Meizhouite

Chemical formula: Fe₂+V₃+₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂

Meizhouite is a very rare, black mineral from the lazulite group, discovered in the Yushui copper mine in China.

## Characteristics Meizhouite is a very rare iron and vanadium phosphate belonging to the lazulite group. It forms small, platy crystals up to 0.3 mm long, which occur as radial or spherulitic aggregates. It is an opaque mineral with a black color and a black streak. ## Physical Properties Meizhouite crystals exhibit a metallic luster. Due to the small size of the crystals, precise determination of hardness and density was not possible, but its density is estimated to be approximately 3.65 g/cm³. ## History and Name The mineral was officially recognized by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2019. Its name comes from Meizhou Prefecture in Guangdong Province, China, where its type locality, the Yushui copper mine, is located.

Properties

Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Density: 3.65
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of meizhouite is possible almost exclusively through advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy or chemical analysis using an electron microprobe (EDS/WDS). Visually, it is characterized by its black color, metallic luster, and occurrence in the form of small, radial aggregates. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals It can be confused with other black, fine-grained secondary minerals. Certain differentiation from other members of the lazulite group or similar phosphates requires specialized chemical analysis to confirm the dominance of iron and vanadium. ## Crystal forms Meizhouite forms very small, platy crystals that combine into radial or spherulitic (spherical) aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Meizhouite is a secondary mineral that crystallizes in the oxidation zones of hydrothermal deposits. It forms as a result of the alteration of earlier ore minerals under low-temperature conditions. ## Mineral associations At the type locality, it coexists with quartz, chalcopyrite, pyrite, bornite, galena, as well as other rare secondary minerals such as meitnerite, hefaistosite, and yushuite. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of meizhouite in the world is its type locality: the Yushui copper mine, Mei County, Meizhou Prefecture, Guangdong Province, China.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria As a microscopic mineral of scientific value, the main quality criterion is the richness and good development of aggregates on the rock matrix. Confirmation of identification through analysis is crucial for the specimen's value. ## Popular localities The Yushui mine in China is the sole source of specimens, making every specimen from this locality extremely valuable to collectors specializing in rare minerals or minerals from specific localities (so-called "locality collecting").

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal size, mechanical cleaning is not recommended. Any impurities should be left intact to avoid damaging the delicate aggregates. ## What to avoid Avoid contact with chemicals, ultrasound, and all forms of mechanical cleaning. Specimens should be protected from dust and vibrations. ## Storage Meizhouite specimens, typically microscopic in size on a rock matrix, should be stored exclusively in specialized "micromount" boxes, protecting them from physical damage and dust.

External references

https://www.mindat.org/min-471614.html