Yuzuxiangite

Chemical formula: Sr<sub>3</sub>Fe<sup>3+</sup>(Si<sub>2</sub>O<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>(OH)·3H<sub>2</sub>O

Yuzuxiangite is a very rare silicate mineral, forming aggregates of small, tabular crystals with a characteristic yellow color.

## Characteristics Yuzuxiangite is a hydrated strontium and iron silicate, belonging to the inosilicate group. It occurs as aggregates and rosettes composed of very small, thin, tabular crystals, reaching sizes up to 0.2 x 0.1 x 0.01 mm. It is a brittle mineral. ## Physical Properties Due to the small size of the crystals, precise determination of hardness and density is difficult. Hardness is estimated to be around 4 on the Mohs scale. The luster is vitreous, and the mineral is transparent to translucent. ## Colors and Varieties It is characterized by an intense, yellow color. No varieties of this mineral have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral's name honors Yuzuxiang (born 1963), a professor of mineralogy at Peking University in China, for his contributions to mineral research. It was approved as a new mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2022 (IMA2022-094). The discovery was made at the Wushan Spout iron ore mine in China. ## Uses Due to its extreme rarity and small size, yuzuxiangite has no industrial application. It is solely an object of scientific and collecting interest for specialized rare mineral collectors.

Properties

Mohs hardness
4
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
Light yellow
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}
Transparency
Transparent to Translucent
Crystal system
Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification The mineral is recognizable mainly by its unique appearance: aggregates of small, tabular crystals of an intensely yellow color. However, identification requires advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction (XRD), due to its co-occurrence with other minerals and the small size of the crystals. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other secondary yellow-colored minerals. Distinguishing it from minerals such as autunite or carnotite, which can also form yellow coatings, requires specialized studies. The key is its association with a unique geological environment (skarn) and co-occurring minerals. ## Crystal Forms It forms aggregates and rosettes composed of very small, thin, bladed or tabular crystals.

Geological environment

## Genesis Yuzuxiangite is a secondary mineral, formed in the oxidation zone of a skarn-type iron ore deposit. Its crystallization occurs in the late stage of hydrothermal processes, as a result of solutions interacting with earlier minerals. ## Mineral Associations It co-occurs with minerals such as andradite (demantoid variety), diopside, magnetite, hematite, quartz, calcite, apophyllite-(KF), and tobermorite. ## Localities The only known locality for this mineral in the world (type locality) is the Wushan Spout iron ore mine, in Cheng'an District, Handan Prefecture, Hebei Province, China.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of a specimen primarily depends on the richness and aesthetics of yuzuxiangite aggregates on the rock matrix. The most prized specimens are those where the yellow crystals form distinct, dense clusters, contrasting with associated minerals such as green andradite. Due to the microscopic size of the crystals, their individual form is less important than the overall appearance of the aggregate. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the Wushan Spout mine in China. Specimens from this locality are the only ones available on the collector's market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens should be cleaned only very carefully, using compressed air to remove dust. Contact with water and any chemical agents should be avoided. Due to its brittleness and small crystal size, mechanical cleaning (e.g., with a brush) is not recommended. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with water, acids, detergents, and ultrasonic cleaners. The mineral is brittle and susceptible to mechanical damage. Store away from heat sources and humidity. ## Storage It is recommended to store specimens under stable conditions, in a closed "micromount" box, to protect them from dust, humidity, and physical damage. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Sources

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