Domitrovicite

Chemical formula: Zn₂+(C₂H₃O₃)₁-₂·₂H₂O

Domitrovicite is an extremely rare, organic zinc mineral, being hydrated zinc glycolate, discovered in a mine in Chile.

## Characteristics Domitrovicite is a mineral of organic origin, which is a rarity in the mineral world. Its chemical composition is hydrated zinc glycolate. It was identified based on a single, very small specimen found on a wooden beam in an old mine. It forms colorless, prismatic crystals up to 0.2 mm long, exhibiting a vitreous luster. ## Physical Properties Domitrovicite crystals are transparent and colorless. Due to their extremely small size and rarity, many of its physical properties, such as hardness, density, or fracture, have not been thoroughly studied or are unknown. ## History and Name The mineral was approved by the IMA in 2023. Its name honors Dr. Juan Domitrovic, a Chilean mineral collector and author, in recognition of his contribution to mineralogy. The discovery was made on a sample originating from the historic Veta Negra mine, located in the Pampa Larga district in Chile.

Properties

Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of domitrovicite is impossible without advanced analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopy. Its occurrence is limited to a specific, anthropogenic environment (old mines). ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other secondary, colorless mine minerals or organic salts. Certain differentiation requires chemical and structural analysis. ## Crystal Forms It forms small, prismatic crystals, elongated along one axis.

Geological environment

## Genesis Domitrovicite is a secondary mineral, formed as a result of the reaction of zinc-rich solutions with glycolic acid. Glycolic acid was likely produced by microorganisms (fungi or bacteria) decomposing wooden mine beams. It is therefore a mineral of biogenic genesis in an anthropogenic environment. ## Mineral Associations It co-occurs with gypsum on mine wood. ## Localities The only known locality (type locality) is the Veta Negra mine, Pampa Larga, Copiapó, Chile.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria As a mineral known only from a single microscopic type specimen, it has no established collector's market or quality criteria. Any new, confirmed specimen would be extremely valuable from a scientific point of view, regardless of its aesthetics.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity and delicacy, specimens should not be cleaned in any way. They should be treated as archival objects. ## What to Avoid Any contact with water, chemicals, temperature changes, and direct light should be avoided. The mineral is likely water-soluble and very sensitive to environmental conditions. ## Storage The type specimen (the only one known) is stored under specialized conditions in a scientific institution. Any potential new specimen should be stored in a sealed, dry container, at a stable temperature, away from light and vibrations.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)