Dubińskaite

Chemical formula: Ca₄Sc₂Al₄[Be₂Si₈O₃₀](OH)₂

Dubinskite is a very rare mineral from the beryl group, distinguished by its unique chemical composition containing scandium and beryllium, discovered in Poland.

## Characteristics Dubinskite is a mineral from the beryl group, belonging to the silicates. It forms very small, hexagonal, tabular crystals, usually not exceeding 0.1 mm, which occur in radial or spherulitic aggregates. It is colorless to white and transparent. Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic crystal size, it is primarily of scientific interest. ## Physical Properties Dubinskite crystals exhibit a vitreous luster. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is approximately 5. The mineral is brittle. The density calculated based on the formula and unit cell parameters is 2.93 g/cm³. ## Colors and Varieties The mineral is colorless to white. No varieties have been distinguished. ## History and Name Dubinskite was discovered in the "Szklary" nickel mine near Ząbkowice Śląskie in Lower Silesia, Poland. It was approved as a new mineral by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2000. The name honors Professor Elżbieta Dubińska, a Polish mineralogist and petrologist from the University of Warsaw, for her contribution to the study of rocks and minerals of Lower Silesia. ## Uses Dubinskite has no industrial application. Its significance is purely scientific and as a collector's item, as a type mineral for Poland and due to its rarity.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Density: 2.93
Cleavage: Perfect on {0001}
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of dubinskite is possible only through advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy, electron microprobe (EDS/WDS), or X-ray diffraction (XRD), due to its microscopic size and occurrence in paragenesis with other minerals. Visual identification in the field or even in a collection is impossible. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other white or colorless secondary minerals occurring in association, such as beryl, milarite, or calcite. Certain differentiation requires specialized chemical analysis confirming the presence of scandium, beryllium, and aluminum in appropriate proportions. ## Crystal Forms Dubinskite forms hexagonal, tabular crystals with a six-sided outline. These crystals combine into radial or spherulitic aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Dubinskite is a secondary mineral, formed as a result of low-temperature hydrothermal processes that acted on weathered serpentinite rocks containing pegmatites. It forms in rock fissures and voids. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other secondary minerals at the discovery site. It is most often accompanied by: beryl, milarite, calcite, magnesite, opal, chalcedony, and minerals from the smectite group. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of dubinskite in the world (type locality) is the dump of the former "Szklary" nickel mine near Ząbkowice Śląskie in Lower Silesia, Poland.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of a dubinskite specimen depends primarily on the richness and development of microscopic aggregates on the rock matrix. Since the crystals are very small, specimens are evaluated under a microscope. The most valuable are those where the aggregates are numerous, well-formed, and clearly visible against the host rock. The presence of associated minerals, such as beryl or milarite, can increase the documentary value of the specimen. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the type locality - the "Szklary" mine in Poland. Material from this location is extremely difficult to obtain and is only available in specialized institutional collections and on a very niche collector's market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens with dubinskite, due to the microscopic size and delicacy of the crystals, should not be cleaned mechanically or chemically. Any attempts at cleaning risk irreversible damage or loss of the mineral. It is best to leave the specimen in its untouched state. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with any chemicals, ultrasound, and sudden temperature changes. Specimens should be protected from dust and vibrations. ## Storage It is recommended to store specimens in stable conditions, in closed, padded "micromount" boxes, to protect them from mechanical damage and contamination. Identification of the mineral on the specimen requires the use of a microscope.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)