Vegrandisite

Chemical formula: BaCl<sub>2</sub>

An extremely rare barium chloride with unknown physical properties, found only as microscopic inclusions in baryte.

## Characteristics Vegrandisite is an extremely rare mineral, identified only as microscopic, elongated inclusions within baryte crystals. Its size does not exceed 100 micrometers in length and 10 micrometers in width. Due to its extremely small size and occurrence exclusively as inclusions, most of its physical and optical properties remain unknown. It has not been observed in the form of macroscopic crystals. ## Physical Properties Due to the microscopic size of the inclusions, properties such as hardness, density, luster, or fracture have not been determined. ## History and Name The mineral was described in 2011 by Igor V. Pekov, Natalia V. Zubkova, Nikita V. Chukanov, Dmitry I. Belakovsky, Dmitry A. Ksenofontov, Vasily O. Yapaskurt, and Dmitry Yu. Pushcharovsky. Its name comes from the Latin word *vegrandis*, meaning "very small, tiny," which directly refers to the microscopic sizes in which it occurs.

Properties

Crystal system
Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of vegrandisite is possible only through advanced analytical methods, such as electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), on polished sections of baryte. It is visually unrecognizable, even under an optical microscope, without chemical confirmation. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals Not applicable, as the mineral is not visible to the naked eye and does not form independent crystals. ## Crystal forms Observed only as elongated, lath-like or acicular microscopic inclusions in baryte.

Geological environment

## Genesis Vegrandisite was found in hydrothermal veins cutting manganese deposits. It formed in a late stage of hydrothermal processes, crystallizing within growing baryte crystals. ## Mineral associations It co-occurs directly with baryte (as an inclusion), and in the broader mineral assemblage also with hematite, braunite, piemontite, rhodonite, quartz, and calcite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality in the world (type locality) is the Nasedkino manganese deposit on the Kutensky Ridge in the Maly Khingan Range, Khabarovsk Krai, Russian Far East.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria Vegrandisite is not an object of collector trade and does not form specimens in the common sense of the word. The only value for scientific institutions and specialized collections is possessing a fragment of baryte from the type locality with analytically confirmed micro-inclusions of this mineral.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Not applicable. The mineral occurs exclusively as microscopic inclusions within other minerals (baryte) and does not form separate specimens that would require cleaning. ## What to avoid Not applicable. ## Storage Baryte specimens containing vegrandisite should be stored like standard baryte, protecting them from mechanical damage and sudden temperature changes.

Sources

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