Natural samples containing tetrahedrite–tennantite, bournonite–seligmannite and geocronite–jordanite from the Coranda-Hondol ore deposit, Romania, were investigated by Raman spectroscopy to determine its capability to provide estimates of solid solutions in three common and widespread sulfosalt mineral series. Raman measurements were performed on extended solid solution series (Td1 to Td97, Bnn25 to Bnn93 and Gcn24 to Gcn67, apfu). The tetrahedrite–tennantite and bournonite–seligmannite solid solution series show strong correlations between spectroscopic parameters ( position, relative intensity and shape of the Raman bands) and the Sb/(Sb+As) content ratio, while Raman spectra of geocronite–jordanite shows no evolution of Raman bands. In order to simplify the method used to estimate the Sb/(Sb+As) content ratio in tetrahedrite–tennantite and bournonite–seligmannite series, several linear equations of the first-order polynomial fit were obtained. The results are in good agreement with electron microprobe data. Moreover, a computer program was developed as an analytical tool for a fast and accurate determination of Sb/(Sb+As) content ratio by at least one spectroscopic parameter. These results indicate that Raman spectroscopy can provide direct information on the composition and structure of the tetrahedrite–tennantite and bournonite– seligmannite series.

Understanding the biogeochemical behaviour of actinides in the environment is essential for the longterm stewardship of radionuclide contaminated land. Plutonium is of particular concern due its high radiotoxicity, long half-life and complex chemistry, with these factors contributing to the limited literature available on its environmental behaviour. Here, we investigate the biogeochemistry of Pu in contaminated soil as microbial processes have the potential to mobilize Pu through numerous mechanisms including the reduction of Pu(IV) to the potentially more mobile Pu(III). After the addition of glucose to stimulate microbial activities, there was a substantial shift in the 16S rRNA gene profile of the extant microbial communities between days 0 and 44 with an increase in Clostridium species, known glucose fermenters which have been reported to facilitate the reduction of Pu(IV) to Pu(III). A minor increase in Pu mobility was observed at day 44, returning to initial levels by day 118. The negligible change in Pu mobility, despite the onset of reducing conditions and changing mineralogy, would suggest the Pu is highly refractory. This information is important for developing remediation options for Pu-contaminated soils, suggesting that managing legacy Pu in situ may be preferred to mobilization via the stimulation of metal-reducing bacteria.

Experiments were undertaken to determine the toxicity in the lung of dust generated by opencast coal mining. Since it was impractical to collect the large mass of actual opencast respirable dust required for the toxicity experiment, a surrogate dust with the same size distribution was manufactured (PSW). This surrogate dust had the same basic mineralogical composition as mineralogically characterized airborne dust collected from the welsh coal opencast pit at Park Slip West. Diesel exhaust particles (DEP), generated from mining vehicular and mechanical activity, contribute towards opencast particulate matter. Therefore, a second dust comprising of a 50/50 by weight mixture of the surrogate mineral dust and diesel soot was also examined (PSW + DEP). These dusts and DEP (weak biological reactivity) and a-quartz (high biological reactivity) were instilled into the lungs of healthy rats. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 6 and 11 weeks. Assessments of potential toxicity included lung to body weight ratios, acellular protein in lung lavage (markers of lung permeability) and total free cells (marker of inflammation). The surrogate opencast dust with or without DEP caused no significant increases in any of the parameters studied and as such was very similar to the weak biological effects of DEP alone. These effects contrasted sharply with those observed for the bioreactive mineral, quartz that induced rapid increases in permeability and a progressive inflammation. The use of a surrogate is less desirable then the real opencast mine dust, however, if as believed, the surrogate material is a representative mixture of the actual airborne dust around this opencast site, then these particles should show little or no short-term lung toxicity following inhalation.

Field relations in the upper part of Intrusion II of the Caledonian Honningsvåg Intrusive Suite show that some peridotite sheets transgress, and include in situ rafts of, the adjacent gabbroic cumulates. Modal and textural analyses of three olivine melagabbro sheets show non-cotectic mineral proportions that are likely to result from crystal-melt reactions. Discordant, replacive fingers and pipes of feldspathic peridotite along interfaces between peridotite and overlying olivine melagabbro also suggest crystal-melt reactions.

It is proposed that several picritic sills intruded porous gabbroic cumulates in the upper part of Intrusion II. Lateral infiltration of picritic magma led to crystal-melt reactions, mainly assimilation of plagioclase and precipitation of olivine, resulting in the formation of olivine melagabbro and peridotite sheets, and replacive fingers and pipes of feldspathic peridotite.

The Island of Linosa is a small part of the large submarine volcanic complex which is locatedat the SW edge of the Linosa Graben, Sicily Channel. The island was formed between 1.06±0.10 and 0.53±0.07 Ma, through three main stages of activity: Paleo-Linosa, Arena Bianca and Monte Bandiera. Major and trace element data show that the compositional variability of the three activity stages is limited, with most of the rocks showing basaltic to hawaiitic composition. Evolved benmoreites and trachytes are foundas lithics in some pyroclastic units of Paleolinosa. The mafic rocks of the three stages show porphyritic texture, with phenocryst assemblages characterized by olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase. The volume ratio of olivine vs. clinopyroxene decreases from early to late stages of activity in mafic rocks with comparable major element composition. Clinopyroxene phenocrysts from mafic rocks of the three stages have poorly variable composition, clustering in the augite field. Phenocrysts from the first activity stage (Paleo-Linosa), show a slight increase in TiO2, Al2O3 and CaO, and a decrease of Fe2O3 (total) with the increasing SiO2 content of the host rocks. Crystals from the second and the third stage (Arena Bianca and Monte Bandiera) display a slightly more restricted range of FeOtot, frequently with very high MgO, Al2O3 and TiO2 contents. Crystal chemical investigation of clinopyroxenes from rocks of the three stages with comparable degrees of evolution, revealed significant variation of structural parameters, in particular VM1 and Vcell. These show a consistent decrease, passing from clinopyroxenes of the early stage to crystals extracted from the mafic lavas of stages 2 and 3. Given the similar compositional ranges of the host rocks, structural variations of clinopyroxenes are interpreted to reveal modifications of crystallization pressure, which increased, passing from Paleo-Linosa to the Arena Bianca and Monte Bandiera stages. Given this information, the observed crystal-chemical variations provide information on the depth of magma reservoirs and on the evolution of the plumbing system of Linosa volcano.

The occurrence of MnO exsolution in periclase host crystals from Långban, Sweden, is described. The composition of the periclase is Mg0.942 Mn0.046Zn0.012O, and it coexists with exsolved manganosite crystals with a composition of Mn0.909Mg0.082Zn0.008O. Crystals of hausmannite are also present, indicating fO2 conditions approaching the MnO–Mn3O4 equilibrium.

Activity-composition data for the system MgO–MnO is critically reviewed. The data obtained from solid electrolyte measurements are rejected because of the unrealistic calculated equilibration temperatures and the large deviations from the gas equilibration Mn-Pt activity measurements. The large errors associated with the gas equilibration measurements, especially at large XMnO, also introduces uncertainties associated with the asymmetric interaction parameters. The non-parametric ‘jack-knife’ method was used to determine the asymmetric interaction parameters and their standard deviations from the data of Wood et al. (1994) and Tsai and Muan (1992). These were calculated as WMnO = 21.2 kJ/mol, σWMnO = 2.5 kJ/mol and WMgO = 8.2 kJ/mol, σWMgO = 3.3 kJ/mol.

Using the asymmetric interaction parameters, WMnO = 19.9 kJ/mol and WMgO = 13.7 kJ/mol for the system MgO–MnO as determined by Wood et al. (1994) and the equations for two-phase equilibrium as formulated by Thompson (1967), equilibration temperatures of 334°C and 466°C were calculated. The difference between the calculated temperatures is ascribed to inaccuracies in the experimentally determined interaction parameters.

The crystal structure of szenicsite, Cu3MoO4(OH)4, orthorhombic, a = 8.5201(8), b = 12.545(1), c = 6.0794(6) Å, V = 649.8(2) Å3, space group Pnnm, Z = 4, has been solved by direct methods and refined by least-squares techniques to an agreement index (R) of 3.34% and a goodness-of-fit (S) of 1.11 for 686 unique observed [|F| ⩾ 4σF] reflections collected using graphite-monochromated Mo-Kα X-radiation and a CCD area detector. The structure contains three unique Cu2+ positions that are each coordinated by six anions in distorted octahedral arrangements; the distortions of the octahedra are due to the Jahn-Teller effect associated with a d9 metal in an octahedral ligand-field. The single unique Mo6+ position is tetrahedrally coordinated by four O2− anions. The Cu2+ϕ6 (ϕ: unspecified ligand) octahedra share trans edges to form rutile-like chains, three of which join by the sharing of octahedral edges to form triple chains that are parallel to [001]. The MoO4 tetrahedra are linked to either side of the triple chain of Cu2+ϕ6 octahedra by the sharing of two vertices per tetrahedron, and the resulting chains are cross-linked through tetrahedral-octahedral vertex sharing to form a framework structure. The structure of szenicsite is closely related to that of antlerite, Cu3SO4(OH)4, which contains similar triple chains of edge-sharing Cu2+ϕ6 octahedra.

The Verkhne Dnieprovsk material (BM 51183) in the collection of the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) is chemically group IIE and therefore distinct from Augustinovka. Structurally it is a finest octahedrite, with a kamacite band-width (0.05 mm) and bulk Ni content (Scott and Wasson, 1976) appropriate to a cooling rate of 830 K Myr−1. Subsequent pre-terrestrial shock has produced localized deformation and shock-heating effects, which include mm-size globules of metal-phosphide melt product with a dendritic texture indicating resolidification at c.10 000 K sec−1. It is suggested that the phosphides were already fissured at the time of shockmelting. The structure of Verkhne Dnieprovsk, although lacking silicates, is analogous to that of Kodaikanal.

Pyrochlore-group minerals are common in the Neoproterozoic Sevattur carbonatite complex. This complex is composed of dolomite-, calcite-, banded- and blue carbonatite together with pyroxenite, albitite and diverse syenites. This work reports the paragenetic-textural types and compositional variation of pyrochlore hosted by dolomite carbonatite, banded carbonatite and albitite together with that of alteration assemblages containing belkovite and baotite. On the basis of composition, five different types of pyrochlore are recognised and termed Pcl-I through to Pcl-V. The Pb-rich Pcl-I are present exclusively as inclusions in U-rich Pcl-IIa in dolomite carbonatite. The alteration assemblages of Pb-poor Pcl-IIb + Ba-rich or Ba–Si- rich Pcl-IV + belkovite (dolomite carbonatite) and Si-rich Pcl-V + baotite (banded carbonatite) formed after Pcl-IIa differ in these carbonatites. The albitite hosts extremely U-Ti-rich Pcl-III, mantled by Ba-rich potassium feldspar. In common with the banded carbonatite, Pcl-V is formed by alteration of Pcl-III where this mantle is partially, or completely broken. The Ba-Si-enrichment of Pcl-IV and Pcl-V together with the ubiquitous presence of baryte in all Sevattur lithologies suggests late-stage interaction with a Ba-Si-rich acidic hydrothermal fluid. This fluid was responsible for leaching silica from the associated silicates and produced Pcl-V in the silicate-rich lithologies of the banded carbonatite and albitite. The absence of Pcl-V in dolomite carbonatite is a consequence of the low modal abundance of silicates. The complex compositional diversity and lithology specific pyrochlore alteration assemblages suggest that all pyrochlore (Pcl-I to Pcl-IV) were formed initially in an unknown source and transported subsequently in their respective hosts as altered antecrysts.

The new alluaudite-group mineral calciojohillerite is one of the major arsenates in sublimates of the Arsenatnaya fumarole at the Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. In middle zones of the fumarole, calciojohillerite is associated with hematite, tenorite, johillerite, nickenichite, bradaczekite, badalovite, tilasite, lammerite, ericlaxmanite, aphthitalite-group sulfates, langbeinite, calciolangbeinite, anhydrite, sanidine, fluorophlogopite, fluoborite, cassiterite, pseudobrookite, rutile, sylvite and halite. In deep zones it occurs in association with anhydrite, diopside, hematite, svabite, berzeliite, schäferite, forsterite, magnesioferrite, ludwigite, rhabdoborite-group fluoroborates, powellite, baryte, fluorapatite, udinaite, arsenudinaite and paraberzeliite. Calciojohillerite forms prismatic crystals up to 1 cm long, their aggregates and crystal crusts up to 0.5 m2. It is transparent, colourless, pale green, pale yellow, light blue, pale lilac or pink, with vitreous lustre. The mineral is brittle, with imperfect cleavage. The Mohs hardness is 3½. Dcalc is 3.915 g cm–3. Calciojohillerite is optically biaxial (–), α = 1.719(3), β = γ = 1.732(3); 2Vmeas. = 15(10)°. Chemical composition (wt.%, electron-microprobe; holotype) is: Na2O 7.32, K2O 0.10, CaO 6.82, MgO 20.31, MnO 0.68, CuO 0.27, ZnO 0.02, Al2O3 0.56, Fe2O3 3.53, TiO2 0.01, SiO2 0.03, P2O5 1.25, V2O5 0.10, As2O5 58.77, SO3 0.13, total 99.90. The empirical formula based on 12 O atoms is (Na1.30K0.01Ca0.67Mg2.78Mn0.05Cu0.02Al0.06Fe3+0.24)Σ5.13(As2.83P0.10S0.01V0.01)Σ2.95O12. Calciojohillerite is monoclinic, C2/c, a = 11.8405(3), b = 12.7836(2), c = 6.69165(16) Å, β = 112.425(3)°, V = 936.29(4) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure was solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, R1 = 0.0227. Calciojohillerite is isostructural with other alluaudite-group minerals. Its simplified crystal chemical formula is A(1)CaA(1)′□A(2)□A(2)′NaM(1)MgM(2)Mg2(AsO4)3 (□ = vacancy). The idealised formula is NaCaMg3(AsO4)3, or, according to the nomenclature of alluaudite-group arsenates, NaCaMgMg2(AsO4)3. Calciojohillerite is named as an analogue of johillerite NaCu2+MgMg2(AsO4)3 with species-defining Ca instead of Cu in the ideal formula.

Ferrierite is the name for a series of zeolite-group of minerals which includes three species with the same ferrierite framework (FER) crystal structure but different extra-framework cations. Recent studies have shown that ferrierite can exhibit a fibrous-asbestiform crystal habit and may possess the same properties as carcinogenic fibrous erionite. Characterisation of the ferrierite in and around a mine location will be helpful in assessing the potential for toxic outcomes of exposure in the mine and any local population.

The zeolite-rich tuff deposit of Lovelock, Nevada, USA is the largest occurrence of diagenetic ferrierite-Mg. A previous survey reported that ferrierite hosted in these rocks displays a fibrous morphology. However, these observations concerned a limited number of samples and until now there has been little evidence of widespread occurrence of fibrous ferrierite in the Lovelock deposit.

The main goal of this study was to perform a mineralogical and morphometric characterisation of the tuff deposit at Lovelock and evaluate the distribution of fibrous ferrierite in the outcrop. For this purpose, a multi-analytical approach including powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission microscopies, micro-Raman spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and surface-area determination was applied.

The results prove fibrous ferrierite is widespread and intermixed with mordenite and orthoclase, although there are variations in the spatial distribution in the bedrock. The crystal habit of the ferrierite ranges from prismatic to asbestiform (elongated, thin and slightly flexible) and fibres are aggregated in bundles. According to the WHO counting criteria, most of the ferrierite fibres can be classified as breathable. While waiting for confirmatory in vitro and in vivo tests to assess the actual toxicity/pathogenicity potential of this mineral fibre, it is recommended to adopt a precautionary approach for mining operations in this area to reduce the risk of exposure.

The sorption behaviour of I−, Cs+, Ni2+, Eu3+, Th4+ and UO2+ 2on NRVB (Nirex reference vault backfill) a possible vault backfill, at pH 12.8 was studied. Sorption isotherms generated were compared to results obtained in the presence of cellulose degradation products (CDP). Whereas Cs was not affected by the presence of the organic compounds, a notable reduction in the sorption of Th and Eu to cement was observed. The results also indicated limited removal of Ni from solution (with or without an organic ligand) by sorption, the concentration in solution seemingly being determined solely by solubility processes. In the case of uranium, the presence of CDP increased the sorption to cement by almost one order of magnitude. Further studies into the uptake of CDP by cement are being undertaken to identify the mechanism(s) responsible.

The bluish-green epidote-like mineral, pumpellyite, was first described by Palache and Vassar (1925) from the copper-bearing amygdaloidal lavas of the Lake Superior region. It has since been reported from many parts of the world in rocks which have undergone low grades of metamorphism, especially types such as amygdaloidal spilites and diabases (Burbank, 1927; Waldmann, 1934; Tsuboi, 1936; Quitzow, 1935, 1936; Klein, 1939; Laeroix, 1942; Seether, 1942; Zavaritsky, 1944:; Korzhinsky, ]944; de Roever, 1947a, b; Kvasha, 1950) and in glaueophane-schists and even eclogites in which pumpellyite is often associated with lawsonite (Irving, Vonsen, and Gonyer, 1932; Quitzow, 1935, 1936 ; Lacroix, 1942 ; Switzer, 1945 ; de Roever, 1947a, b, 1950). W. P. de Roever (1947a, 1950) has suggested a pumpellyitic facies of metamorphism as a lower-grade equivalent of his lawsoniteglaucophane subfacies, characterized by high confining pressure, but subordinate shearing stress and thermal influence, and passing into unmetamorphosed rocks.

The high-silica sericites generally contain a corresponding appreciable quantity of a divalent element, usually magnesium, and their chemical composition is interpreted as being intermediate between that of muscovite, KAl2 (AlSi3)O10(OH)2, and that of the equivalent high-silica mica leucophyllite, KAlMg (Si4)O10(OH)2. The series muscovite-leucophyllite includes the named micas phengite (high-silica sericite), mariposite, and alurgite. Selected analyses are plotted and fall on a corresponding straight compositional variation line from muscovite to leucophyllite. It is shown diagrammatically that the analysed sample of mariposite probably contained about 8 % of quartz. It is recommended that the only species names in this series to be retained are those of the end members muscovite and leucophyllite. Their indices of refraction and specific gravities are very similar.

The present investigation began with an attempt to isolate and analyse the small sparse anorthoclase insets (t)henocrysts) of the chilled glassy selvage of a felsite dike. On comparison of the compositions of the insets and the host rock it was found that the relationship was abnormal and that the insets could not have grown in a magma represented by the glass. The composition of the felsite interior of the dike, however, represents a magma which could have yielded the anorthoclase, and full consideration leads to the conclusion that the glass, though absolutely fresh and unaltered in appearance, has suffered marked changes in composition.

Penfieldite is a lead hydroxychloride mineral with composition Pb2Cl3(OH). It belongs to the hexagonal system, space group P, a = 11.393(3), c = 4.024(1) Å. The 4 Å c parameter corresponds to the basic sub-cell, whereas modulated structures are known with a true c axis 12 times longer. The average crystal structure of penfieldite has been solved with direct methods and refined to Rw = 0.041 for 871 refections collected with Mo-Kα radiation. The chemical and structural relationships between penfeldite and laurelite, Pb2F3(F,Cl,OH), are briefly discussed. An electron diffraction study of penfieldite revealed the occurrence, besides the common modulated structure with C = 12c, of domains with a 15c periodicity. Moreover, a 9c periodicity has been observed in crystals heated at 180°C Penfieldite is quickly destroyed above 200°C.

The tectonic position of the intraplate, alkaline volcanic province of N. Tanzania in a broad rift-controlled area astride the boundary between the Tanzania Craton and the circum-cratonic Mozambique Fold Belt, strongly resembles that of the Gardar province of S. Greenland. Earlier-identified petrological analogies between Gardar magmatism and that in the Kenya sector of the East African Rift Valley can be extended to volcanism in N. Tanzania, and analogies specifically with the Gardar agpaitic suite are strengthened by the occurrence of eudialyte and aenigmatite in some Tanzanian peralkaline, silicic volcanics.

Onoratoite, a new antimony oxychloride Sb8O11Cl2 from the antimony mines of Cetine di Cotorniano, Rosia (Siena, Italy), is triclinic with lattice constants a 18·92, b 4·03, c 10·31 Å, α ≃ γ ≃ 90°, β 110°. Density 5·3 meas., 5·49 calc. The needle-like crystals are elongated on [010] and show as prominent form {001}. Other forms present are {100}, {201}, {401}, {412}.

The new mineral is optically biaxial negative, extinction angle small and variable from 0° to 14°. Orientation β:[100] ca. 8°; α:[001] ca. 12°; γ:[010] 0 to 14°. Refractive indices are 2·26 > γ > 2·23, 2·23 > β > 2·18. Birefringence γ-β 0·024 (meas.).

The stability field of onoratoite has been investigated by systematic thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis of antimony oxychlorides and by a direct study of equilibrium relationships in the system SbCl3-Sb2O3-HCl-H2O. The probable mechanism of formation of onoratoite is discussed.

Onoratoite is named in honour of the Italian mineralogist Ettore Onorato.

About two years ago there was brought to the British Museum a specimen covered with numerous mall cubes—so the crystals appeared to be—of the bluish-green colour suggestive of a mineral containing copper. Judged by their form the crystals might be beleito, but a qualitative analysis by Dr. Prior, while revealing the presence of chlorine and copper, showed no trace of lead. A crystal was then removed from the specimen and measured on a goniometer, and the discovery was at once made that these apparent cubes are iu reality rhombo-hedra with an angle of nearly 88° between adjacent faces. Since no previously known oxychloride of copper crystallizes in this form, these crystals were evidently worthy of further investigation.