Bahariyaite

Chemical formula: K(MnO<sub>4</sub>)<sup>1-</sup>

Bahariyaite is a discredited mineral name that was proven to be a hoax and does not represent a true mineral species.

## Characteristics Bahariyaite is not a recognized mineral species. This name was officially discredited by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 1993. The originally described material, purportedly a new mineral, was found upon verification to be a mixture of common manganese oxides (mainly pyrolusite) and other, unspecified phyllosilicates, and the entire discovery was deemed an attempt at scientific fraud. Consequently, bahariyaite has no defined physical or chemical properties, and the name functions in literature solely as a cautionary tale and historical curiosity. ## History and Name The name bahariyaite originates from the alleged discovery locality – the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt. The mineral was described in 1991 by A. M. El-Kammar, who presented it as a new hydrated iron, sodium, and potassium phosphate. However, subsequent independent studies of samples declared as bahariyaite did not confirm its existence. Numerous inconsistencies were found in the original analysis, and it was ultimately proven that the described material was in fact a mechanical mixture of other minerals. As a result, the IMA Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names (CNMNC) formally withdrew and discredited this name.

Properties

Mohs hardness
1.5
Luster
Metallic
Streak
Violet
Density
2.7
Cleavage
Good on {010}
Fracture
Uneven
Transparency
Opaque to translucent
Crystal system
Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Bahariyaite cannot be identified because it does not exist as a distinct mineral. Any material labeled with this name is in fact a misidentified mixture of other minerals, most commonly manganese oxides.

Geological environment

## Genesis Bahariyaite has no natural geological environment. The name was proposed for a material allegedly found in the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt, but studies showed that it was a synthetic substance (potassium permanganate), intentionally placed at the discovery site. ## Mineral associations Not applicable, as it is not a mineral and does not occur in nature. ## Localities There are no natural localities for this material. The only reported, and subsequently discredited, occurrence was the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt.

Rarity

Not applicable

For collectors

## Quality criteria Not applicable. Bahariyaite is not of interest to mineral collectors because it is not a true mineral. ## Market prices Not applicable. ## Popular localities There are no localities from which collectible specimens would originate. The history of bahariyaite is merely a curiosity regarding hoaxes in mineralogy.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Not applicable, as bahariyaite is not a natural mineral. The material it was named after (potassium permanganate) is a strong oxidizer and dissolves in water, forming an intensely purple solution. ## What to avoid Since it is not a mineral, there are no standard recommendations. However, it should be noted that potassium permanganate is a chemical substance that reacts with many materials and is harmful if ingested or comes into contact with skin. ## Storage Not applicable. Specimens do not exist in mineralogical collections.

Sources

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