Cámaraite

Chemical formula: NaBa₃Fe₂+₈Ti₄+₄(Si₂O₇)₄O₄(OH)₄F₃

Cámaraite is a rare mineral from the aenigmatite group, forming black, tabular crystals, discovered in Spain.

## Characteristics Cámaraite is a complex silicate from the aenigmatite group, named after the Spanish mineralogist Fernando Cámara. It forms very small, black, tabular crystals, usually not exceeding 0.3 mm in size. These crystals are often gathered in rosette aggregates. The mineral is opaque and has a black color with a black streak. ## Physical Properties The Mohs hardness is approximately 5.5. The mineral is characterized by a vitreous luster. The density calculated based on the chemical formula and unit cell parameters is 4.31 g/cm³. ## History and Name The mineral was discovered in samples collected from the Cancarix quarry in Albacete province, Spain. It was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2013 under number 2013-082. The name honors Professor Fernando Cámara (born 1965), a specialist in the crystal chemistry of aenigmatite group minerals.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Black
Density: 4.31
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Triclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Cámaraite is identified based on its unique chemical composition, black color, tabular crystal habit, and occurrence in a specific geological environment. Identification requires advanced analytical techniques such as electron microprobe (EDS/WDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). ## Distinguishing from similar minerals It can be confused with other black minerals from the aenigmatite group, such as aenigmatite, krinovite, or rhönite. Differentiation is possible only through detailed chemical and crystallographic analysis. ## Crystal forms It forms very small, thin, tabular crystals, often arranged in rosette or radial aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Cámaraite forms under volcanic conditions, in voids and fissures in lamproite rocks. It is a product of crystallization from the gas phase in the late stage of volcanic activity. ## Mineral associations It co-occurs with minerals such as enstatite, potassic richterite, celadonite, quartz, calcite, dolomite, barite, and manganese oxides. ## Localities The only confirmed worldwide occurrence (type locality) is the Cancarix volcano quarry, in the municipality of Hellín, in the province of Albacete, in the Castile-La Mancha region of Spain.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria As a "micromount" type mineral, specimens with well-formed, sharp crystals forming aesthetic aggregates that stand out clearly from the matrix rock are of the highest value. Crystal size, although microscopic, is a key factor – the larger, the more valuable. ## Popular localities The only source of specimens is the type locality – the Cancarix quarry in Spain. Specimens from this location are highly sought after by collectors specializing in rare and "micromount" minerals.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal size, mechanical cleaning is not recommended. If necessary, compressed air can be used to remove dust. Avoid contact with water and chemicals. ## What to avoid Avoid ultrasound, acids, chemicals, and high temperatures. The mineral is sensitive to chemical agents. ## Storage Specimens should be stored in stable conditions, in closed containers (micromount type), protecting them from dust, moisture, and direct sunlight. Due to the small size of the crystals, special care should be taken during handling.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)