Three New Minerals Unveiled in European Journal of Mineralogy

The European Journal of Mineralogy published a trio of studies announcing fresh additions to the mineral catalogue. The first paper describes exsolution textures in Fe–Ti oxide minerals that affect how efficiently vanadium and titanium are pre‑concentrated during crushing. Researchers found that some textures tightly intergrow the two oxides, hindering separation, while others form coarser structures that improve magnetic and flotation methods. Identifying these textures is essential for optimizing vanadium ore processing and resource use.¹

A second study reports belmonteite, CaMn₂(AsO₄)₂(H₂O)₅·2H₂O, discovered in the Mn ore deposits of eastern Liguria, Italy. Its crystal structure shows {010} layers of six‑fold coordinated manganese atoms decorated on both sides by (AsO₄) groups and calcium atoms, connected through hydrogen bonds. The mineral forms due to circulation of arsenic‑rich oxidizing fluids within the deposit. It was named after Donato Belmonte for his contributions to Ligurian mineralogy.¹

The third paper introduces fengruiite,, from the Haopinggou Ag–Pb–Zn–Au deposit in eastern Qinling, China. Microscopy, chemical analysis, and crystal‑structure tests revealed a unique tellurium‑rich arrangement that helped trap and concentrate silver in hot mineral‑forming fluids. This finding offers new clues about how silver‑rich deposits develop.¹