Glikinite

Chemical formula: Zn²⁺₃O(S⁶⁺O₄)₂

Glikinite is a very rare, naturally occurring zinc oxysulfate, forming microscopic, colorless crystals with a tabular habit.

## Characteristics Glikinite is a hydrated zinc oxysulfate, occurring as extremely small, tabular or bladed crystals, rarely exceeding 0.2 mm in length. The crystals are colorless and transparent, often forming disordered aggregates or thin coatings on the surface of other minerals. Due to its microscopic size, it is a mineral almost exclusively accessible to specialized micromounters. ## Physical properties Glikinite crystals exhibit a vitreous luster. Hardness and density have not been precisely measured due to the small size and rarity of the material. It is a brittle mineral. ## Colors and varieties This mineral is colorless. No colored or commercial varieties are distinguished. ## History and name The mineral is named in honor of Leonid Alekseevich Glikin (1930-2003), a Russian crystallographer and mineralogist from Saint Petersburg State University, for his contributions to crystallogenesis research. Glikinite was approved as a new mineral by the IMA in 2004, and its description was published in 2006. The type locality is the Yadovitaya fumarole on the second scoria cone of the North Breakthrough of the Great Fissure Eruption of Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka, Russia. ## Uses Glikinite has no industrial application and is solely an object of scientific and collecting interest.

Properties

Mohs hardness
2-3
Color
Colorless
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Density
3.98
Cleavage
Perfect on {100}
Fracture
Irregular/Uneven
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of glikinite is possible almost exclusively using advanced analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, due to its microscopic size. Visually, under high magnification, characteristic, colorless, tabular crystals with a vitreous luster can be observed. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals It can be confused with other colorless products of volcanic fumaroles, such as other sulfates (e.g., anglesite, gypsum) or halides. Certain differentiation from minerals of similar appearance, such as namibite or niedermayrite, requires specialized research equipment. Glikinite is distinguished by its unique chemical composition (zinc oxysulfate) and crystal structure. ## Crystal forms It forms very small, thin, tabular crystals with a hexagonal outline, elongated in one direction. They occur as single, dispersed crystals or form irregular aggregates and clusters on the surface of the host rock.

Geological environment

## Genesis Glikinite is a mineral of volcanic origin, formed by sublimation from volcanic gases in a fumarolic environment. It crystallizes at high temperatures (approximately 450-500°C) in exhalation zones rich in zinc and sulfur. ## Mineral associations At the type locality on Tolbachik volcano, it co-occurs with other fumarolic minerals such as sanidine, hematite, tenorite, lammerite, urusovite, johillerite, bradaczekite, arsenatrotitanite, and newly discovered minerals like popovite, filatovite, or shcherbinaite. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of glikinite in the world is its type locality – the Yadovitaya fumarole on Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Far East, Russia.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria The quality of a glikinite specimen is assessed based on the richness and abundance of microcrystals on the rock matrix. The most desirable specimens are those with numerous, well-formed, and undamaged crystals, visible under a microscope. Contrast with a dark host rock (basalt) enhances aesthetic appeal. The presence of rare associated minerals also increases scientific and collecting value. ## Popular localities The only source of glikinite specimens is the Tolbachik volcanic complex in Kamchatka, Russia. Material from this locality is extremely difficult to obtain and enters the collector's market in very limited quantities, mainly through specialized dealers and exchange among collectors.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens containing glikinite should generally not be wet cleaned. Dust can be removed very carefully using a soft brush or a photographic air blower. Any contact with water, especially warm water, can damage or dissolve the microscopic crystals. ## What to avoid Contact with water, acids, detergents, and other chemicals must be strictly avoided. The mineral is sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. It should not be heated or exposed to direct sunlight. ## Storage Specimens should be stored under stable conditions, preferably in sealed, airtight "micromount" boxes, which protect against dust, moisture, and mechanical damage. Due to the brittleness and small size of the crystals, vibrations and shocks should be avoided.

External references

Sources

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