca2(Fe2+,Mg,Mn2+)(PO4)2·2H2O. Dondoellite is triclinic, space group P, a = 5.4830(2), b = 5.7431(2), c = 13.0107(5) Å, α = 98.772(2), β = 96.209(2), γ = 108.452(2)°, V = 378.71(2) Å3, and Z = 2. The crystal structure of dondoellite is characterized by isolated FeO4(H2O)2 octahedra that are linked by corner-sharing with PO4 tetrahedra to form so-called kröhnkite-type [Fe(PO4)2(H2O)2]2– chains along [100], similar to that observed in messelite. These chains are connected to one another by large Ca2+ cations and H bonds to form layers parallel to (001). The layers are further linked together by Ca–O and H bonds. However, unlike messelite, the crystal structure of dondoellite contains two symmetrically independent PO4 tetrahedra (P1O4 and P2O4) and two distinct CaO7(H2O) polyhedra (Ca1 and Ca2). The kröhnkite-type chains in dondoellite are constructed with P1O4 tetrahedra on one side and P2O4 tetrahedra on the other. Topologically, the dondoellite structure can be considered a combination of the collinsite and messelite structures alternating along [001], thus representing a new structure type for minerals with kröhnkite-type chains. The discovery of dondoellite raises the question as to whether polymorphs of fairfieldite, Ca2Mn2+(PO4)2·2H2O, or collinsite, Ca2Mg(PO4)2·2H2O, might also be found in nature.

Pseudodickthomssenite, Mg(VO3)2·8H2O, a New Mineral from the Pickett Corral Mine, Bull Canyon, Montrose County, Colorado, USA

ABSTRACT Pseudodickthomssenite (IMA2021-027), Mg(VO3)2·8H2O, is a new mineral discovered at the Pickett Corral mine, Bull Canyon, Montrose County, Colorado, USA. The mineral formed from the oxidation of montroseite-corvusite assemblages in a moist environment and occurs on asphaltite and on montroseite-corvusite-bearing sandstone in association with dickthomssenite, gypsum, huemulite, lasalite, and trebiskyite. Pseudodickthomssenite is known only from a diverging cluster of striated needles up to about 500 μm long and 20 μm in diameter; the mineral is light tan in color, with a white streak and a silky luster. The crystals are brittle but somewhat flexible in thin fibers. There are two excellent cleavages, {011} and , and the fracture is splintery. The measured density is 1.97(2) g/cm3. Electron probe microanalysis provided the empirical formula [Mg0.99Ca0.01]Σ1.00(V5+O3)2·8H2O. Pseudodickthomssenite is triclinic, P, a = 7.3566(6) Å, b = 9.4672(9) Å, c = 9.5529(9) Å, α = 104.205(7)°, β = 100.786(7)°, γ = 100.157(7)°, V = 616.08(10) Å3, and Z = 2. The structure of pseudodickthomssenite (R1 = 0.0307 for 1124 I > 2σI reflections) contains V5+O5 polyhedra that link by edge-sharing to form a zig-zag [VO3] chain. MgO2(H2O)4 octahedra link the [VO3] chains into a Mg(H2O)4[VO3]4 sheet and the sheets are linked to one another via a complex network of hydrogen bonding involving Mg(H2O)6 octahedra and isolated H2O groups. The structure is very similar to that of dickthomssenite.

Dermoscopic findings and histopathological correlation in large cell acanthoma.

Since large cell acanthoma (LCA) has many overlapping clinical and histopathological features with other epidermal pigmented tumours, an additional method to differentiate it would be of great clinical significance. A retrospective study was performed on 33 lesions (26 patients) to identify distinct dermoscopic findings of LCA and to describe dermoscopic-histopathological correlations. The results revealed that dermoscopy significantly aids in the distinction of LCA from other epidermal tumours included in the differential diagnosis. Yellow opaque homogeneous background, brown dots, and moth-eaten border are common findings, and prominent skin markings and short white streaks are additional distinguishing features. Several important findings that are common in other diseases are rare in LCA.

What could this dark lesion on a woman’s eyelid be?

What could this dark lesion on a woman’s eyelid be?

Marchettiite, (NH4)C5H3N4O3, a new organic mineral from Mount Cervandone, Devero Valley, Western–Central Alps, Italy

ABSTRACTThe new mineral marchettiite (IMA2017-066) is the natural equivalent of ammonium hydrogen urate. It has a simple molecular formula C5H7N5O3 and can be alternatively written as (NH4)C5H3N4O3. Marchettiite was found in a cleft at Mount Cervandone, Devero Valley, Piedmont, Italy, where it occurs as aggregates of opaque pale pink to white, platy prismatic crystals. This mineral has a white streak, dull and opaque lustre, it is not fluorescent and has a hardness of 2–2.5 (Mohs’ scale). The tenacity is brittle and crystals have a good cleavage parallel to {001}. The calculated density is 1.69 g/cm3. Marchettiite is biaxial (–) with 2V of 47.24°; the optical properties of marchettiite were determined by periodic-DFT methods providing the following values: α = 1.372, β = 1.681 and γ = 1.768. No twinning was observed. Electron microprobe analyses gave the following chemical formula: C4.99H6.97N4.91O3.00. Although the small crystal size did not allow refinement of structural data by single-crystal diffraction, we were able to refine the structure by powder micro X-ray diffraction. Marchettiite has space group P$\bar{1}$ and the following unit-cell parameters: a = 3.6533(2) Å, b = 10.2046(7) Å, c = 10.5837(7) Å, α = 113.809(5)°, β = 91.313(8)°, γ = 92.44(1)° and V = 360.312 Å3. The strongest lines in the powder diffraction pattern [d in Å (I)(hkl)] are: 9.784(50)(001); 8.663(80)(01$\bar{1}$); 5.659(100)(011); 3.443(100)(10$\bar{1}$); 3.241(70)(003) and 3.158(100)(1$\bar{1}\bar{1})$. Marchettiite is named after Gianfranco Marchetti, the mineral collector who found this mineral.

Severidad de miopatías de pechuga y su relación con indicadores de bienestar productivos, fisiológicos y de comportamiento en pollos de engorde

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the relationship between different degrees of severity of the myopathies known as wooden breast and white stretch marks with physiological, productive and behavioral indicators of well-being. 570 Ross 308 broilers, reared under commercial conditions for 13 weeks, were used. From week 7 to 13, prior to slaughter, the breast of 35 chickens was randomly palpated, according to their consistency and classified as soft, intermediate and firm. Fifteen blood samples were taken from the 35 chickens to obtain the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and the hematological profile. Group ethograms were performed by direct observation, weekly. Live weight, breast weight, hot carcass weight, and cold carcass weight were recorded. Each breast was classified according to the degree of severity of the lesions of the white streaks and the wooden breast as normal, mild, moderate and severe. The processed breasts were palpated and classified as soft, medium and firm. Each one was measured for force and shear energy. The results showed that the physiological indicators were not related to the severity of the lesions found for both myopathies. Injury severity increased and was significantly associated with age, live weight, and breast weight. Live chicken breast palpation was highly correlated with processed breast palpation, so live palpation can be used as a noninvasive indicator of consistency and severity of lesions in both myopathies. It is required to evaluate more physiological, behavioral and pain indicators in chickens that present white streaks and wooden breast.

Kaznakhtite, Ni6Co3+2(CO3)(OH)16⋅4H2O, a new natural layered double hydroxide, the member of the hydrotalcite supergroup

AbstractKaznakhtite, ideally Ni6Co3+2(CO3)(OH)16⋅4H2O, is a new member of the hydrotalcite group within the hydrotalcite supergroup. The mineral was discovered at the Kaznakhtinskiy ultrabasic massif, Altai Republic, SW Siberia, Russia. It occurs as powdery aggregates forming flattened lenses up to 1.5 × 0.5 cm and veinlets up to 1 cm long and up to 1 mm thick in aggregates of chrysotile, lizardite, stichtite and dolomite. Other associated minerals include brucite, chromite, heazlewoodite, manganochromite, magnetite and magnesioferrite. Kaznakhtite aggregates are composed of tiny platy grains up to 0.01 mm across. Kaznakhtite is light green and translucent in aggregates. It has an earthy lustre and white streak. Cleavage is micaceous on {001}. Dcalc = 2.864 g cm–3. The mineral is optically uniaxial (–) with ɛ = 1.657(3) and ω = 1.676(3), and weakly pleochroic in greenish hues, ω > ɛ. Chemical composition (wt.%, electron microprobe, Co valence state determined by XANES spectroscopy, CO2 and H2O calculated by stoichiometry) is: MgO 2.15, NiO 47.40, ZnO 0.22, Al2O3 0.16, Cr2O3 0.98, Co2O3 17.42, Cl 0.63, CO2 5.05, H2O 24.60, –O=Cl –0.14, total 98.47. The empirical formula calculated based on the sum of all metal cations = 8 apfu is (Ni5.54Mg0.47Zn0.02)Σ6.03(Co3+1.83Cr0.11Al0.03)Σ1.97C1.00O2.99(OH)15.84Cl0.16⋅4H2O. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CO32– anions, OH– groups and H2O molecules. The crystal structure was refined by the Rietveld method with RB = 0.19%. Kaznakhtite is trigonal, space group R͞3m, a = 3.0515 (3), c = 23.180 (3) Å, V = 186.93 (4) Å3 and Z = 3/8. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å (I, %) (hkl)] are: 7.72 (100) (003); 3.863 (24) (006); 2.630 (4) (101); 2.576 (10) (012); 2.294 (6) (015); 1.950 (4) (018); 1.526 (4) (110); and 1.497 (4) (113). Kaznakhtite is a Co3+ analogue of reevesite, Ni6Fe3+2(CO3)(OH)16⋅4H2O. The mineral is named after its type locality.

Saccoite, Ca2Mn+32F(OH)8⋅0.5(SO4), a new, microporous mineral from the Kalahari Manganese Field, South Africa

AbstractSaccoite, Ca2Mn3+2F(OH)8⋅0.5(SO4), is a new mineral found at the N'Chwaning III mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa. It occurs as fillings of voids in hydrothermally altered manganese ore (comprising mostly of bixbyite and baryte). Further associated minor minerals are braunite, gypsum, chlorite, sturmanite and ettringite. Saccoite forms small needles, felted crystal masses or crusts. The new mineral is olive green, transparent, with white streak and vitreous lustre. No luminescence is observed. Saccoite is uniaxial (–) with refractive indices at 589(1) nm of ω = 1.705(5) and ɛ = 1.684(2). Pleochroism is distinct, i.e. bluish green (ω) and yellowish green (ɛ). The chemical composition was studied by means of an electron probe micro-analyser (EPMA) using wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (WDS). The empirical mineral formula is Ca2.06Mn3+1.78Cu0.10Mg0.07F0.97(OH)8.02(SO4)0.39. The unit-cell dimensions of saccoite (space group P4/ncc) are a = 12.834(3) Å, c = 5.622(2) Å, V = 926.0(4) Å3), and the calculated mass density is 2.73 g⋅cm–3. Saccoite exhibits a heteropolyhedral framework structure that is composed of edge- and corner sharing CaF2(OH)6 and M(OH)6 polyhedra (M = Mn3+ and Cu2+) with large channels along [001], which host disordered and only partially occupied groups, especially SO42–. The hydrogen atoms of the OH groups point into the channel to form hydrogen bonds with the channel anions. Ca–F distances are ~2.3 Å, the Ca–OH distances in the range of 2.44–2.58 Ǻ, and the M(OH)6 octahedron is strongly 4+2 Jahn-Teller distorted (4 × ~1.92 Å, 2 × 2.27 Å). The F atom is tetrahedrally coordinated to calcium atoms. The strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d in Å (relative intensity) (hkl)] are: 9.0735 (35) (110), 4.5370 (95) (220), 4.0644 (20) (310), 3.0105 (100) (321), 2.8117 (20) (002), 2.7242 (75) (411), 1.9755 (35) (611), and 1.8142 (20) (550).

Imaging feature of cosmetic fillers in cone-beam computed tomography and its dental consideration

BackgroundAs the application of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in head and neck area increases for dental treatment purposes, cosmetic filler materials are incidentally observed. Since the materials are very diverse, unnecessary referrals or additional examination may be performed when clinicians are unfamiliar with the imaging findings. Thus, this study aimed to introduce the imaging characteristics of cosmetic fillers and grafts shown in dental CBCT with dental considerations that the clinician should be aware of.MethodsCBCT obtained for dental purpose presenting cosmetic material were selected. The location of the material was identified as buccal, retroantral, parotid space, nose, zygoma, and symphysis. The material was classified as single or multiple, and grouped according to morphology: speckle, round, eggshell, linear, and amorphous. The radiopacity was classified as similar to soft tissue, between soft and hard tissue, similar to hard tissue, and metal.ResultsTwenty-one patients were reviewed, and all patients were female with mean age of 50.5 years. The buccal space was the most frequent location for multiple filler materials. The symphysis was the next frequent location and only single material were shown in this location. Cases having multiple filler showed diverse shapes while all single materials showed round shape. Fillers showing radiopacity of hard tissue were similar to diseases producing soft tissue calcifications. Metal-density material distributed in spaces induced white and dark streak artifacts in the CBCT image. All single materials presented radiopacity between soft and hard tissue and attached to the bone surface causing mandibular bone resorption.ConclusionsCosmetic materials displayed various imaging features in CBCT acquired during dental procedure. Clinicians should consider that cosmetic material may cause mandibular bone resorption and imaging artifacts on CBCT. Knowledge of the imaging characteristics of cosmetic fillers may help correct diagnosis.

Thorasphite, Th2H(AsO4)2(PO4)·6H2O, a New Mineral from Elsmore, New South Wales, Australia

ABSTRACT The new mineral species thorasphite, Th2H(AsO4)2(PO4)·6H2O, has been discovered at the abandoned tin deposit at Elsmore, New South Wales, Australia. It occurs as brownish pink to salmon pink, prismatic to acicular crystals up to 0.08 mm in length and 0.002 mm across, associated with jarosite in cavities in a quartz-muscovite matrix. Thorasphite has a white streak and a vitreous luster. The calculated density is 4.185 g/cm3. The mineral is orthorhombic, space group Pbcn, a = 13.673(3), b = 9.925(2), c = 10.222(2) Å, V = 1387.2(5) Å3, and Z = 4. The eight strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern are [dobs Å (I) (hkl)]: 8.007 (100) (110), 5.127 (57) (002), 4.934 (71) (020, 211), 4.320 (24) (112), 4.251 (38) (121), 3.225 (22) (130, 312), 3.189 (27) (321), 2.926 (27) (213). Electron microprobe analysis gave (average of n = 9): ThO2 51.35, Na2O 0.17, K2O 0.20, Al2O3 0.35, FeO 0.90, Ce2O3 0.27, As2O5 19.65, P2O5 12.27, SiO2 0.08, Cl 0.20, H2O(calc) 13.58, O=Cl –0.05, Total 98.97 wt.%. On the basis of 18 anions per formula unit, the empirical formula is Th1.72Fe2+0.11Al0.06Na0.05K0.04Ce0.01As1.51P1.53Si0.01O17.95Cl0.05H13.31. The crystal structure has been solved from synchrotron single-crystal data and refined to R1 = 7.48% on the basis of 1432 reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo). The structure consists of Th2[O12(H2O)4] dimers which link in the c direction by edge-sharing PO4 tetrahedra and corner-sharing AsO4 tetrahedra to form chains along [001]. Chains link by corner-sharing Th[O7(H2O)2] polyhedra and AsO4 tetrahedra, giving rise to a framework hosting channels along [001] which are occupied by H2O molecules.

Håleniusite-(Ce), CeOF, the Ce Analogue of Håleniusite-(La) from the Água de Pau Volcano, Sãn Miguel Island, Azores District, Portugal

ABSTRACT Håleniusite-(Ce) (IMA2021-042), CeOF, is a new mineral discovered in ejectum from the Água de Pau volcano, Sãn Miguel Island, Azores District, Portugal. It occurs as opaque, cream-colored, fine-grained pseudomorphic replacements of hexagonal tablets of bastnäsite-(Ce). It is associated with astrophyllite and fluornatropyrochlore in a matrix composed mainly of albite, quartz, and aegirine. The mineral has a white streak and a calculated density of 5.890 g/cm3 for the empirical formula. The strongest powder diffraction lines are [dobsÅ(Iobs)(hkl)]: 3.247(100)(111), 2.840(31)(200), 2.004(46)(220), and 1.705(42)(311). Electron probe microanalysis provided the empirical formula (Ce0.41La0.21Sm0.15Nd0.04Eu0.03Ca0.02Y0.02Dy0.02Gd0.01)Σ0.91(O0.70F0.30)F1.00. Håleniusite-(Ce) has a fluorite-type structure, space group Fmm, with a = 5.6597(10) Å and V = 181.29(10) Å3 (Z = 4).

Vasculitis Associated with Parrot Bornavirus 4 Infection in a Rose-Crowned Parakeet (Pyrrhurarhodocephala)

A 3-month-old, female rose-crowned parakeet (Pyrrhura rhodocephala) was found dead after a 24-hcourse of lethargy and passing blood-tinged faeces. Fine white streaks were seen in the pectoral muscles on necropsy. Microscopic examination revealed typical lesions of avian ganglioneuritis and vascular necrosis in the pectoral muscles, myocardium, kidneys, air sacs, adrenal glands, pancreas and thyroid gland. These lesions were characterized by mural fibrinoid necrosis of small and medium-calibre arteries and arterioles, associated with lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, necrosis, atrophy and fibrosis of the surrounding tissues. Parrot bornavirus (PaBV) nucleoprotein was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in smooth muscle and endothelial cells of many vessels. An avian bornavirus was isolated from kidney tissue and its identity confirmed as PaBV-4 by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We postulate that the vascular lesions could have been immune-mediated and that PaBV-4 may have played a role in its pathogenesis.

Nafeasite, NaFe3+(AsO3OH)2⋅H2O, a new framework arsenate from the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile

AbstractThe new mineral nafeasite (IMA2021-103), NaFe3+(AsO3OH)2⋅H2O, was found at the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile, where it is a secondary alteration phase associated with anhydrite, gypsum, halite, lavendulan, magnesiokoritnigite and natrojarosite. Nafeasite occurs in tightly intergrown aggregates of equant crystals. Crystals are light to medium pink and transparent, with vitreous lustre and white streak. The Mohs hardness is ~2½. The density is 3.23(2) g⋅cm–3. Optically, nafeasite is biaxial (+), with α = 1.679(3), β = 1.682(3), γ = 1.730(5) (white light); 2V = 27(2)°; and slight r < v dispersion. The empirical formulae of the holotype and cotype (based on 9 O atoms per formula unit) are Na0.98K0.02Fe0.92Al0.07As2.00O9H4.01 and Na0.97Fe0.68Al0.33As2.00O9H4.01, respectively. Nafeasite is monoclinic, space group C2, with cell parameters: a = 18.6876(16), b = 8.6769(7), c = 14.8100(10) Å, β = 105.238 (5)°, V = 2317.0(3) Å3 and Z = 12. The structure, refined to R1 = 5.03% for 5979 Io > 2σI reflections, is based on a loose 3D framework of alternating AsO3OH tetrahedra and Fe3+O6 octahedra.

Scenicite, a new uranyl-sulfate mineral from the White Canyon district, San Juan County, Utah, USA

AbstractThe new mineral scenicite (IMA2021-057), [(UO2)(H2O)2(SO4)]2⋅3H2O, was found in the Green Lizard, Giveaway–Simplot, Markey and Scenic mines, White Canyon district, San Juan County, Utah, USA, where it occurs as a secondary phase on granular quartz matrix in association with various combinations of deliensite, gypsum, natrozippeite, rietveldite and shumwayite. Scenicite crystals are transparent, light green yellow, poorly formed blades or prisms, up to 0.1 mm in length. The mineral has white streak and vitreous lustre. It exhibits bright greenish-white fluorescence (405 nm laser). It is brittle with irregular, curved fracture and a Mohs hardness of ~2. It has excellent {100} and good {001} cleavages. The calculated density is 3.497 g cm–3. Optically, the mineral is biaxial (–) with α = 1.556(2), β = 1.573(2), γ = 1.576(2) (white light); 2V = 45(3)°; extreme r < v dispersion; orientation: X = c, Y = a, Z = b; pleochroism: X and Y = colourless, Z = light green–yellow; and X = Y < Z. The Raman spectrum exhibits bands consistent with UO22+, SO42– and O–H. Electron microprobe analysis provided the empirical formula U1.996S2.005O19H13.997. The five strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs Å(I)(hkl)]: 7.69(70)(201), 5.63(100)(111), 4.92(84)(202,310), 4.80(93)(401) and 3.398(55)(020,120,511,601). Scenicite is orthorhombic, Pca21, a = 21.2144(15), b = 6.8188(3) c = 11.2554(6) Å, V = 1628.18(16) Å3 and Z = 4. In the structure of scenicite (R1 = 0.0365 for 1259 I > 2σI), linkages of pentagonal bipyramids and tetrahedra form an infinite neutral [(UO2)(SO4)(H2O)2] chain. The structure of shumwayite contains topologically identical chains.

Gurzhiite, Al(UO2)(SO4)2F⋅10H2O, a new uranyl sulfate mineral with a chain structure from the Bykogorskoe deposit, Northern Caucasus, Russia

AbstractGurzhiite, ideally Al(UO2)(SO4)2F⋅10H2O, is a new uranyl sulfate mineral from the Bykogorskoe U deposit, Northern Caucasus, Russia. It occurs as fine-grained aggregates forming veinlets up to 50 cm long in cracks of the brecciated rock. Gurzhiite aggregates are composed of small bladed crystals up to 0.1 mm across. Associated minerals include khademite and quartz. Gurzhiite is pale yellow in crystals, lemon yellow in aggregates, transparent with a vitreous lustre and a white streak. It is brittle and has an irregular fracture. Cleavage is good on {001}. The new mineral exhibits a bright yellow–green fluorescence under both longwave and shortwave UV radiation. Mohs hardness is ~2. Dmeas = 2.52(3) g/cm3 and Dcalc = 2.605 g/cm3. The mineral is biaxial (–) with α = 1.528(3), β = 1.538(2), γ = 1.544(3) (589 nm); 2Vmeas= 80(10)° and 2Vcalc = 75.1°. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 21(O + F) atoms per formula unit (apfu) is Al0.92Zn0.05Fe3+0.03Na0.03U0.95S2.00O9.85F0.99⋅10.16H2O. Gurzhiite is triclinic, with space group P$\bar{1}$, a = 7.193(2), b = 11.760(2), c = 11.792(2) Å, α = 67.20(3), β = 107.76(3), γ = 89.99(3)°, V = 867.7(4) Å3 and Z = 2. The five strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å (I, %)(hkl)] are: 10.24(100)(001); 5.40(14)($\bar{ 1}\bar{1}$1); 5.11(54)(002); 3.405(11)($\bar{2}$11); and 3.065(11)($\bar{1}\bar{1}$3). The crystal structure of gurzhiite is based upon uranyl sulfate chains of the same type as in bobcookite and svornostite. Between the chains are two types of Al-octahedra – Al1(H2O)6 and Al2F2(H2O)4. The entire structure stability is maintained by a complex network of H bonds. The new mineral honours Russian mineralogist and crystallographer Dr. Vladislav V. Gurzhiy in recognition for his contributions to uranium mineralogy and crystallography.

My Mother's Facelift

My Mother's Facelift

Kingsgateite, ZrMo6+2O7(OH)2⋅2H2O, the first natural zirconium molybdate from Kingsgate, New South Wales, Australia

AbstractKingsgateite, ZrMo6+2O7(OH)2⋅2H2O, is a new supergene mineral from the Old 25 Pipe, Kingsgate, Gough Co., New South Wales, Australia. The mineral occurs in cavities in a quartz, muscovite matrix associated with molybdenite, gelosaite and mambertiite. It forms yellowish green to bluish grey, square tabular crystals to 0.12 mm across. Kingsgateite has a white streak and a vitreous lustre. Cleavage was not observed and the fracture is uneven. The calculated density is 3.74 g/cm–3 based on the empirical formula. Kingsgateite is optically biaxial (+), the calculated indices of refraction are α = 1.88, β = 1.89, γ = 1.96 and 2Vcalc = 42.6°. The pleochroism is X = light orange, Y = light yellow and Z = red brown; Y < X < Z. The mineral is tetragonal, space group I41cd, a = 11.4626(16), c = 12.584(3) Å, V = 1653.4(6) Å3 and Z = 8. Electron microprobe analysis yielded ZrO2 23.09, UO2 1.14, ThO2 0.76, FeO 0.62, MoO3 59.27, P2O5 0.29, SO3 1.25, Cl 0.16, H2O 11.62, O=Cl –0.04, total 98.16 wt.%. The empirical formula on the basis of 11 anions per formula unit is Zr0.88U6+0.02Th0.01Fe2+0.04Mo6+1.94S0.07P0.02O6.90Cl0.02OH2.08⋅2.00H2O. The crystal structure of kingsgateite, refined using synchrotron single-crystal data [R1 = 4.53% for 1159 reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo)], is a framework of edge- and corner-sharing ZrO5(OH)2 pentagonal bipyramids and MoO4(OH)(H2O) octahedra. Kingsgateite is isostructural with the synthetic compound ZrMo6+2O7(OH)2⋅2H2O.

The new mineral zolotarevite, Na5Zr[Si6O15(ОН)3]⋅2–3H2O, the first highly hydrated lovozerite-group member from the Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

AbstractZolotarevite (IMA2020-076), ideally Na5Zr[Si6O15(ОН)3]⋅2–3H2O, is а new mineral of the lovozerite group. The mineral was found in a leucocratic nepheline syenite from Kedykverpakhk Mt., Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia. It occurs as anhedral grains up to 1 mm across and is associated with microcline–perthite, nepheline, sodalite, aegirine, lamprophyllite, lueshite, umbozerite, lomonosovite, nastrophite, a mineral of the kazakovite–tisinalite series, sphalerite and löllingite. Zolotarevite is cherry red, with a vitreous lustre and white streak. The mineral is brittle, with a Mohs hardness of 5. Cleavage was not observed; the fracture is uneven. The measured density is 2.75(5) g⋅cm–3, the density calculated using the empirical formula and single-crystal unit-cell parameters is 2.85 g⋅cm–3. Zolotarevite is anomalously biaxial (–), α = 1.580(2), β = 1.600(2) and γ = 1.602(2) (for λ = 589 nm); 2Vmeas < 10°. Chemical data (electron microprobe, wt.%) are: Na2O 20.41, СаО 0.42, MnO 3.49, Fе2O3 0.55, SiO2 52.46, ТiO2 1.34, ZrO2 11.33, H2O (calculated from the structural formula) 10.20, total 100.20. The empirical formula based оn 6 Si atoms per formula unit is Na4.53Zr0.63Mn0.34Ti0.11Ca0.05Fe3+0.05Si6O14.43(ОН)3.56(H2О)2.11. Zolotarevite is trigonal, space group R${\bar 3}$m, with a = 10.294(6) Å, c = 13.115(8) Å, V = 1203.7(16) Å3 and Z = 3. The crystal structure was solved from single-crystal data and refined to R1 = 0.049. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d in Å (I) (hkl)] are: 7.37 (69) (101); 5.26 (56) (012); 3.686 (64) (202); 3.330 (79) (113); 3.265 (99) (211), 2.640 (100) (024) and 2.576 (60) (220). Zolotarevite is unique in that it is a highly hydrated lovozerite-group mineral with the B site occupied by variable amounts of H2O.