Vadlazarenkovite

Chemical formula: Pd<sub>8</sub>Bi<sub>1.5</sub>Te<sub>1.25</sub>As<sub>0.25</sub>

Vadlazarenkovite is an extremely rare, newly discovered palladium telluride and bismuthide, occurring as microscopic, metallic grains.

## Characteristics Vadlazarenkovite is a newly described, extremely rare mineral from the alloy group (tellurides and bismuthides). It occurs as very small, anhedral (not exhibiting its own crystallographic form) grains, not exceeding 100 micrometers in size. It is observed as inclusions in other minerals, mainly bornite. It has a metallic luster and a silvery-white color in reflected light. ## Physical Properties Due to the microscopic size of the grains, most physical properties, such as hardness, density, fracture, or cleavage, have not been determined. The luster is metallic, and the mineral is opaque. ## History and Name The mineral was officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2023 under number IMA2023-085. The name honors Vladimir Lazarenkov (1937–2017), a Russian geologist and mineralogist, a specialist in platinum-group element deposits, associated with the Mining Institute in St. Petersburg. It was discovered in material from the Norilsk intrusion in Siberia. ## Applications Vadlazarenkovite has no industrial application. Its significance is purely scientific and collectible, although due to its extreme rarity and microscopic size, it is practically unavailable on the collector's market.

Properties

Luster
Metallic
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Hexagonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of vadlazarenkovite is possible only through advanced laboratory techniques, such as chemical composition analysis using an electron microprobe (EDS/WDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). In reflected light under a microscope, it is silvery-white and exhibits weak pleochroism from creamy to grayish. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals It can be confused with other microscopic palladium tellurides and bismuthides, such as keithconnite, telargpalite, or sobolevskite, which often coexist with it. Definitive differentiation requires quantitative chemical composition analysis. ## Crystal forms This mineral forms only anhedral, irregular grains and aggregates up to 100 µm in size, most often as inclusions in other minerals.

Geological environment

## Genesis Vadlazarenkovite forms as a result of magmatic processes within differentiated mafic and ultramafic intrusions. It is a product of the crystallization of residual, platinum-group element (PGE), bismuth, and tellurium-rich sulfide melts. ## Mineral associations This mineral occurs in paragenesis with bornite, chalcopyrite, talnakhite, other platinum-group minerals (PGEs) such as keithconnite, sobolevskite, telargpalite, as well as gold-silver alloys (electrum). ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence (type locality) is the Norilsk intrusion, specifically the Talnakh deposit, in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Siberia, Russia.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria Due to the microscopic nature of the mineral, the only criterion of value for scientific institutions and specialized collectors is the analytically confirmed presence of vadlazarenkovite in a polished section, along with clear photographic and analytical documentation. Grain sizes above 50 µm would be considered exceptional. ## Popular localities The only source of material in which this mineral has been identified is the historic Talnakh deposit in the Norilsk region of Russia. Specimens are not available on the open market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens with microscopic vadlazarenkovite inclusions do not require special cleaning. If necessary, compressed air can be used to remove dust. All mechanical and chemical methods should be avoided. ## What to avoid Avoid contact with chemicals, acids, and ultrasonic cleaners, which could damage both the mineral itself and the surrounding matrix. ## Storage Specimens of this type are best stored in specialized "micromount" boxes, protecting them from dust and mechanical damage. It is not sensitive to light, but stable humidity and temperature conditions are recommended.

Sources

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