Suzukiite

Chemical formula: BaV<sup>4+</sup>Si<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub>

Suzukiite is a rare barium-vanadium silicate, forming characteristic platy crystals of an intensely green color.

## Characteristics Suzukiite is a very rare mineral belonging to the silicate group. Its chemical composition is dominated by barium, vanadium, and silicon. It most commonly forms very small, thin, platy crystals, which can occur as rosette-like or radial aggregates. Its most characteristic feature is its intense, emerald-green color. ## Physical Properties Suzukiite crystals exhibit a vitreous luster. This mineral is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 3. It is a rather heavy mineral due to its barium content, and its density is about 4.05 g/cm³. It is transparent to translucent. ## Colors and Varieties Suzukiite occurs in one characteristic color – emerald-green. No color or commercial varieties are distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral was discovered in the Mogoi manganese deposit in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Its name, approved in 1982, honors Japanese mineralogist and petrologist Jun Ito (1926–1978) from the University of Chicago. "Suzuki" was his wife's maiden name, and the name was given posthumously by his colleagues who completed the research on the new mineral. ## Uses Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal size, suzukiite has no industrial applications. It is solely an object of interest for collectors specializing in rare minerals and for scientific institutions.

Properties

Mohs hardness
3
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
Light green
Density
4.05
Cleavage
Good on {010}
Fracture
Uneven
Transparency
Transparent to translucent
Crystal system
Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Suzukiite is primarily recognized by its unique, intense emerald-green color, the form of thin, platy crystals, and its specific occurrence environment. Its co-occurrence with other rare minerals, such as haradaite, is also an important clue. However, final identification requires advanced analytical methods, such as EDS analysis. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals Due to its characteristic appearance and extreme rarity, suzukiite is difficult to confuse with common minerals. It may resemble some other secondary vanadium or copper minerals of green color, but it differs from them in crystal form and chemical composition. ## Crystal Forms Suzukiite crystals are very small, thin, and platy, often with a rectangular or lath-like outline. They typically form radial or rosette-like aggregates on the surface of the host rock.

Geological environment

## Genesis Suzukiite is a hydrothermal mineral. It forms in veins cutting through manganese deposits. Its crystallization occurs at relatively low temperatures in the presence of solutions rich in barium, vanadium, and silica. ## Mineral Associations This mineral occurs in association with other rare minerals, such as haradaite, celsian, tamaite, as well as quartz and rhodonite. ## Localities Suzukiite is an extremely rare mineral, known from only a few localities worldwide. The most important ones include: - Type locality: Mogoi manganese deposit, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. - Cerchiara Mine, Liguria, Italy. - N’Chwaning II Mine, Kuruman, Republic of South Africa.

Rarity

Very rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The most highly prized suzukiite specimens are those with well-formed, sharply terminated crystals of intense, emerald-green color, forming aesthetic, radial aggregates. Due to the microscopic size of the crystals, their quality and abundance on the rock matrix are crucial. Contrast with clear quartz or another substrate mineral also enhances the specimen's attractiveness. ## Popular Localities The most well-known and valued specimens come from the type locality in Japan (Mogoi deposit) and from the Cerchiara Mine in Italy. Specimens from South Africa are also sought after by collectors specializing in rare minerals.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Suzukiite specimens should be cleaned with the utmost care, exclusively using compressed air to remove dust. Due to its softness and fragility, contact with water, brushes, and other mechanical tools should be avoided. ## What to Avoid Contact with chemicals, including acids and bases, which can damage the mineral, must be absolutely avoided. The crystals are brittle and sensitive to ultrasound. It should be protected from high temperatures and sudden temperature changes. ## Storage Suzukiite specimens, usually microscopic in size, should be stored in specialized "micromount" boxes that protect them from mechanical damage, dust, and moisture. Exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided, although there is no evidence of fading.

Sources

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