The line connecting rare earth elements (REE) in chondrite-normalised plots can be represented by a smooth polynomial function using λ shape coefficients as described by O'Neill (2016). In this study, computationally generated λ combinations are used to construct artificial chondrite-normalised REE patterns that encompass most REE patterns likely to occur in natural materials. The dominant REE per pattern is identified, which would lead to its inclusion in a hypothetical mineral suffix, had this mineral contained essential REE. Furthermore, negative Ce and Y anomalies, common in natural minerals, are considered in the modelled REE patterns to investigate the effect of their exclusion on the relative abundance of the remainder REE. The dominant REE in a mineral results from distinct pattern shapes requiring specific fractionation processes, thus providing information on its genesis. Minerals dominated by heavy lanthanides are rare or non-existent, even though the present analysis shows that REE patterns dominated by Gd, Dy, Er and Yb are geologically plausible. This discrepancy is caused by the inclusion of Y, which dominates heavy REE budgets, in mineral name suffixes. The focus on Y obscures heavy lanthanide mineral diversity and can lead to various fractionation processes to be overlooked. Samarium dominant minerals are known, even though deemed unlikely by the computational model, suggesting additional fractionation processes that are not well described by λ shape coefficients. Positive Eu anomalies only need to be moderate in minerals depleted in the light REE for Eu to be the dominant REE, thus identifying candidate rocks in which the first Eu dominant mineral might be found. Here, I present an online tool, called ALambdaR that allows interactive control of λ shape coefficients and visualisation of resulting REE patterns.

A green tourmaline sample from the Tzarevskoye uranium–vanadium deposit, close to the Srednyaya Padma deposit, Lake Onega, Karelia Republic, Russia, has been found to be the second world-occurrence of Cr-rich vanadio-oxy-dravite in addition to the Pereval marble quarry, Sludyanka crystalline complex, Lake Baikal, Russia, type-locality. From the crystal-structure refinement and chemical analysis, the following empirical formula is proposed: X(Na0.96K0.02□0.02)Σ1.00Y(V1.34Al0.68Mg0.93Cu2+0.02Zn0.01Ti0.01)Σ3.00Z(Al3.19Cr1.36V0.03Mg1.42)Σ6.00(TSi6O18)(BBO3)3V(OH)3W[O0.60(OH)0.23F0.17]Σ1.00. Together with the data from the literature, a compositional overview of Al–V–Cr–Fe3+-tourmalines is provided by using [6]Al–V–Cr–Fe3+ diagrams for tourmaline classification. These diagrams further simplify the tourmaline nomenclature as they merge the chemical information over the octahedrally-coordinated sites (Y and Z) by removing the issues of uncertainty associated with cation order–disorder across Y and Z. Results show the direct identification of tourmalines by using the chemical data alone.

Oxidation zones and mine wastes are metal-rich, near-surface environments, natural and man-made critical zones of ore deposits, respectively. They contain a number of minerals which, despite their metastability, occur consistently and in abundance. Field studies, presented as examples in this work, show that metastable minerals form not only directly from aqueous solutions, but also from more complex precursors, such as nanoparticles, gels, X-ray amorphous solids, or clusters. Initial precipitation of metastable phases and their conversion to stable phases is described by the Ostwald's step rule. Thermodynamic data show that there is a tendency, but no rule, that structurally more complex phases are also thermodynamically more stable. The Ostwald's step rule could then state that the initial metastable phases are structurally simple and easily assembled from aqueous solutions, nanoparticles, gels, disordered solids, or clusters. The structural similarity of the precursor and the forming phase is a kinetic factor favouring the crystallisation of the new phase. Calculation of saturation indices for mine drainage solutions show that they are mostly supersaturated with respect to the stable phases and the aqueous concentrations are sufficient to precipitate metastable minerals. In our fieldwork, we often encounter gelatinous substances with copper, manganese or tungsten that slowly convert to metastable oxysalt minerals. Another possibility is the crystallisation of various metastable minerals from solid, homogeneous ‘resins’ that are X-ray amorphous. Minerals typical for near-surface environments may be stabilised by their surface energy at high specific surface areas. For example, ferrihydrite is often described as a metastable phase but can be shown to be stable with respect to nanosised hematite.

The Open Access movement has gathered significant momentum over the last couple of years. This has been instigated largely by cOAlition S and those funders which support its aims. Is ‘Read and Publish’ the way forward? Will it work for all publishers? All authors? All subscribers? All readers? This article looks at the history of OA and updates a similar piece from 2013. A detailed glossary of terms is given at the end of the article.

A structure hierarchy is developed for chain-, ribbon- and tube-silicate based on the connectedness of one-dimensional polymerisations of (TO4)n− tetrahedra, where T = Si4+ plus P5+, V5+, As5+, Al3+, Fe3+, B3+, Be2+, Zn2+ and Mg2+. Such polymerisations are described by a geometrical repeat unit (with ng tetrahedra) and a topological repeat unit (or graph) (with nt vertices). The connectivity of the tetrahedra (vertices) in the geometrical (topological) repeat units is denoted by the expression cTr (cVr) where c is the connectivity (degree) of the tetrahedron (vertex) and r is the number of tetrahedra (vertices) of connectivity (degree) c in the repeat unit. Thus cTr = 1Tr12Tr23Tr34Tr4 (cVr = 1Vr12Vr23Vr34Vr4) represents all possible connectivities (degrees) of tetrahedra (vertices) in the geometrical (topological) repeat units of such one-dimensional polymerisations. We may generate all possible cTr (cVr) expressions for chains (graphs) with tetrahedron (vertex) connectivities (degrees) c = 1 to 4 where r = 1 to n by sequentially increasing the values of c and r, and by ranking them accordingly. The silicate (sensu lato) units of chain-, ribbon- and tube-silicate minerals are identified and associated with the relevant cTr (cVr) symbols. Following description and association with the relevant cTr (cVr) symbols of the silicate units in all chain-, ribbon- and tube-silicate minerals, the minerals are arranged into decreasing O:T ratio from 3.0 to 2.5, an arrangement that reflects their increasing structural connectivity. Considering only the silicate component, the compositional range of the chain-, ribbon- and tube-silicate minerals strongly overlaps that of the sheet-silicate minerals. Of the chain-, ribbon- and tube-silicates and sheet silicates with the same O:T ratio, some have the same cVr symbols (vertex connectivities) but the tetrahedra link to each other in different ways and are topologically different. The abundance of chain-, ribbon- and tube-silicate minerals decreases as O:T decreases from 3.0 to 2.5 whereas the abundance of sheet-silicate minerals increases from O:T = 3.0 to 2.5 and decreases again to O:T = 2.0. Some of the chain-, ribbon- and tube-silicate minerals have more than one distinct silicate unit: (1) vinogradovite, revdite, lintisite (punkaruaivite) and charoite have mixed chains, ribbons and/or tubes; (2) veblenite, yuksporite, miserite and okenite have clusters or sheets in addition to chains, ribbons and tubes. It is apparent that some chain-ribbon-tube topologies are favoured over others as of the ~450 inosilicate minerals, ~375 correspond to only four topologically unique graphs, the other ~75 minerals correspond to ~46 topologically unique graphs.

Thunderbayite (IMA2020–042), ideally TlAg3Au3Sb7S6, is a new mineral from the Hemlo gold deposit, Marathon, Ontario, Canada. It occurs as very rare anhedral rims up to 70 μm across in contact with aurostibite and associated spatially with stibarsen, biagioniite and native gold in a calcite matrix. Thunderbayite is opaque with a metallic lustre and shows a black streak. In reflected light, thunderbayite is weakly bireflectant and faintly pleochroic from grey–blue to slightly greenish grey–blue. Under crossed polars, it is weakly anisotropic with bluish to light-blue rotation tints. Internal reflections are absent. Reflectance percentages for the four Commission on Ore Mineralogy wavelengths (Rmin, Rmax) are: 37.9, 38.4 (471.1 nm); 35.3, 36.0 (548.3 nm); 33.9, 34.4 (586.6 nm); and 32.0, 32.5 (652.3 nm), respectively. A mean of five electron-microprobe analyses gave Ag 14.91(16), Au 27.40(22), Tl 9.37(9), Sb 39.80(34) and S 8.61(7), for a total of 100.09 wt.%, corresponding, on the basis of a total of 20 atoms, to Tl1.00Ag3.01Au3.03Sb7.12S5.84. Thunderbayite is triclinic, space group P1, with a = 8.0882(5), b = 7.8492(5), c = 20.078(1) Å, α = 92.518(5), β = 93.739(5), γ = 90.028(6)°, V = 1270.73(9) Å3 and Z = 2. The five strongest powder-diffraction lines [d in Å (I/I0) (hkl)] are: 4.04 (100) (200); 3.92 (80) (020); 2.815 (50) (220/$\bar{2}$20); 2.566 (45) ($\bar{1}$17); and 2.727 (40) (0$\bar{1}$7). The crystal structure [R1 = 0.0220 for 5521 reflections with I > 2σ(I)] can be considered as a strongly deformed pyrite-type structure with several metal–metal bonds. Thunderbayite shows close similarities with criddleite, TlAg2Au3Sb10S10, from an optical, chemical and structural point of view. The new mineral is named for the Thunder Bay district, Ontario, in which the Hemlo gold deposit is located.

Preferential removal of W relative to other trace elements from zoned, W–Sn–U–Pb-bearing hematite coupled with disturbance of U–Pb isotope systematics is attributed to pseudomorphic replacement via coupled dissolution reprecipitation reaction (CDRR). This hematite has been studied down to the nanoscale to understand the mechanisms leading to compositional and U/Pb isotope heterogeneity at the grain scale. High-Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (HAADF STEM) imaging of foils extracted in situ from three locations across the W-rich to W-depleted domains show lattice-scale defects and crystal structure modifications adjacent to twin planes. Secondary sets of twins and associated splays are common, but wider (up to ~100 nm) inclusion trails occur only at the boundary between the W-rich and W-depleted domains. STEM energy-dispersive X-ray mapping reveals W- and Pb-enrichment along 2–3 nm-wide features defining the twin planes; W-bearing nanoparticles occur along the splays. Tungsten and Pb are both present, albeit at low concentrations, within Na–K–Cl-bearing inclusions along the trails. HAADF STEM imaging of hematite reveals modifications relative to ideal crystal structure. A two-fold hematite superstructure (a = b = c = 10.85 Å; α = β = γ = 55.28°) involving oxygen vacancies was constructed and assessed by STEM simulations with a good match to data. This model can account for significant W release during interaction with fluids percolating through twin planes and secondary structures as CDRR progresses from the zoned domain, otherwise apparently undisturbed at the micrometre scale. Lead remobilisation is confirmed here at the nanoscale and is responsible for a disturbance of U/Pb ratios in hematite affected by CDRR. Twin planes can provide pathways for fluid percolation and metal entrapment during post-crystallisation overprinting. The presence of complex twinning can therefore predict potential disturbances of isotope systems in hematite that will affect its performance as a robust geochronometer.

Tourmaline from the Solnechnoe hydrothermal granitoid-related tin deposit in the Khabarovsk Krai, Russian Far East has been studied with electron microprobe, infrared and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Tourmaline formed in three distinct stages with different types of chemical substitution. Tourmaline from the first unmineralised stage is classified as dravite or schorl, which could be enriched locally in Ca, the X-site vacancy and F. This tourmaline is characterised by the Fe ↔ Mg and X vacancy + Al ↔ Na + Fe substitutions. The second, molybdenum-stage tourmaline, is schorl–dravite and fluor-schorl–fluor-dravite enriched in Ca, and a few compositions belong to the calcic group. The predominant substitution is Ca + Mg ↔ Na + Al. The third, tin-stage tourmaline, is classified as schorl–dravite with some tourmalines being fluor-schorl, oxy-schorl, foitite and magnesio-foitite. The tin-stage tourmaline is characterised by the substitutions Fe2+ ↔ Mg, Altot + O2– ↔ Fe2+ + OH–, and Fe3+ ↔ Altot. An increase of the Fe3+/Fetot value from 3–9% in the molybdenum stage to 12–16% in the tin-stage tourmalines indicates an increase in oxidation potential, which possibly contributed to cassiterite deposition. Comparison of tourmalines from greisen, porphyry and intrusion-related tin deposits worldwide shows they differ in primary chemical substitutions so can be characterised by this mechanism. The Fe3+/Fetot value in tourmaline also appears to be one of the indications for the tin deposit type. The Fe3+/Fetot value increases from <10% in greisen tourmaline through 15% in tourmaline from intrusion-related deposits to 20% in tourmaline from porphyry deposits.

Critical raw materials (CRMs) are crucial for the transformation towards low carbon mobility. However, their production is often highly concentrated in a few countries, which leads to supply risks. Exemplified by the case of rare earth elements (REEs) and based on in-depth interviews with corporate executives from companies along the automotive supply chain, this contribution provides insights into the strategies of the European automotive industry to cope with these supply risks. Results show a lack of awareness of REE criticality studies and their outcomes in the past, the decisive role of price competitiveness when pursuing mitigation strategies and a lack of willingness or ability to engage in rare earth (RE) projects to get access to production output and secure supply. Overall, affected companies struggle to pursue long-term oriented strategies to secure their need for REEs. These findings are discussed with regard to the new demand for CRMs due to the shift to electric mobility and the specific challenges that the automotive industry faces.

Kagomé nets of corner-connected triangles of atoms occur in diverse minerals, from the {111} anion arrays in perovskite-group minerals to natural metallic alloys like auricupride, AuCu3, to the cation layers in atacamite-group minerals. We review here two- and three-dimensional kagomé networks in minerals where the kagomé node atoms are octahedrally coordinated in hexagonal tungsten bronze (HTB) arrays. Octahedral tilting, coupled with capping of the apical anions of the triangular groupings of octahedra in the HTB layers, gives rise to several important mineral groups, including pyrochlores, alunite-supergroup minerals, zirconolite and weberite polytypes and spinel-group minerals, as a function of the magnitude and type of the octahedral tilting.

A nomenclature and classification scheme has been approved by IMA–CNMNC for the magnetoplumbite group, with the general formula A[B12]O19. The classification on the highest hierarchical level is decided by the dominant metal at the 12-coordinated A sites, at present leading to the magnetoplumbite (A = Pb), hawthorneite (A = Ba) and hibonite (A = Ca) subgroups. Two species remain ungrouped. Most cations, with valences from 2+ to 5+, show a strong order over the five crystallographic B sites present in the crystal structure, which forms the basis for the definition of different mineral species. A new mineral name, chihuahuaite, is introduced and replaces hibonite-(Fe).

Hagstromite, Pb8Cu2+(Te6+O6)2(CO3)Cl4, (IMA2019-093) is a new tellurate mineral from Otto Mountain near Baker, California, USA. It occurs on quartz in association with cerussite, fuettererite and thorneite. It is a secondary oxidation zone mineral and is presumed to have formed by oxidation of earlier formed tellurides, chalcopyrite and galena. Hagstromite occurs as light yellow–green blades, up to ~100 μm long. Crystals are transparent with adamantine to silky lustre. The mineral is brittle with two cleavages providing splintery fracture; the Mohs hardness is probably between 2 and 3. The calculated density is 7.062 g cm–3. Hagstromite is optically biaxial (+), with calculated indices of refraction for α = 2.045, β = 2.066 and γ = 2.102; 2Vmeas = 76(1)°; and optical orientation X = b, Y = a and Z = c. The Raman spectrum of hagstromite exhibits similarities with those of agaite and thorneite and confirms the presence of CO32–. The electron microprobe analyses provided the empirical formula Pb8.07Cu2+0.98Te6+1.96C1.17Cl3.83O15.34. Hagstromite is orthorhombic, space group Ibam, with a = 23.688(17), b = 9.026(8), c = 10.461(8) Å, V = 2237(3) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure of hagstromite (R1 = 0.0659 for 284 I > 2σI reflections) contains a novel Cu2+Te6+2O12 chain assembled of corner-sharing Cu2+O4 squares and Te6+O6 octahedra. The O atoms in the chains form bonds with Pb2+ cations, which in turn bond to Cl– and CO32– anions, thereby creating a framework structure.

Langhofite, ideally Pb2(OH)[WO4(OH)], is a new mineral from the Långban mine, Värmland, Sweden. The mineral and its name were approved by the International Mineralogical Association Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (IMA2019-005). It occurs in a small vug in hematite–pyroxene skarn associated with calcite, baryte, fluorapatite, mimetite and minor sulfide minerals. Langhofite is triclinic, space group P$\bar{1}$, and unit-cell parameters a = 6.6154(1) Å, b = 7.0766(1) Å, c = 7.3296(1) Å, α = 118.175(2)°, β = 94.451(1)°, γ = 101.146(1)° and V = 291.06(1) Å3 for Z = 2. The seven strongest Bragg peaks from powder X-ray diffractometry are [dobs, Å (I)(hkl)]: 6.04(24)(010), 3.26(22)(11$\bar{2}$), 3.181(19)(200), 3.079(24)(1$\bar{1}$2), 3.016(100)(020), 2.054(20)(3$\bar{1}$1) and 2.050(18)(13$\bar{2}$). Langhofite occurs as euhedral crystals up to 4 mm, elongated along the a axis, with lengthwise striation. Mohs hardness is ca. 2½, based on VHN25 data obtained in the range 130–192. The mineral is brittle, with perfect {010} and {100} cleavages. The calculated density based on the ideal formula is 7.95(1) g⋅cm–3. Langhofite is colourless to white (non-pleochroic) and transparent, with a white streak and adamantine lustre. Reflectance curves show normal dispersion, with maximum values 15.7–13.4% within 400–700 nm. Electron microprobe analyses yield only the metals Pb and W above the detection level. The presence of OH-groups is demonstrated with vibration spectroscopy, from band maxima present at ~3470 and 3330 cm–1. A distinct Raman peak at ca. 862 cm–1 is related to symmetric W–oxygen stretching vibrations. The crystal structure is novel and was refined to R = 1.6%. It contains [W2O8(OH)2]6– edge-sharing dimers (with highly distorted WO6-octahedra) forming chains along [101] with [(OH)2Pb4]6+ dimers formed by (OH)Pb3 triangles. Chains configure (010) layers linked along [010] by long and weak Pb–O bonds, thus explaining the observed perfect cleavage on {010}. The mineral is named for curator Jörgen Langhof (b. 1965), who collected the discovery sample.

Eudialyte-group minerals (EGM) attract global interest as potential resources for high-field-strength elements (e.g. Zr, Nb, Ta, and rare-earth elements), i.e. critical materials for modern technologies. They are particularly valued for their relative enrichment in the most critical lanthanides, i.e. Nd and heavy rare earth elements (Gd–Lu). However, rare earth element (REE) substitution mechanisms into the EGM structure are still poorly understood. Light and heavy REE may occupy different sites and there may be ordering and/or defect clustering in the structure. This study uses X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the structural state of REE in EGM from prospective eudialyte-bearing complexes. Yttrium K-edge and Nd L3-edge spectra were collected as proxies for heavy and light REE, respectively, and compared to natural and synthetic REE-bearing standards. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure data yield best fits for Y in six-fold coordination with Y–O distances of 2.24–2.32 Å, and a second coordination sphere comprising Fe, Na, Ca, Si and O at radial distances of 3.6–3.8 Å. These findings are consistent with dominant Y3+ substitution for Ca2+ on the octahedral M1 site in all the samples studied, and exclude preferential substitution of Y3+ onto the smaller octahedral Z site or the large low-symmetry N4 site.

Using lattice strain theory, we constructed relative partitioning models to predict site preferences of lanthanides we have not measured directly. The models predict that all REE are favoured on the Ca-dominant M1 site and that preferential partitioning of heavy over light REE increases in EGM containing significant Mn in the M1-octahedral rings (oneillite subgroup). Thus, the flat REE profiles that make EGM such attractive exploration targets are not due to preferential partitioning of light and heavy REE onto different sites. Instead, local ordering of Mn- and Ca-occupied M1 sites may influence the capacity of EGM to accommodate heavy REE.

Molecular formulae used to recalculate nepheline analyses generally have different numbers of oxygens (e.g. NaAlSiO4 (Ne), KAlSiO4, (Ks), CaAl2Si2O8 (An) and SiO2 (Q)). A 32 oxygen cell has 16 T cations and 8 cavity sites, but ideal nepheline stoichiometry is not necessarily followed. Ca end-member □CaCaAl2Si2O4 (CaNe) and excess silica end-member □SiSi2O4 (Q’) calculation requires inclusion of both vacancy species as cavity cation values. Q’ parameter calculations can involve different assumptions and four parameters are described: Qxs; QSi; Q(Si–Al); and Qcavity; these should have closely similar values for high-quality, stoichiometric analyses.

Representative published compositions are recalculated to assess whether authors followed ideal nepheline stoichiometry. Phenocrysts from peralkaline rocks and nephelinites typically exhibit Al deficiencies reflected in negative Δ(Al – cavity cation) parameters (ΔAlcc), negative ‘normative’ corundum (Al2O3, Cn), and anomalously low or negative Qxs parameters; for such rock types Q(Si–Al) provides a better estimate of excess silica contents. A ΔT-site (cation charge) parameter (ΔTcharge), is closely coupled to ΔAlcc and end-member NaAlSiO4 has a ΔAlcc/ΔTcharge ratio of 1.4296; the derivation of this value is controlled by strict stuffed-tridymite, unit-cell constraints. Natural nephelines all contain excess silica with a mean ΔAlcc/ΔTcharge of ~1.134 reflecting their Si/Al ratio being > 1.

Nepheline analyses with relatively low Al and Si and high Na (also Ca) contents are common; this might reflect the presence of small amounts (up to ~5%) of cancrinite as an alteration phase or perhaps even in solid solution. The compositions of alteration lamellae of Ca-rich cancrinite in altered nepheline phenocrysts in phonolites from the Marangudzi alkaline complex, Zimbabwe, are used to define diagnostic parameters for recognising such non-stoichiometry. These alteration lamellae formed hydrothermally from Ca-rich and K-poor fluids.

An EXCEL file is provided to help researchers to standardise calculation of nepheline end-member molecular proportions.

The new mineral mauriziodiniite (IMA2019-036), NH4(As2O3)2I, was found at the Torrecillas mine, Iquique Province, Chile, where it is a secondary alteration phase associated with calcite, cuatrocapaite-(NH4), lavendulan, magnesiokoritnigite and torrecillasite on matrix consisting of native arsenic, arsenolite and pyrite. Mauriziodiniite occurs as hexagonal tablets up to ~300 μm in diameter. Crystals are colourless and transparent, with pearly to adamantine lustre and white streak. The Mohs hardness is ~1. Tablets are sectile and easily flexible, but not elastic. Fracture is curved, irregular and stepped. Cleavage is perfect on {001}. The calculated density is 3.916 g/cm3. Optically, mauriziodiniite is uniaxial (–) with ω = 2.07(calc) and ɛ = 1.770(5) (white light). The empirical formula, determined from electron microprobe analyses, is (NH4)0.94K0.03(As2O3)2I0.92Cl0.03. Mauriziodiniite is hexagonal, P6/mmm, a = 5.289(2), c = 9.317(2) Å, V = 225.68(18) Å3 and Z = 1. The structure, refined to R1 = 4.16% for 135 Io > 2σI reflections, contains three types of layers: (1) a planar neutral As2O3 (arsenite) sheet; (2) an NH4+ layer that links adjacent arsenite sheets via bonds to their O atoms; and (3) an I– layer that links adjacent arsenite sheets via bonds to their As atoms. The layer sequence is I–As2O3–NH4–As2O3–I. Mauriziodiniite is isostructural with lucabindiite and is structurally related to gajardoite, cuatrocapaite-(NH4), cuatrocapaite-(K) and torrecillasite.

The new mineral isselite, Cu6(SO4)(OH)10(H2O)4⋅H2O, has been discovered in the Lagoscuro mine, Monte Ramazzo mining complex, Genoa, Eastern Liguria, Italy. It occurs as sprays of blue acicular crystals, up to 0.1 mm long, associated with brochantite and posnjakite. Streak is light blue and the lustre is vitreous. Isselite is brittle, with irregular fracture and good cleavage on {001} and {100}. Measured density is 3.00(2) g/cm3. Isselite is optically biaxial (–), with α = 1.599(2), β = 1.633(2) and γ = 1.647(2) (determined in white light). The measured 2V is 63.6(5)°. Dispersion is moderate, with r > v. The optical orientation is X = b, Y = c and Z = a. Isselite is pleochroic, with X = light blue, Y = blue, Z = blue; X << Z < Y. Electron microprobe analyses give (wt.%): SO3 11.45(21), MgO 0.31(7), CoO 1.07(14), NiO 9.41(90), CuO 51.29(126), ZnO 1.10(20), H2Ocalc 24.21, total 98.84. The empirical formula of isselite, based on Σ(Mg,Co,Ni,Cu,Zn) = 6 atoms per formula unit, is (Cu4.80Ni0.94Co0.11Zn0.10Mg0.06)Σ6.00(S1.06O4.19)(OH)10⋅5H2O. Isselite is orthorhombic, space group Pmn21, with unit-cell parameters a = 6.8070(14), b = 5.8970(12), c = 20.653(4) Å, V = 829.0(3) Å3 and Z = 2. The crystal structure of isselite was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to R1 = 0.067 on the basis of 2964 reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo). It shows a layered structure formed by zig-zag {001} layers of Cu-centred polyhedra. Sulfate groups occur in the interlayer along with one H2O group. Isselite is chemically related to redgillite and montetrisaite.

Witherite originates from the biochemical sedimentation of barium in sea water. Due to the complexity of the metallogenic environment, witherite appears in many morphologies. However, the relationship between its diverse morphologies and its mineralisation environment is not well understood. In this paper, Ca2+, a common substitute for Ba2+, and mixed protein (egg white) were used to simulate the inorganic and organic environments of witherite mineralisation, respectively. Comparison of samples prepared under different conditions showed that Ca2+ and egg white have relatively independent regulatory effects on the mineralisation of witherite particles. Egg white primarily limits the growth of the nanocrystals, while Ca2+ directs their non-isodiametric growth. Results shows that Ca2+ is distributed along a gradient in nanocrystalline witherite particles, with the Ca2+ content being proportional to the diameter of the nanocrystals. The results of this study shed light on the different roles of organic matter and inorganic ions in the formation of witherite and offer insight into the genesis of its various morphologies.

Biagioniite, ideally Tl2SbS2, is a new mineral from the Hemlo gold deposit, Marathon, Ontario, Canada. It occurs as very rare anhedral crystals up to 65 μm across associated with aurostibite, stibarsen and native gold in a calcite matrix. Biagioniite is opaque with a metallic lustre and shows a black streak. In reflected light biagioniite is moderately bireflectant and not pleochroic. Under crossed polars it is weakly anisotropic with blueish to light-blue rotation tints. Internal reflections are absent.

Reflectance percentages for the four standard wavelengths (Rmin and Rmax) are 35.9 and 37.5 (471.1 nm); 34.7 and 36.2 (548.3 nm); 33.8 and 35.3 (586.6 nm); and 31.5 and 33.7 (652.3 nm), respectively. A mean of four electron microprobe analyses gave: Tl 65.12(31), Ag 3.52(9), Sb 20.22(12), S 10.80(8), total 99.66 wt.%, corresponding, on the basis of a total of 5 atoms, to (Tl1.87Ag0.19)Σ2.06Sb0.97S1.97. Biagioniite is monoclinic, space group Pc, with a = 11.0895(9), b = 14.3124(11), c = 7.9352(6) Å, β = 96.230(8)°, V = 1252.02(17) Å3 and Z = 8. The four strongest powder-diffraction lines [d in Å (I/I0) (hkl)] are: 3.56 (100) (310); 3.37 (75) ($\bar{2}$31); 3.79 (60) (012); 3.03 (60) (032). In the crystal structure [R1 = 0.024 for 2655 reflections with I > 2σ(I)], thallium adopts various coordinations extending from quasi-linear to quasi-tetrahedral. Antimony forms Sb–Sb pairs, which lead to the formula [Tl+1]4[Sb2]4+[S2–]4. Biagioniite is isostructural with dervillite, Ag2AsS2. The new mineral has been approved by the International Mineralogical Association Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (IMA2019–120) and named for Cristian Biagioni, Associate Professor of Mineralogy at the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Pisa, Italy.