Nabateaite

Chemical formula: Fe₂+₂P₂O₇

Nabateaite is an extremely rare iron diphosphate, forming microscopic, black grains in pyrometamorphic rocks in Jordan.

## Characteristics Nabateaite is a mineral from the phosphate group, and chemically, it is an iron(II) diphosphate. It occurs as very small, anhedral (irregularly shaped) grains, rarely exceeding 100 micrometers. It is opaque and black. Its luster is described as submetallic. ## Physical Properties Due to the microscopic size of the grains, the hardness has not been precisely determined. The mineral is brittle. The density calculated based on the formula and unit cell parameters is 3.81 g/cm³. ## Colors and Varieties It occurs exclusively in black. No varieties are distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral's name comes from the ancient Nabataean kingdom, which existed in present-day Jordan, where the only known occurrence of this mineral is located. It was described and approved as a new mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2015. ## Uses Nabateaite has no industrial applications. It is of purely scientific and collector's interest as an extremely rare mineral originating from a unique type locality.

Properties

Luster: Sub-metallic
Streak: Black
Density: 3.81
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of nabateaite under amateur conditions is impossible. This mineral is identified based on its unique environment of occurrence (paralavas of the Hatrurim Formation) and its black color and submetallic luster. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals Within the rocks where it occurs, it can be confused with other black, opaque minerals, such as iron oxides or other rare phosphates and phosphides. Definitive differentiation requires advanced analytical techniques, such as X-ray microanalysis (EDS/WDS) or X-ray diffraction (XRD). ## Crystal forms It forms irregular, anhedral grains up to 100 µm in size, often intergrown with other phosphate minerals.

Geological environment

## Genesis Nabateaite forms under pyrometamorphic conditions, i.e., as a result of high-temperature alteration of sedimentary rocks. Its occurrence is limited to specific, phosphide-rich mineral assemblages within paralavas (rocks formed by melting and recrystallization) of the Hatrurim Formation. ## Mineral associations It co-occurs with other rare minerals, such as transjordanite, zaitsevite, as well as iron and nickel phosphides (schreibersite, barringerite). It often weathers to iron oxides and hydroxides, e.g., goethite and hematite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality in the world (type locality) is the Daba-Siwaqa complex in Transjordan (Jordan).

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria As a microscopic mineral, the value of a specimen is primarily determined by the confirmation of its identity through chemical analysis. An additional advantage is the richness of its association with other rare minerals from this locality. ## Popular localities Specimens come exclusively from the type locality in Jordan and are practically unavailable on the commercial market, mainly going to scientific institutions and specialized systematic collections.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens containing nabateaite, which are typically microminerals, should only be cleaned mechanically, using a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust. ## What to avoid Avoid contact with water and all chemicals, especially acids. Although the mineral itself is stable, it may occur with associated minerals (e.g., phosphides) that can react. ## Storage Store in a dry place, preferably in a "micromount" box, to protect delicate and small grains from mechanical damage and dust.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)