Shenganfuite

Chemical formula: Pb₂+Te₄+₃O₅(OH)Cl₃(H₂O)

Shenganfuite is an extremely rare, secondary lead and tellurium mineral, forming microscopic, colorless to pale yellow tabular crystals.

## Characteristics Shenganfuite is a complex hydrated lead chloride-tellurite. It occurs as very small, transparent crystals not exceeding 0.2 mm in size. Typical specimens form thin, tabular crystals with a hexagonal outline, often grouped into small aggregates or rosettes. The mineral is brittle and characterized by an adamantine luster. ## Physical Properties The hardness of the mineral has not been measured due to the small size of the crystals. The density calculated from crystallographic data is 5.55 g/cm³. The crystals are transparent and exhibit a pale yellow streak. The luster is adamantine. ## Colors and Varieties Shenganfuite is colorless to pale yellow. No varieties have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral was officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2023 under number IMA2023-040. Its name honors Professor Shengan Fu (born 1964), a specialist in ore deposit geology from the China University of Geosciences in Beijing, for his contributions to research on gold and tellurium mineralization. The type locality is the Zhaojikou gold deposit in China. ## Uses Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic size, shenganfuite has no commercial or industrial applications. It is solely an object of scientific research and a valuable acquisition for specialized micromineral collectors.

Properties

Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Light yellow
Density: 5.55
Cleavage: Perfect on {010}
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of shenganfuite based on visual characteristics is impossible. The only reliable method of identification is a combination of chemical analysis (e.g., using an electron microprobe - EDS/WDS) to determine the composition and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm the crystal structure. A helpful indicator is its occurrence in association with other rare tellurites at the type locality. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals Visually, it is indistinguishable from many other colorless or pale yellow secondary minerals found in oxidation zones, especially other microscopic lead tellurites, such as eztlite or zhaojikouite, with which it co-occurs. Differentiation requires advanced analytical techniques. ## Crystal Forms Shenganfuite forms thin, tabular crystals with a hexagonal outline, elongated along the [100] axis. They occur as single flakes or form small, radial aggregates and rosettes.

Geological environment

## Genesis Shenganfuite is a secondary mineral, forming in the oxidation zone of hydrothermal gold and tellurium deposits. It crystallizes in voids and fractures as a result of weathering of primary ores containing tellurides. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other secondary tellurites and tellurates. At the type locality, it was found in association with native gold, quartz, pyrite, galena, as well as rarer minerals such as eztlite, zhaojikouite, tellurite, and paratellurite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of shenganfuite in the world is its type locality – the Zhaojikou gold deposit, near Qiaotouzhen, Chizhou, Anhui Province, China.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The collector's value of shenganfuite specimens is determined by the quality of the microscopic crystals. Specimens with sharp, well-formed, undamaged tabular crystals are most prized. Rich aggregates and rosettes are also highly valued. The aesthetic arrangement of crystals on the rock matrix and the co-occurrence with other rare, identified minerals are of great importance. ## Popular Localities All known specimens come from a single locality in the world – the Zhaojikou deposit in China, which is its type locality. This is the only source for obtaining this mineral.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Shenganfuite specimens should absolutely not be cleaned mechanically or chemically. The crystals are extremely small and fragile. The only permissible method for dust removal is gentle blowing with air from a rubber photographic bulb. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with water and all chemicals, as it can be damaged as a chloride. The mineral is sensitive to shocks and ultrasound. As a lead mineral, it is toxic – avoid direct contact and wash hands after each handling of the specimen. ## Storage Specimens should be stored only in specialized, sealed "micromount" boxes that protect them from mechanical damage, dust, and moisture. Store in stable room conditions, away from sources of vibration.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)