Two New Minerals Discovered in Latest European Journal Issue

The latest issue of the European Journal of Mineralogy presents three studies. The first examines how exsolution textures in Fe–Ti oxide minerals influence crushing strategies and vanadium/titanium pre‑concentration in Bushveld Complex ores, showing that some textures hinder separation while others improve processing by magnetic and flotation methods.¹ Identifying these textures is essential for optimizing ore processing.

The second study reports Belmonteite, CaMn₂(AsO₄)₂(H₂O)₅·2H₂O, discovered in Mn ore deposits of the Graveglia Valley in eastern Liguria, Italy. Its crystal structure consists of {010} layers of six‑fold coordinated Mn atoms decorated on both sides by (AsO₄) groups and Ca atoms connected through hydrogen bonds; the mineral formed from As‑rich oxidizing fluids and is named after Donato Belmonte for his work on Ligurian mineralogy.¹

The third paper describes Fengruiite,, found at the Haopinggou Ag–Pb–Zn–Au deposit in eastern Qinling, China. This new Ag–Sb–Te sulfosalt has a tellurium‑rich structure that helped trap and concentrate silver in hot mineral‑forming fluids, offering insights into silver‑rich deposit formation.¹