Jingwenite-(Y)

Chemical formula: YAlV⁴⁺(SiO₄)O₂(OH)₂

Jingwenite-(Y) is an extremely rare mineral from the xenotime group, distinguished by its unique combination of yttrium, vanadium, and aluminum.

## Characteristics Jingwenite-(Y) is a mineral belonging to the xenotime group, identified as a distinct species in 2022. It occurs as very fine, prismatic crystals up to 100 micrometers long and up to 30 micrometers wide. These crystals form radial aggregates. Due to the extremely small size of the crystals, most visual features are observable only under high magnification. ## Physical properties Jingwenite-(Y) crystals exhibit a vitreous luster. Hardness and density have not been precisely measured due to the small amount of available material, but hardness is estimated to be around 5 on the Mohs scale based on analogy with other minerals in this group. It is a brittle mineral. ## Colors and varieties This mineral is brown to reddish-brown in color. No varieties have been observed. ## History and name The mineral is named in honor of Chinese mineralogist and geochemist Jingwen Mao (born 1963) for his contributions to the study of metal deposits. The suffix "-(Y)" refers to the dominant rare earth element in its composition – yttrium. The mineral was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2022 (IMA2022-091).

Properties

Mohs hardness
4.5-5
Color
Light brown
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
Yellowish gray
Density
4.475
Cleavage
Good on {100}
Fracture
Uneven
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of jingwenite-(Y) is possible only through advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy and chemical analysis using an electron microprobe (EDS/WDS). Visual identification in the field or even in a collection is impossible due to the microscopic size of the crystals and their resemblance to many other minerals. ## Differentiation from similar minerals This mineral can be confused with other minerals from the xenotime group, such as xenotime-(Y) or pretulite. Differentiation requires specialized chemical analysis, which will reveal the presence of tetravalent vanadium (V⁴⁺) and aluminum in the structure of jingwenite-(Y). ## Crystal forms Jingwenite-(Y) forms elongated, prismatic crystals that combine into radial or stellate aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Jingwenite-(Y) forms as a result of hydrothermal processes in quartz veins cutting volcanic rocks. In the type locality (Xianghualing mine), these are quartz-fluorite veins associated with greisenization and tin-polymetallic mineralization. ## Mineral associations This mineral co-occurs with quartz, fluorite, xenotime-(Y), synchysite-(Y), bastnäsite-(Ce), and thuringite (an iron-rich variety of chlorite). ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of jingwenite-(Y) in the world is its type locality: the Xianghualing tin mine in Linwu County, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, China.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria As a microscopic mineral, jingwenite-(Y) is of interest exclusively to specialized collectors of rare minerals (so-called "micromounters"). The value of a specimen is primarily determined by the quality and richness of the crystal aggregates visible under the microscope, as well as confirmation of identification through analysis. The aesthetics of the host rock are of secondary importance. ## Popular localities The only source of specimens is the Xianghualing mine in China, which is known for the occurrence of many rare and unique minerals.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity, small crystal size, and fragility, jingwenite-(Y) specimens should not be subjected to any mechanical or chemical cleaning methods. Any contaminants should be left undisturbed. ## What to avoid Avoid contact with chemicals, ultrasound, sudden temperature changes, and all forms of physical impact (abrasion, shocks). Specimens should be protected from dust and moisture. ## Storage Specimens should be stored exclusively in specialized, sealed "micromount" boxes that protect against mechanical damage and contamination. Store in stable room conditions, away from direct sunlight and sources of vibration.

External references

Sources

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