Yakubovichite

Chemical formula: CaNi²⁺₂Fe³⁺(PO₄)₃

Jakubowiczite is a rare phosphate mineral, distinguished by its olive-green color and occurrence in iron meteorites.

## Characteristics Jakubowiczite is a very rare mineral from the phosphate group, identified in an iron meteorite. It forms very small, tabular or lath-like crystals, not exceeding 150 micrometers in size, which occur as aggregates or single grains within graphite and troilite nodules. Its characteristic features are an olive-green color and a vitreous luster. ## Physical Properties This mineral is characterized by a Mohs hardness of approximately 4. It has a vitreous luster and is transparent. The density of jakubowiczite has been calculated to be 3.86 g/cm³. It does not exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light. ## Colors and Varieties Jakubowiczite occurs in a uniform, olive-green color. No pleochroism has been observed. No color or commercial varieties are known. ## History and Name The mineral is named in honor of Oleg Vyacheslavovich Jakubovich (born 1949), a Russian crystallographer from Moscow State University, for his contributions to phosphate research. It was approved as a new mineral by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2018 (IMA2018-034). The type locality is the Morasko iron meteorite, found in Poland. ## Uses Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic crystal sizes, jakubowiczite has no industrial applications. It is solely an object of scientific and collecting interest, being a valuable acquisition for specialized collections of extraterrestrial minerals or type-locality minerals.

Properties

Mohs hardness
4-0
Color
deep yellow to lemon-yellow
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
yellowish-white
Density
3.657
Cleavage
Good on {100}
Fracture
Uneven
Transparency
Transparent,Translucent
Crystal system
Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of jakubowiczite is only possible using advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy, electron microprobe (EDS/WDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), due to its microscopic size. In collecting conditions, identification relies on a label from a confirmed source. Visual characteristics include its olive-green color and occurrence in graphite-troilite nodules within iron meteorites. ## Differentiation from Similar Minerals It may be confused with other microscopic phosphates found in meteorites, such as sarcopside, graftonite, or buchwaldite. Differentiation requires specialized chemical analysis, particularly verification of the presence and proportions of calcium, nickel, and iron. ## Crystal Forms Jakubowiczite forms very small, imperfectly developed crystals with a tabular or lath-like habit, reaching up to 150 μm in length and 20 μm in thickness. They occur as single grains or form irregular aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Jakubowiczite is a mineral of extraterrestrial origin. It forms in the late stages of crystallization within graphite-troilite nodules inside iron meteorites belonging to the IAB class. Its crystallization occurs as a result of reactions between pre-existing mineral phases under low pressure and temperature conditions, likely during the cooling of the parent celestial body. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other phosphates, such as buchwaldite, merrillite, and brianite, as well as with graphite, troilite, cohenite, schreibersite, and other accessory minerals typical of iron meteorites. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of jakubowiczite in the world (type locality) is the Morasko meteorite, found in the "Meteoryt Morasko" nature reserve in Poznań, Poland.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of a jakubowiczite specimen is determined almost exclusively by its confirmed authenticity and association with the Morasko meteorite. Since the crystals are microscopic, their individual form or color is of secondary importance. Highly valued are meteorite fragments containing analyzable and clearly visible aggregates of this mineral under a microscope, preferably in association with other rare phosphates. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the Morasko meteorite from Poland. Material for research and collections comes from fragments of this specific find, making it extremely rare and sought after by specialized collectors of extraterrestrial minerals.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens containing jakubowiczite should not be wet cleaned. Dust can only be removed using compressed air or a very soft brush, with utmost care due to the microscopic size and fragility of the crystals. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with all chemicals, including water and acids. The mineral is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Protect it from direct sunlight, which can cause its degradation. ## Storage Specimens with jakubowiczite should be stored in stable conditions, preferably in a specialized, sealed "micromount" box, away from dust, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Due to its association with iron meteorites, humidity should also be controlled to prevent rusting of the matrix.

External references

Sources

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