Jasonsmithite

Chemical formula: Mn<sup>2+</sup><sub>4</sub>Zn<sup>2+</sup>Al(PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>4</sub>(OH)(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>7</sub>·3.5H<sub>2</sub>O

Jasonsmithite is a very rare, hydrated zinc, manganese, and aluminum phosphate, forming aggregates of small, platy crystals of white color.

## Characteristics Jasonsmithite is a mineral from the phosphate group, characterized by a complex chemical composition. It occurs as aggregates of very small, platy or acicular crystals, which rarely exceed 0.2 mm in length. Individual crystals are usually colorless and transparent, but in aggregates, they form white, chalky, or silky coatings and crusts on rock surfaces. ## Physical Properties Jasonsmithite crystals exhibit a vitreous to silky luster. Due to the small size and fragility of the crystals, precise determination of hardness and density is difficult; the hardness is estimated to be around 2 on the Mohs scale. The mineral is very brittle. ## Colors and Varieties This mineral is typically colorless in individual crystals, and its aggregates are white. No colored or commercial varieties have been identified. ## History and Name Jasonsmithite was discovered at the Foote Lithium Co. mine in the Kings Mountain area, North Carolina, USA. It was described and approved as a new mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2019. Its name honors Jason B. Smith, an American mineralogist and curator of collections at the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, in recognition of his contributions to mineralogy, especially pegmatites. ## Uses Jasonsmithite has no industrial applications. It is solely an object of interest for collectors specializing in rare minerals and a subject of scientific research.

Properties

Mohs hardness
2
Luster
Vitreous to silky
Streak
White
Density
2.61
Cleavage
Perfect on {010}
Fracture
Splintery
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Jasonsmithite is difficult to identify visually without specialized equipment. It is recognized by its characteristic mode of occurrence – white, silky, or chalky coatings composed of microscopic, platy crystals. It occurs in a specific geological environment (granitic pegmatites) in association with other rare phosphates. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other secondary, white phosphate minerals such as wardite, strengite, or variscite in their white varieties. Definitive distinction requires advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy or chemical analysis (EDS). ## Crystal Forms It forms very small, elongated, and flattened crystals with a platy or acicular habit. These crystals group into radial aggregates, rosettes, or form dense, felted coatings and crusts on the surface of other minerals.

Geological environment

## Genesis Jasonsmithite is a secondary mineral, formed as a result of hydrothermal processes in the late stages of granitic pegmatite crystallization. It forms in rock cavities and fractures through the alteration of earlier phosphate minerals, in an environment enriched in manganese, zinc, and aluminum. ## Mineral Associations It co-occurs with minerals such as quartz, microcline, albite, muscovite, as well as other, often rare, phosphates, e.g., from the triphylite-lithiophilite group, switzerite, vivianite, strengite, and rockbridgeite. ## Localities The only confirmed and described occurrence (type locality) of this mineral is the Foote Lithium Co. mine in the Kings Mountain area, Cleveland County, North Carolina, USA.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The collector appeal of a specimen depends on the richness and visibility of jasonsmithite coatings on the rock matrix. Specimens where white aggregates clearly contrast with the substrate are most valued. Due to the microscopic size of the crystals, the quality of the specimen when viewed under magnification is crucial. Association with other well-formed minerals is also important. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the historical type locality – the Foote mine in North Carolina, USA. This mine is known for the occurrence of many rare and unique phosphate minerals, and specimens from there are highly prized by collectors.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens should only be cleaned very carefully, using compressed air to remove dust. Any contact with water or a brush can permanently damage the delicate crystals. Ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with water, acids, and all chemical agents. The mineral is very brittle, so it must be protected from shocks, impacts, and abrasion. It should not be heated or exposed to prolonged moisture. ## Storage Jasonsmithite specimens should be stored in sealed, lidded "micromount" boxes that protect them from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage. Avoid exposure to open air.

Sources

Read more