The new mineral naalasite (IMA2023–027), NaAl(AsO3OH)2⋅H2O, was found at the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile, where it is a secondary alteration phase associated with anhydrite, juansilvaite, magnesiokoritnigite and a lavendulan-like phase. Naalasite occurs in tightly intergrown aggregates and druses of equant crystals. Crystals are light to medium pink and transparent, with vitreous lustre and white streak. The Mohs hardness is ~3½. The density is 3.19(2) g⋅cm–3. Optically, naalasite is uniaxial (+), with ω = 1.630(3) and ɛ = 1.660(3) (white light). The empirical formula (based on 9 O apfu) is Na0.92Al0.61Fe3+0.39As2O9H4.07. Naalasite is trigonal, space group R32, with cell parameters: a = 8.494(4), c = 26.430(13) Å, V = 1651.5(4) Å3 and Z = 9. The structure, refined to R1 = 3.78% for 641 I > 2σI reflections, is based on a loose 3D framework of alternating AsO3OH tetrahedra and AlO6 octahedra. The structure is topologically equivalent to that of nafeasite and can be regarded as its Al analogue, even though nafeasite is monoclinic with space group C2.

Škáchaite (IMA2022–143) is a new mineral species discovered in samples from the hydrothermal vein B117, shaft No. 6 at the Brod deposit of the uranium and base-metal Příbram ore district, central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Škáchaite is a Co-dominant member of the dolomite group and forms anhedral grains up to 50 μm in size and as 20–100 μm thick growth zones in škáchaite–dolomite crystals as a part of carbonate (dolomite, calcite, siderite, spherocobaltite, ankerite, kutnohorite and minrecordite) gangue, associated with native silver, sulfides and arsenides. Škáchaite is pale to bright pink with vitreous lustre. The Mohs hardness is ca. 3½–4, similar to other members of the dolomite group. The calculated density is 3.140 g.cm–3. Škáchaite is optically uniaxial (–); the indices of refraction are ω = 1.741(3) and ɛ = 1.535(3). On the basis of electron-microprobe analyses, its empirical formula is Ca1.00(Co0.45Mg0.38Ca0.08Fe0.05Mn0.03Zn0.01)Σ1.00(CO3)2. The ideal formula is CaCo(CO3)2, which requires (in wt.%) CaO 25.60, CoO 34.21, CO2 40.19, a total of 100.00. Škáchaite is trigonal, R$\bar{3}$, with unit-cell parameters a = 4.8177(18), c = 16.093(7) Å, V = 323.5(2) Å3 and Z = 3. The strongest reflections of the calculated powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å, (Irel, %) hkl] are: 3.704 (13) 10$\bar{2}$; 2.896 (100) 104; 2.409 (15) 110; 2.019 (17) 202; 1.812 (19) 10$\bar{8}$; and 1.792 (16) 11$\bar{6}$. According to the single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (R1 = 0.0304 for 94 reflections with [I > 3σ(I)]), the crystal structure of škáchaite is isotypic with its Mg-analogue, dolomite. The Raman spectrum of škáchaite, as well as the tentative assignment of observed bands, are given in this paper. The mineral is named in honour of Pavel Škácha, a Czech mineralogist and curator of the mineralogical collection of the Mining Museum Příbram, Czech Republic.

Kvačekite is a new mineral species discovered in a sample collected from the now abandoned Bukov uranium mine, western Moravia, Czech Republic. It occurs as rare anhedral grains, up to 15 μm in size, associated with nickeltyrrellite, tyrrellite, berzelianite, hakite-(Zn), hakite-(Cd), eucairite, clausthalite, and gold in calcite gangue. In reflected light, kvačekite is white with a faint yellowish shade; bireflectance, pleochroism and anisotropy are absent. Internal reflections were not observed. Reflectance values for the four COM wavelengths for kvačekite in air [R (%) (λ in nm)] are: 54.9 (470); 53.5 (546); 52.6 (589); and 52.2 (650). The empirical formula, based on electron-microprobe analyses (EPMA), is (Ni0.95Cu0.04Co0.03)Σ1.02Sb1.00(Se0.97S0.01)Σ0.98. The ideal formula is NiSbSe, which requires (in wt.%) Ni 22.63, Sb 46.93, Se 30.44, total 100.00. Kvačekite is cubic, P213, with unit-cell parameters a = 6.09013(13) Å, V = 225.881(15) Å3 and Z = 4. The strongest reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern of synthetic kvačekite [d, Å (I) hkl] are: 3.0458 (11) 200; 2.7242 (100) 201, 210; 2.4867 (71) 211; 1.8632(39) 311; 1.6277(29) 321, 312; and 1.3290 (13) 421. Given the similarity with ullmannite, NiSbS, the crystal structure was refined from the powder X-ray diffraction data starting from those atomic coordinates using the synthetic analogue of kvačekite. Its crystal structure is formed by corner-sharing [NiSb3Se3] octahedra which form a three-dimensional network. The identity of the natural kvačekite and synthetic cubic NiSbSe were confirmed by a study of their chemical composition, reflectance measurements, Raman spectroscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) measurements on the mineral. Kvačekite is named after Milan Kvaček (1930–1993), a prominent Czech mineralogist. The mineral and its name have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA2023-095).

Daqingshanite in the Kamthai REE deposit (India) occurs as two paragenetic types: primary granular coarse grained crystals coexisting with primary carbocernaite, baryte and bastnäsite; and as aligned micro-ovoid globules within clasts of Sr-bearing calcite. Carbocernaite forming trellis-type lamellae in some of these calcite clasts do not represent exsolution and are considered as replacement textures as they formed subsequent to daqingshanite. The origins of the textural relations of the microglobules of daqingshanite to their host Sr-calcite cannot be unambiguously determined, although an exsolution origin is not considered feasible. The textures are similar to those of ‘chalcopyrite disease’ and as such could be interpreted as replacement features formed in a low temperature carbothermal environment which should facilitate replacement. Given that daqingshanite is an early crystallising phase it is also possible that cotectic crystallisation with Sr-calcite occurred, followed by subsolidus re-equilibration with recrystallisation along specific crystallographic planes in the calcite. The Kamthai REE deposit is best described as a low temperature carbothermalite microbreccia consisting of a wide variety of clasts resulting from the autobrecciation of rocks formed during, and after, the magmatic to carbothermal transition of an undetermined parental calcite carbonatite-forming magma. Many clasts have been replaced by late stage La-enriched carbothermal fluids mixed with exogenous water during the final low-temperature stage of evolution of the deposit.

A new mineral cuprodobrovolskyite, ideally Na4Cu(SO4)3, was found in sublimates of the Arsenatnaya fumarole at the Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. It is associated with petrovite, saranchinaite, euchlorine, krasheninnikovite, langbeinite, calciolangbeinite, anhydrite, sanidine, tenorite and hematite. Cuprodobrovolskyite occurs as coarse hexagonal tabular or equant, typically skeletal crystals up to 1 mm and their clusters or crusts up to 1.5 cm × 2.5 cm in area. The mineral is transparent, light blue or greenish-bluish to almost colourless with vitreous lustre. Cuprodobrovolskyite is optically uniaxial (+) with ω = 1.509(3) and ε = 1.528(3). The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 12 O apfu is (Na3.64K0.09Pb0.03)Σ3.76(Cu0.51Ca0.22Mg0.16Zn0.07Al0.01Mn0.01)Σ0.98S3.04O12. The unit-cell parameters of cuprodobrovolskyite calculated from the powder X-ray diffraction data are: a = 15.702(2), c = 22.017(5) Å, V = 4701.0(2) Å3, space group R3 and Z = 18. The crystal structure was studied using the Rietveld method, Rp = 0.0246, Rwp = 0.0325, R1 = 0.0521 and wR2 = 0.0770. Cuprodobrovolskyite is an isostructural analogue of dobrovolskyite Na4Ca(SO4)3 with Cu prevailing over Ca. One of the main features of cuprodobrovolskyite is Cu2+ in 7-fold coordination. On the basis of relationships with saranchinaite Na2Cu(SO4)2 and petrovite Na12Cu2(SO4)8 in the Arsenatnaya fumarole and the results of heating experiments, cuprodobrovolskyite is considered as the highest-temperature phase among anhydrous Na–Cu sulfate minerals.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is a toxic carcinogenic pollutant that might be released by the mining and processing of ultramafic rocks and nickel laterites and which requires permanent removal from the contaminated biosphere. Ultramafic material can also serve as a feedstock for the sequestration of CO2 resulting from the growth of new minerals, raising the intriguing proposition of integrated sequestration of both pollutants, CO2 and chromium, into magnesium carbonates. Such a synergistic process downstream of ore recovery and mineral processing could be an elegant proposition for more sustainable utilisation and management of the Earth's resources. We have therefore carried out an experimental and microanalytical study to investigate potentially suitable carbonate minerals. Uptake of chromium in carbonate phases was determined, followed by identification of the crystalline phases and characterisation of the local structural environment around the incorporated chromium centres. The results suggest that neither nesquehonite nor hydromagnesite have the structural capacity to incorporate Cr6+ or Cr3+ significantly at room temperature. We therefore propose that further research into this technology should focus on laboratory assessments of other phases, such as layered double hyroxides, that have a natural structural capacity to uptake both chromium and CO2.

A meta-porphyritic granitoid in the Makrohar Granulite Belt, Central India contains extensive myrmekite. This work evaluates the controls of fluid in relation to deformation and the formation of myrmekite all along the periphery of an alkali-feldspar megacryst. Two different myrmekite morphologies are present: (1) vermicular intergrowth of plagioclase (An38–39) and quartz (Myr1); and (2) polygonal aggregates of coarse plagioclase (An45–46) and quartz (Myr2). Petrographic features suggest that myrmekite Myr1 nucleates on alkali-feldspar and plagioclase porphyroclasts and the myrmekite front moved into the alkali feldspar by replacing it; and that myrmekite Myr2 and the secondary biotite which replaces plagioclase porphyroclasts and garnet form together. Deformation had a decisive role in forming the polygonal aggregates of Myr2, however field and microtextural features do not support any significant control of deformation during the formation of Myr1. Reaction modelling and a mass-balance calculation suggest that Ca and Na are added to, and K is removed from, the alkali feldspar during the myrmekite formation at nearly constant Si and Al. However, the secondary biotite-forming reaction, consumes K and releases Ca. Interpretation of the reaction textures in different isothermal–isobaric sections of μK2O–μCaO in the KCFASH system suggest that CaO and K2O moved in opposite directions for myrmekitisation and along their respective chemical potential gradients created between the sites of formation of myrmekite and secondary biotite. The feedback mechanism which operated between the two reaction sites was controlled by infiltration of brine-rich fluid in the meta-granitoid during a regional hydration event (550–600oC and 5–6 kbar). Volume reduction of ~10% during the formation Myr1 and Myr2 drew the brine-rich fluid towards the alkali feldspar and thus facilitated the process of myrmekite formation. Variation in the morphology of quartz in the myrmekite is attributed to the cooling of the complex.

Ermeloite is a new aluminium phosphate mineral from Galicia, Spain, in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It is the third formally recognised mineral discovered in Galicia since morenosite and cervantite in the 19th Century. The name and symbol (Erm) were approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA2021–017a) in recognition of the geographical location where it was found. The mineral occurs as a light blue to white fine aggregate over quartz and microcline associated with wardite. Crystals of ~0.04 mm are transparent and have a waxy lustre. The simplified empirical formula determined using electron microprobe analysis is Al1.02P0.95F0.06O3.88⋅1.06 H2O, which is near to the ideal formula Al(PO4)⋅H2O. The mineral is an alteration product within a phosphate pegmatite. Ermeloite is the second phosphate isostructural with the sulfates of the kieserite group. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction showed that ermeloite crystallises in the monoclinic C2/c space group with cell parameters a = 6.5371(4) Å, b = 7.5670(5) Å, c = 7.1146(5) Å, β = 115.335(2)°, V = 318.08(4) Å3 and Z = 4 at room temperature. Comparative analysis of the crystallographic data, with isostructural phosphates, revealed an interesting behaviour for these compounds.

Sperlingite, (H2O)K(Mn2+Fe3+)(Al2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)][(H2O)9(OH)]⋅4H2O, is a new monoclinic member of the paulkerrite group, from the Hagendorf-Süd pegmatite, Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany. It was found in corrosion pits of altered zwieselite, in association with columbite, hopeite, leucophosphite, mitridatite, scholzite, orange–brown zincoberaunite sprays and tiny green crystals of zincolibethenite. Sperlingite forms colourless prisms with pyramidal terminations, which are predominantly only 5 to 20 μm in size, rarely to 60 μm and frequently are multiply intergrown and are overgrown with smaller crystals. The crystals are flattened on {010} and slightly elongated along [100] with forms {010}, {001} and {111}. Twinning occurs by rotation about c. The calculated density is 2.40 g⋅cm–3. Optically, sperlingite crystals are biaxial (+), α = 1.600(est), β = 1.615(5), γ = 1.635(5) (white light) and 2V (calc.) = 82.7°. The optical orientation is X = b, Y = c and Z = a. Neither dispersion nor pleochroism were observed. The empirical formula from electron microprobe analyses and structure refinement is A1[(H2O)0.96K0.04]Σ1.00 A2(K0.52□0.48)Σ1.00 M1(Mn2+0.60Mg0.33Zn0.29Fe3+0.77)Σ1.99 M2+M3(Al1.05Ti4+1.33Fe3+0.62)Σ3.00(PO4)4 X[F0.19(OH)0.94O0.87]Σ2.00[(H2O)9.23(OH)0.77]Σ10.00⋅3.96H2O. Sperlingite has monoclinic symmetry with space group P21/c and unit-cell parameters a = 10.428(2) Å, b = 20.281(4) Å, c = 12.223(2) Å, β = 90.10(3)°, V = 2585.0(8) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure was refined using synchrotron single-crystal data to wRobs = 0.058 for 5608 reflections with I > 3σ(I). Sperlingite is the first paulkerrite-group mineral to have co-dominant divalent and trivalent cations at the M1 sites; All other reported members have Mn2+ or Mg dominant at M1. Local charge balance for Fe3+ at M1 is achieved by H2O → OH– at H2O coordinated to M1.

Orthoamphibole, clinoamphibole and magnetite are common minerals in altered rocks associated spatially with Palaeoproterozoic volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits in Colorado, USA and metamorphosed to the amphibolite facies. These altered rocks are dominated by the assemblage orthoamphibole (anthophyllite/gedrite)–cordierite–magnetite±gahnite±sulfides. Magnetite also occurs in granitoids, banded iron formations, quartz garnetite, and in metallic mineralisation consisting of semi-massive pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite with subordinate galena, gahnite and magnetite; amphibole also occurs in amphibolite. The precursor to the anthophyllite/gedrite–cordierite assemblages was probably the assemblage quartz–chlorite formed from hydrothermal ore-bearing fluids (~250° to 400°C) associated with the formation of metallic minerals in the massive sulfide deposits.

Element–element variation diagrams for amphibole, magnetite and ilmenite based on LA-ICP-MS data and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for orthoamphiboles and magnetite show a broad range of compositions which are primarily dependent upon the nature of the host rock associated spatially with the deposits. Although discrimination plots of Al/(Zn+Ca) vs Cu/(Si+Ca) and Sn/Ga vs Al/Co for magnetite do not indicate a VMS origin, the concentration of Al+Mn together with Ti+V and Sn vs Ti support a hydrothermal rather than a magmatic origin for magnetite. Principal Component Analyses also show that magnetite and orthoamphibole in metamorphosed altered rocks and sulfide zones have distinctive eigenvalues that allow them to be used as prospective pathfinders for VMS deposits in Colorado. This, in conjunction with the contents of Zn and Al in magnetite, Zn and Pb in amphibole, ilmenite and magnetite, the Cu content of orthoamphibole and ilmenite, and possibly the Ga and Sn concentrations of magnetite constitute effective exploration vectors.

Strontioborite, which was first described in 1960 and later discredited by the then named Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA CNMMN), has been re-investigated (electron microprobe, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, crystal structure determination and IR spectroscopy) on two specimens, including the holotype, and revalidated by the IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC). Strontioborite is known only at the Chelkar salt dome (North Caspian Region, Western Kazakhstan), in halite rocks with bischofite, magnesite, anhydrite, halurgite, boracite, ginorite and celestine. It forms colourless lamellar, scaly or tabular crystals up to 2 mm across. The chemical composition (wt.%, H2O is calculated for (OH)4 = 4 H apfu, according to structural data; holotype/neotype) is: CaO 1.42/0.27, SrO 23.10/23.79, B2O3 67.37/67.57, H2O 8.73/8.72, total 100.62/100.37. The empirical formulae [calculated based on 15 O apfu = O11(OH)4 pfu] of the holotype and neotype specimens are Sr0.92Ca0.10B7.98O11(OH)4 and Sr0.95Ca0.02B8.02O11(OH)4, respectively. The idealised formula is Sr[B8O11(OH)4]. Strontioborite is monoclinic, space group P21, a = 7.6192(3), b = 8.1867(2), c = 9.9164(3) Å, β = 108.357(4)°, V = 587.07(3) Å3 and Z = 2. The strongest reflections of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d,Å(I)(hkl)] are: 7.22(100)(100), 5.409(61)(110), 4.090(64)(020), 3.300(48)(210), 2.121(30)($\bar{1}$24) and 2.043(37)(040, 024, $\bar{2}$24). The crystal structure, solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (R = 0.0372), is based upon the (100) layers of polymerised B–O–OH polyanions [B8O11(OH)4]2– and Sr-centred nine-fold polyhedra SrO6(OH)3. The B–O–OH polyanion is the cluster of three tetrahedra and three triangles; these clusters are decorated by the [B2O2(OH)3] pyro-group consisting of two triangles. The layers are linked via vertices of Sr-centred polyhedra, which share seven vertices with B-centred polyhedra of one layer and two vertices with B-centred polyhedra of the adjacent layer, and by the system of H bonds. The crystal chemistry of strontioborite is discussed in comparison with other natural and synthetic borates.

Bimbowrieite, NaMgFe3+5(PO4)4(OH)6⋅2H2O, is a new mineral found in a mineralogically zoned rare-element bearing pegmatite at the White Rock No.2 quarry, Bimbowrie Conservation Park, South Australia, Australia. Crystals are dark olive green to greenish brown and are bladed with dimensions of up to 150 μm. Crystals occur as aggregates up to 0.4 mm across associated with ushkovite, bermanite, leucophosphite and sellaite. Bimbowrieite is pleochroic, biaxial (+), with α = 1.785(5), β = 1.795(5), γ = 1.805(5) and 2V(meas.) = 89.4(5)°. The average of 28 chemical analyses gave the empirical formula: (Na0.81Ca0.19)Σ1.00(Mg0.75Mn2+0.19Fe2+0.05)Σ0.99(Fe3+4.99Al0.01)Σ5.00(PO4)3.97(OH)5.88⋅2.05 H2O based on 24 oxygen atoms. Bimbowrieite is monoclinic, space group C2/c with a = 25.944(5), b = 5.1426(10), c = 13.870(3 Å, β = 111.60(3)°, V = 1720.4(7) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure was refined to R1 = 1.97% for 1060 observed reflections with F0 > 4σ(F0). Bimbowrieite is isostructural with dufrénite. The structure is based on a trimer of face-sharing octahedra in which an M2 octahedra shares two trans faces with two M4 octahedra. Trimers link in the c-direction by sharing corners with two M3 octahedra and with T1 and T2 tetrahedra. Linkage in the a-direction is via corner-sharing M1 octahedra and linkage in the b-direction is via corner-sharing T1 and T2 tetrahedra.

Plumboperloffite, PbMn2+2Fe3+2(PO4)3(OH)3, is a new mineral and member of the bjarebyite group from Wiperaminga Hill West Quarry, Boolcoomatta Reserve, Olary Province, South Australia, Australia. The mineral was found in a single cavity in triplite–barbosalite matrix associated with fluorapatite, phosphosiderite, natrodufrénite and fluorite. The mineral forms intergrowths of subparallel, thin tabular to bladed crystals. Individual crystals are up to 40 μm in length. Plumboperloffite is brownish orange in colour with a vitreous lustre. The mineral has brittle tenacity, an excellent cleavage on {100} and uneven fracture. The calculated density is 4.416 g/cm3. Plumboperloffite is biaxial (+), α = 1.87(1), β = 1.88(1) and γ = 1.89(1) as measured in white light. The measured 2V is 88(1)°. Dispersion is apparently strong, based on extinction colours and the orientation is Y = b. The pleochroism in shades of yellow brown is X < Z < Y. Electron microprobe analysis gave the empirical formula (based on 15 O apfu) (Pb0.92Ca0.04Ba0.01K0.01)Σ0.98(Mn2+1.84Fe2+0.13)Σ1.97(Fe3+1.97Al0.03)Σ2.00(P3.01O11.94)(OH)Σ3.06. Plumboperloffite is monoclinic, space group P21/m with a = 9.1765(18), b = 12.340(3), c = 5.0092(10) Å, β = 101.01(3)°, V = 556.8(2) Å3 and Z = 2. The crystal structure has been refined using X-ray single-crystal data to a final R1 = 0.0207 on the basis of 1417 reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo). The mineral is isostructural with members of the bjarebyite-group minerals.

Mineral species are known to be heterogeneously distributed throughout the Earth such that a relatively small number of minerals make up a large proportion of the lithosphere while the majority of all known minerals are rare and have been identified at only a small number of locations that frequently exhibit high levels of species richness. Intuitive understandings of mineral scarcity and abundance are reconsidered through the characterisation of the quantitative aspects of spatio-temporal trends in new mineral discovery. Using data drawn from online mineralogical databases, it is found that the Earth's mineral hotspots exhibit an exponential distribution of species abundance, while those same mineral hotspots exhibit a power-law distribution in the number of minerals first recognised at those locations. That is, locations rich in first occurrences are extremely rare, even when considering only the Earth's most species-rich mineral locations. Global distributions of mineral scarcity and abundance can be estimated from the number of mineral-location pairs for each species reported in a database. Two-thirds of all known species have been reported from ten or fewer locations and the frequency distribution of these mineral-location pairs exhibit a power-law distribution that extends with increasing dispersion over several orders of magnitude of mineral abundance. Initially, nearly all minerals are first reported from only their type locality. Over time, additional occurrences of newly discovered minerals are reported at an average rate of one new location per mineral every 5.5 years. As a result, the percentage of minerals that were discovered in a given year that continue to be known only from their type locality is found to decline exponentially over time. However, a few minerals remain known from only their type locality for long periods, including some that were first identified in the 19th Century. Conversely, other recently identified minerals have been subsequently recognised at locations spanning a wide geographic range such that the number of minerals with cosmopolitan distributions is found to increase exponentially over time. Taken together, these several quantitative representations of mineral distributions lend structure and refinement to qualitative and intuitive notions of the scarcity and abundance of Earth's many minerals.

Enricofrancoite (IMA2023–002), ideally KNaCaSi4O10, is a new litidionite-group member found as the product of high-temperature alteration of hosting silicates with the enrichment by Cu-bearing fluids at the rock–fumaroles interface related to the 1872 eruption of Somma–Vesuvius volcano, southern Italy. It occurs as euhedral and platy crystals or crusts together with litidionite, tridymite, wollastonite and Al- and Fe-bearing diopside, kamenevite, perovskite, rutile, Ti-rich magnetite and colourless Si-glass. Single crystals of enricofrancoite are transparent colourless or light blue with a vitreous lustre. Mohs hardness is 5.5. Dmeas is 2.63(3) g/cm3 and Dcalc is 2.63 g/cm3. The mineral is optically biaxial (−), α = 1.542(5), β = 1.567(5),γ = 1.575(5); 2V(meas) = 60(2)° and 2Vcalc = 58°. The mean chemical composition (wt.%, electron-microprobe data) is: SiO2 64.81, Al2O3 0.03, TiO2 0.08, FeO 0.07, MgO 1.71, CaO 10.64, CuO 2.22, Na2O 8.56, K2O 11.41, total 99.94. The empirical formula based on 10 O apfu is: K0.90Na1.03(Ca0.71Mg0.16Cu0.10)Σ0.97Si4.02O10. The Raman spectrum contains bands at 133, 248, 265, 290, 335, 400, 438, 510, 600, 690 and 1120 cm–1 and the wavenumbers of the IR absorption bands are: 424, 470, 492, 530, 600, 630, 690, 750, 788, 970, 1040 and 1160 cm–1. The eight strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [d, Å (I, %) hkl]: 6.75 (42) 01$\bar{1}$, 3.65 (20) 11$\bar{2}$, 3.370 (100) 02$\bar{2}$, 3.210 (52) 102, 3.051 (18) 111, 3.033 (25) 2$\bar{1}\bar{2}$, 2.834 (22) 02$\bar{3}$ and 2.411 (72) 03$\bar{2}$. Enricofrancoite is triclinic, space group P$\bar{1}$, unit-cell parameters refined from the single-crystal data are a = 7.0155(4) Å, b = 8.0721(4) Å, c = 10.0275(4) Å, α = 104.420(4)°, β = 99.764(4)°, γ = 115.126(5)° and V = 472.74(5) Å3. The crystal structure has been refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to R1 = 0.035 on the basis of 2078 independent reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo). Enricofrancoite is an H2O-free analogue of calcinaksite with 5-coordinated Ca2+ at the M site.

Rundqvistite-(Ce), ideally Na3(Sr3Ce)(Zn2Si8O24), is a new mineral from the Darai-Pioz alkaline massif, Tien-Shan Mountains, Tajikistan. The mineral occurs as elongated grains up to 0.1 mm long and up to 0.03 mm thick embedded in quartz–pectolite aggregate in a silexite-like peralkaline pegmatite. Associated minerals are quartz, fluorite, pectolite, baratovite, aegirine, leucosphenite, neptunite, reedmergnerite, orlovite, sokolovaite, mendeleevite-(Ce), odigitriaite, pekovite, zeravshanite, kirchhoffite and garmite. The mineral is colourless with a vitreous lustre and a white streak, brittle, Dmeas. is 3.70(2) and Dcalc. is 3.709 g/cm3. Rundqvistite-(Ce) is monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 5.1934(16), b = 7.8934(16), c = 26.011(5) Å, β = 90.02(3)° and V = 1066.3(4) Å3. The chemical composition of rundqvistite-(Ce) is SiO2 40.17, La2O3 2.64, Ce2O3 7.55, Pr2O3 0.80, Nd2O3 2.43, Sm2O3 0.33, Eu2O3 0.09, Gd2O3 0.24, Tb2O3 0.18, Dy2O3 0.21, PbO 1.03, SrO 19.83, FeO 0.37, ZnO 13.08, CaO 2.55, Na2O 8.04, total 99.54 wt.%. The empirical formula calculated on 24 O apfu (atoms per formula unit) is Na3.10Sr2.29Ca0.54Pb0.06(Ce0.55La0.19Nd0.17Pr0.06Sm0.02Gd0.02Eu0.01Tb0.01Dy0.01)Σ1.04Zn1.92Fe0.06 Si8.00O24 Z = 2. The structural formula based on refined site-occupancies is (Na2.94Sr0.06)Σ3.00 [(Sr2.23Ca0.54Pb0.06Na0.13)Σ2.96Ln3+1.04]Σ4.00[(Zn1.92Fe2+0.06)Σ1.98Si8O24], where Ln3+1.04 = (Ce0.55La0.19Nd0.17Pr0.06Sm0.02Gd0.02Eu0.01Tb0.01Dy0.01)Σ1.04. The crystal structure of rundqvistite-(Ce) was refined to R1 = 2.76% on the basis of 3184 unique reflections [F > 4σ|F|]. In rundqvistite-(Ce), the main structural unit is a (Zn2Si8O24)12– sheet parallel to (100). In the sheet, the Si and Zn tetrahedra form four-, five- and eight-membered rings. The interstitial cations at the Na and M(1–3) sites sum to [Na3(Sr3Ce)]12– apfu. The Na and M(1–3) polyhedra share common edges to form a layer. Rundqvistite-(Ce) is a structural analogue of vladykinite, ideally Na3Sr4(Fe2+Fe3+)Si8O24. Rundqvistite-(Ce) and vladykinite are related by the following substitution: [8]Ce3+ + [4](Zn2+)2 ↔ [8]Sr2+ + [4](Fe2+Fe3+). The mineral is named after Dmitry Vasilievich Rundqvist (1930–2022), a prominent Russian geologist and an expert on the geology of ore deposits, metallogeny and mineralogy of Precambrian rocks.

An attempt to compare and describe the differences in the electron density distribution between two phase structures of AlOOH has been made. High-resolution, high-pressure experiments with α-AlOOH diaspore were conducted using single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction data. A multipole model of experimental electron density in the α-AlOOH single crystal was refined. Simultaneously, similar multipole refinement was conducted for another phase of diaspore (δ-AlOOH), this time based on a previously published data set. Both results were compared and supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Although the results are affected by the limited quality of the data, it is clear that the phase transition caused significant changes in the shape and arrangement of the atomic basins.

Atomic basins are a much better tool to present subtle electron density distribution changes than traditional polyhedra. Straightforward comparison of datasets available in older scientific papers and current datasets is challenging because of differences in data quality and collection parameters. However, augmenting experimental data with computational results can help reveal important information in even incomplete datasets.

The new ludwigite-group mineral savelievaite, ideally Mg2Cr3+O2(BO3), was found in the chromitite body at the Malaya Kharamatalou river valley, Voikar–Syninskiy ultrabasic complex, Polar Urals, Russia. Savelievaite and Cr-enriched ludwigite occur in clinochlore veinlets and are associated with earlier magnesiochromite, spinel, chromite, pargasite, diopside, forsterite, serpentine, magnetite and pentlandite. Savelievaite forms prismatic, acicular or fibrous crystals up to 0.05 × 0.4 mm, usually assembled in radiating or chaotic clusters up to 1 × 1.5 mm across. It is opaque, black to greenish-black. The lustre is vitreous for prismatic crystals and silky for fibrous aggregates. D(calc.) = 3.91 g cm–3. Under the microscope in reflected light, savelievaite is grey, non-pleochroic, with weak bireflectance and anisotropism. The chemical composition (wt.%, EMPA, Fe2+:Fe3+ ratio by stoichiometry) is: MgO 34.88, FeO 10.83, NiO 0.36, B2O3 16.80, Al2O3 2.97, V2O3 0.21, Cr2O3 21.97, Fe2O3 12.40, TiO2 0.43, total 100.85. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 5 O apfu is (Mg1.72Fe2+0.30Ni0.01)Σ2.03(Cr3+0.57Fe3+0.31Al0.12Ti0.01V3+0.01)Σ1.02B0.96O5. Savelievaite is orthorhombic, space group Pbam, a = 9.2631(6), b = 12.2298(8), c = 3.0104(2) Å, V = 341.04(4) Å3 and Z = 4. The strongest reflections of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d,Å(I)(hkl)] are: 5.101(100)(120); 2.551(90)(240); 2.524(88)(201); 2.163(36)(250); and 2.033(55)(321). The crystal structure was solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and refined to R1 = 0.0405. Savelievaite is isostructural with ludwigite, Cr3+ is concentrated at the M4 site. The mineral is named in honour of the Russian petrologist and geologist Dr. Galina Nikolaevna Savelieva (b. 1936). Ludwigite, ideally Mg2Fe3+O2(BO3), and savelievaite form a continuous isomorphous series in which Cr3+ content varies from 0 to 0.60 apfu. Occurrences of Cr-enriched (>1 wt.% Cr2O3) varieties of ludwigite are mainly related to ultrabasic complexes. The Cr-richest (>10 wt.% Cr2O3) ludwigite–savelievaite-series members are found in chromite ores at the Voikar–Syninskiy complex and Volchiegorskoe and Tatishchevskoe deposits, both in the South Urals.

The high-temperature behaviour of a feldspar-group mineral, filatovite (with the simplified formula: K(Al,Zn)2(As,Si)2O8), in which the Al:As:Si ratio is close to 2:1:1), was studied by in situ high-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction and in situ high-temperature (hot stage) Raman spectroscopy up to 600°C. In the temperature range studied (25–600°С) filatovite does not undergo any phase transition, whereas at 800°C it decomposes to X-ray amorphous phase(s). The evolution of 12 main Raman bands was traced during heating, which indicates a gradual change in the crystal structure. The thermal expansion coefficients of filatovite demonstrate a sharply anisotropic character of thermal expansion: the maximal expansion is close to the a axis (α11 = 17.7(1) × 10–6 °C–1), whereas along the b and c axes the thermal expansion coefficients are close to zero. Such behaviour is typical for minerals with a similar crystal structure topology; it indicates the dominant role of structure geometry in the thermal behaviour of the mineral.

A new mineral species, guangyuanite, ideally Pb3Cl3(Se4+O3)(OH), was discovered from the El Dragón mine, Antonio Quijarro Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia. It occurs as equant crystals. Associated minerals are Co-bearing krut'aite–penroseite, chalcomenite, schmiederite, olsacherite, phosgenite, anglesite, cerussite and franksousaite. Guangyuanite is pale yellow–brown in transmitted light, transparent with white streak and vitreous lustre. It is brittle and has a Mohs hardness of ~3. No parting or cleavage was observed. The calculated density is 7.63 g/cm3. An electron microprobe analysis yielded an empirical formula [based on 7 (O + Cl) atoms per formula unit] of Pb3.02Cl3.01(Se4+0.99O3)(OH), which can be simplified to Pb3Cl3(Se4+O3)(OH).

Guangyuanite is isostructural with synthetic Pb3Br3(Se4+O3)(OH). It is orthorhombic, with space group Pnma and unit-cell parameters a = 11.0003(5), b = 10.6460(5), c = 7.7902 Å, V = 912.31(6) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure of guangyuanite contains two symmetrically-distinct Pb (Pb1 and Pb2) cations, with Pb1 coordinated by eight anions (4O + 4Cl) and Pb2 only by six anions (3O + 3Cl), forming a marked lopsided coordination typical of Pb2+ with a stereochemically active 6s2 lone electron pair. The Se4+ cation forms a typical [Se4+O3] trigonal pyramid. The crystal structure of guangyuanite can be described as consisting of layers of edge-sharing [Pb1O4Cl4] polyhedra parallel to (100). These layers are linked together by sharing polyhedral corners (Cl atoms), as well as [Pb2O3Cl3] and [Se4+O3] groups. Chemically, guangyuanite is one of six lead chloride selenite minerals reported thus far and closely related to orlandiite Pb3Cl4(Se4+O3)⋅H2O.