Parafiniukite

Chemical formula: Ca<sub>2</sub>Mn<sup>2+</sup><sub>3</sub>(PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub>Cl

Parafiniukite is an extremely rare, yellowish-green calcium manganese phosphate chloride, forming small, granular aggregates.

## Characteristics Parafiniukite is a mineral belonging to the apatite group, specifically to the hedyphane subgroup. It occurs as very fine, anhedral (lacking crystal faces) grains up to 0.2 mm in size, which form clusters and aggregates. Its color is characteristic, yellowish-green, and its luster is described as vitreous to resinous. ## Physical Properties This mineral is brittle and has a hardness of approximately 5 on the Mohs scale. Its density is relatively high, around 3.75 g/cm³. The luster is vitreous to resinous, and the streak is pale yellow. It is translucent. ## History and Name Parafiniukite was first described in 2011 by Adam Pieczka, Frank C. Hawthorne, Bożena Gołębiowska, Eligiusz Szełęg, Radosław Zadrożniak, Andrzej S. Woźniak, and Alfred Krüger. The mineral is named in honor of Professor Jan Parafiniuk from the University of Warsaw, in recognition of his contribution to Polish mineralogy.

Properties

Mohs hardness
5
Luster
Vitreous to resinous
Streak
Light yellow
Density
3.75
Cleavage
Imperfect on {0001}
Fracture
Uneven
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Hexagonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of parafiniukite is impossible without advanced laboratory techniques. Chemical analysis (e.g., using an electron microprobe - EDS/WDS) is crucial to confirm its unique composition (calcium manganese phosphate with chlorine). Optically, in transmitted light, it is colorless and does not exhibit pleochroism. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals It can be confused with other minerals from the apatite group, especially hedyphane, johnbaumite, or alforsite, with which it forms solid solutions. Final differentiation requires precise chemical analysis, especially of chlorine, manganese, lead, and arsenic content. ## Crystal forms Parafiniukite does not form well-developed crystals. It occurs exclusively as anhedral, irregular grains that coalesce into massive or granular aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Parafiniukite forms under specific metamorphic conditions. It was discovered in manganese rocks (gondites) metamorphosed under amphibolite facies conditions. Its formation is associated with the metasomatic interaction of chlorine-rich fluids with earlier phosphate minerals in a manganese-rich environment. ## Mineral associations This mineral coexists with other rare manganese minerals and phosphates. In its type locality (Krobica, Izera Mountains), it was found in association with spessartine, rhodonite, pyroxmangite, tephroite, galaxite, alabandite, pyrochroite, as well as other apatite-group phosphates, such as alforsite and johnbaumite. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of parafiniukite in the world is its type locality: Krobica in the Izera Mountains, Lower Silesia, Poland.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic nature, every analytically confirmed specimen of parafiniukite is extremely valuable scientifically. Collector value is not based on aesthetics, but on the fact of possessing a documented fragment of this mineral, usually in the form of a polished section or a small fragment of the host rock. The most valuable specimens are those co-occurring with other rare minerals from this locality.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity and small grain size, parafiniukite specimens are practically not subject to cleaning. Any attempts at mechanical or chemical cleaning can irreversibly destroy the mineral. Specimens should only be analyzed and conserved by specialized laboratories. ## What to avoid Avoid contact with any chemicals, including acids and bases. The mineral is brittle, so avoid vibrations, impacts, and any mechanical stress. Changes in temperature and humidity can also be harmful. ## Storage Parafiniukite specimens, usually in the form of polished thin sections for microscopic examination, should be stored under stable conditions, in specialized, padded containers (e.g., micromount type), protected from dust, light, and mechanical damage.

Sources

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