The crystal structure of comancheite, Hg2+55N3–24(OH, NH2)4(Cl,Br)34, orthorhombic, space group Pnnm, a = 18.414(5), b = 21.328(6), c = 6.6976(19) Å, V = 2630(2) Å3, Z = 1, was solved by direct methods and refined to an R1 index of 4.3% based on 4160 unique observed reflections. In the structure of comancheite, there are nine crystallographically distinct Hg2+ cations, each of which is coordinated by two N3– anions to form near-linear N3––Hg2+–N3– groups. Four other crystallographically distinct Hg2+ cations are coordinated by a mixture of N3–, O2–, (OH)– and (NH2)– anions, and there is a small amount of [Hg–Hg]2+ dimer. In addition, there are eight crystallographically distinct halogen sites, three of which are completely occupied by Cl–, and five of which are occupied by both Cl– and Br–. The principal anion, N3–, shows a strong preference for tetrahedral coordination by Hg2+, which results in a strongly bonded three-dimensional {–Hg2+–N3––} framework. This framework is both interrupted and contains large interstices that incorporate additional Hg2+ cations, a very small amount of [Hg+–Hg+]2+ dimer and additional anion species, O2–, (OH)– and (NH2)–, that coordinate Hg2+.

Comancheite was described originally as an Hg-oxide mineral. The major change in chemical composition indicated by the present work was approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (Voting Proposal 13-B). The presence of N provides some analytical challenges, particularly in the presence of Hg. New bond-valence parameters were derived for Hg2+–N3– bonds [Ro(N3–) = 1.95] using well refined Hg2+ structures, and this allows discrimination between Hg2+–O2– and Hg2+–N3– bonds based on the valence-sum rule. Comparison of the Raman spectra of several Hg-bearing minerals shows that peaks in the range 500–700 cm–1 are characteristic of Hg2+–N3– stretching vibrations whereas peaks in the range 350–500 cm–1 are characteristic of Hg2+–O2– stretching vibrations; Hg2+–O2– and Hg2+ – N3– bonds may be discriminated on this basis.

Jeppeite, a new mineral, similar in composition to and overgrown on priderite, has been found in the lamproite plug of Walgidee Hills (18° 19′ S, 124° 51′ E), Western Australia. The mineral is named for the discoverer, Dr J. Jeppe. It is monoclinic, C2/m, a 15.453 b 3.8368 c 9.123 Å β 99.25°, strongest powder lines 4.50(002) (4), 3.07(310) (10), 2.99(003,31) (10), 2.961(20) (4), 2.812(311,112) (10), 2.091 (6), 2.074 (6), 1.919 (8) similar to artificial K2Ti6O13. The sparse eluvial crystals are black, elongated along b, bounded by {100}, {20} faces (Λ 45°) and {010}; perfect 100 and good 20 cleavages or partings, submetallic lustre, pale-brown streak, brittle, and cleave into (100) flakes. Dobs 3.94, Dcalc 3.98. Colour values for illuminant C from reflectance spectra for Rp, Rb, and Rθ are: Y% 13.3, 14.4, 16.6; λd 474, 473, 475; and Pe% 5.1, 4.5, 4.3. Refractive indices from reflectances at 590 nm in air are 2.13, 2.21 and 2.35. In thin section, αΛα10° blue, β = b dark greenish brown almost to black, γ = c brown. Bireflectance and birefringence positive. H 5–6, VHN100 orientation dependent; for indentations normal to b 664–773.

Jeppeite is common in the lamproite as prismatic to acicular aggregates associated with priderite, richterite, shcherbakovite, wadeite, perovskite, and apatite in a green and white celadonite and chlorite matrix, with a little calcite and sphene, after olivine, pyroxene, and leucite.

Electron probe analysis, using Fe, Ti, nepheline, and benitoite standards, gave K2O 8.47, BaO 17.35, TiO2 69.29, Fe2O3 (total Fe) 4.74, sum 99.85%; (Mg, Na, Zr detected). This analysis calculates to (K1.15,Ba0.73)Σ1.88 (Ti5.56, Fe3+0.38)Σ5.94O13, or ideally, (K,Ba)2(Ti,Fe)6O13.

Štěpite, tetragonal U(AsO3 OH)2(H2O)4 (IMA 2012-006), is the first natural arsenate of tetravalent uranium. It occurs in the Geschieber vein, Jáchymov ore district, Western Bohemia, Czech Republic, as emerald-green crystalline crusts on altered arsenic. Associated minerals include arsenolite, běhounekite, claudetite, gypsum, kaatialaite, the new mineral vysokýite (IMA 2012-067) and a partially characterized phase with the formula (H3O)+2(UO2)2(AsO4)2˙6H2O. Štěpite typically forms tabular crystals with prominent {001} and {010} faces, up to 0.6 mm in size. The crystals have a vitreous lustre and a grey to greenish grey streak. They are brittle with an uneven fracture and a very good cleavage on (001). Their Mohs hardness is about 2. Štěpite is not fluorescent in either short-wave or long-wave ultraviolet light. It is biaxial (–) with refractive indices (at 590 nm) of α = 1.636(2), β = 1.667(3), γ = 1.672(2) and 2Vobs < ~5°, anomalous greyish to pale yellow interference colours, and no pleochroism. The composition is as follows: 0.12Na2O, 50.19 UO2, 0.04SiO4, 0.09 P2O5, 0.93 As2O5, 1.95 SO3, 16.41 H2O; total 107.90 wt.%, yielding an empirical formula (based on 12 O a. p. f. u.) of (U1.01Na0.02)Σ1.03[(AsO3OH)1.82 (PO3OH)0.04(SO4)0.13(SiO4)0.01]Σ 2.00˙4H2O. Štěpite is tetragonal, crystallizing in space group I41/acd, with a = 10.9894(1), c = 32.9109(6) Å, V = 3974.5(1) Å3, Z = 16 and Dcalc = 3.90 g cm-3. The six strongest peaks in the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern [dobs in Å (I) (hkl)] are as follows: 8.190(100)(004), 7.008(43)(112), 5.475(18)(200), 4.111(16)(008), 3.395(20)(312,217), 2.1543(25)(419). The crystal structure of šteěpite has been solved from singlecrystal X-ray diffraction data by the charge-flipping method and refined to R1 = 0.0353 based on 1434 unique observed reflections, and to wR2 = 0.1488 for all 1523 unique reflections. The crystal structure of štšpite consists of sheets perpendicular to [001], made up of eight-coordinate uranium atoms and hydroxyarsenate 'tetrahedra'. The ligands surrounding the uranium atom consist of six oxygen atoms which belong to the hydroxyarsenate groups and two oxygen atoms which belong to interlayer H2 O molecules. Each UO8 polyhedron is connected to five other U polyhedra via six AsO3OH groups. Adjacent electroneutral sheets, of composition [U4+(AsO3OH)22-]0, are linked by hydrogen bonds involving H2 O molecules in the interlayers and OH groups in the sheets. The new mineral is named in honour of Josef Štěp (1863–1926), a Czech mining engineer and 'father' of the world's first radioactive spa at Jáchymov.

Heat flow in SW England is well above average for the UK as a whole, but northwards towards Bath and Bristol the values decrease rapidly. However, hot springs occur both in the Bath-Bristol area and in mines in Cornwall. The development of hydrothermal circulation systems is thus not controlled entirely by geothermal gradient: the presence of a suitable fracture permeability is the main requirement. The thermal ‘head’ produced, which nevertheless depends upon the temperature and volume of water in the system, theoretically can exceed local topographic heads even in areas of low geothermal gradient.

Thermal groundwaters usually carry above average quantities of radioelements in solution because of the long residence times involved. 222Rn values are often particularly high. High concentrations of 222Rn in surface waters arise from the discharge of groundwater. The results of a survey of 222Rn in streams in SW England have established areas of high values which are interpreted as rising limbs of convection cells with dimensions in the order of 5–10 km.

In SE Devon γ-ray spectrometry of soils shows two E.-W. belts of high activity. The northern is coincident with the faulted southern margin of the Crediton Trough, while the southern is coincident with the westerly extension of the Abbotsbury fault system. Groundwater movement along deep-seated fracture systems is considered to be the explanation of these features. The horizontal scale of the area involved suggests that a thermal rather than local topographic head is the driving force. Groundwater circulation within fractures, driven by a thermal head, may therefore occur even in areas of low geothermal gradient and should be considered when selecting waste disposal sites.

Macaulayite was found by the late I. Stephen (Soil Science Department, University of Aberdeen) in an outcrop of reddened, deeply weathered granite, near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. It is blood red in colour, very fine-grained, and has refractive indices greater than 1.734. Its calculated density is 4.41 g/cm3. The mean of fourteen electron microprobe analyses in the anhydrous form is Fe2O3 84.67, Al2O3 4.01, SiO2 11.32%. With thermogravimetric data this leads to a formula of (Al3.38)Si7.95O86(OH)4; the ideal formula is Si4O43(OH)2. The cell indexes as C-centred monoclinic with a 5.038, b 8.726, c 36.342Å, β 92°. The strongest X-ray lines are 36.6 (vs), 18.16 (vs), 3.700 (25), 2.720 (35), 2.533 (100), 2.214 (20), and 1.420 (35). Macaulayite has a layer structure, thought to consist of a double hematite unit terminated on both sides by silicate sheets and with water between these sheets. The infra-red spectrum includes absorption bands at 3597, 1052, 1033, and 858 cm−1, arising from the hydroxysilicate component of the mineral and at 647, 520, 438, 400, 304, and 227 cm−1 corresponding to the platy hematite unit. The mineral is named for the Macaulay Institute for Soil Research and the name was approved by the Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names of the International Mineralogical Association prior to publication.

Experiments in the system NaAlSiO4(Ne)−KAlSiO4(Ks)−SiO2(Qz)−H2O at 100 MPa show that the maximum content of NaAlSi2O6 in leucite is ∼4 wt.% and that analcime is close to the stoichiometric composition (NaAlSi2O6.H2O). Analcime forms metastably on quenching the higher-temperature experiments; it is secondary after leucite in experiments quenched from 780°C, while from 850°C it forms by alteration of leucite, and by devitrification of water-saturated glass. Both processes involve reaction with Na-rich aqueous fluids. Stable analcime forms at 500°C, well below the solidus, and cannot form as phenocrysts in shallow volcanic systems. New data for natural analcime macrocrysts in blairmorites are presented for the Crowsnest volcanics, Alberta, Canada. Other researchers have suggested that primary analcime occurs as yellow-brown, glassy, analcime phenocrysts. Our microprobe analyses show that such primary analcime is close to stoichiometric, with very low K2O (<0.1 wt.%), minor Fe2O3 (0.5−0.8 wt.%) and CaO (∼0.5 wt.%). An extrapolation of published experimental data for Ne−Ks−Qz at >500 MPa PH2O, where Anl + melt coexist, suggests that at >800 MPa two invariant points are present: (1) a reaction point involving Kf + Ab + Anl + melt + vapour; and (2) a eutectic with Kf + Anl + Ne + melt + vapour. We suggest that the nepheline-free equilibrium mineral assemblage for Crowsnest samples is controlled by reaction point (1). In contrast, blairmorites from Lupata Gorge, Mozambique, form at eutectic (2), consistent with the presence of nepheline phenocrysts. Our conclusions, based on high- vs. low-pressure experiments, confirm the suggestion made by other authors, that Crowsnest volcanic rocks must have been erupted explosively to preserve glassy analcime phenocrysts during very rapid, upward transport from deep in the crust (H2O pressures ≫500 MPa). Only rare examples survived the deuteric and hydrothermal alteration that occurred during and after eruption.

Phase relations in the dry condensed Fe-Ir-S system were determined at 1100, 1000 and 800°C. Orientational runs were performed at 500°C. Between 1100 and 800°C, the system comprises five sulphides and an uninterrupted field of γ(Fe,Ir). Fe1-xS dissolves 5.8 at.% Ir at 1100°C, 3.4 at.% Ir at 1000°C and 1.0 at.% Ir at 800°C. The solubility of Fe in Ir2S3, IrS2 and IrS~3 increases with decreasing temperature, reaching 2.5 at.% in the latter two sulphides at 800°C. Thiospinel ‘FeIr2S4— is non-stoichiometric, from Fe22.3Ir19.8S58.0 to Fe18.9Ir23.1S58.0, depending on aS and aFe, i.e. on a phase association. Thiospinel is absent at 800 and 500°C.

The stability field of analcime solid solutions in the system NaAlSi3O8-NaAlSiO4-H2O has been previously determined by Kim and Burley (1971a). These experiments are re-examined with a view to determining the variations of the room-temperature cell parameters of analcime as a function of temperature of synthesis and composition. It is shown from this evidence that most of the analcime solid solutions in these experiments are equilibrium compositions. The increase in the cell dimension of quenched analcime solid solution is found to be 5 × 10−5 Å/°C. It is suggested that birefringence in analcime is induced by low water-pressure relative to total pressure. A phase transition appears to be observed in quenched analcimes of this study and is thought to be the same as that in the Golden analcime reported by Yoder and Weir (1960).

Three new valleriite-group minerals, ekplexite (Nb,Mo)S2·(Mg1−xAlx)(OH)2+x, kaskasite (Mo,Nb)S2·(Mg1−xAlx)(OH)2+x and manganokaskasite (Mo,Nb)S2·(Mn1−xAlx)(OH)2+x are found at Mt Kaskasnyunchorr, Khibiny alkaline complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia. They occur in fenite consisting of orthoclase−anorthoclase and nepheline with fluorophlogopite, corundum, pyrrhotite, pyrite, rutile, monazite-(Ce), graphite, edgarite, molybdenite, tungstenite, alabandite, etc. Ekplexite forms lenticular nests up to 0.2 mm × 1 mm × 1 mm consisting of near-parallel, radiating or chaotic aggregates of flakes. Kaskasite and manganokaskasite mainly occur as flakes and their near-parallel ‘stacks’ (kaskasite: up to 0.03 mm × 1 mm × 1.5 mm; manganokaskasite: up to 0.02 mm × 0.5 mm × 1 mm) epitaxially overgrow Ti-bearing pyrrhotite partially replaced by Ti-bearing pyrite. All three new minerals are opaque, ironblack, with metallic lustre. Cleavage is {001} perfect and mica-like. Flakes are very soft, flexible and inelastic. Mohs hardness is ∼1. D(calc.) = 3.63 (ekplexite), 3.83 (kaskasite) and 4.09 (manganokaskasite) g cm−3. In reflected light all these minerals are grey, without internal reflections. Anisotropism and bireflectance are very strong and pleochroism is strong. The presence of OH groups and an absence of H2O molecules are confirmed by the Raman spectroscopy data. Chemical data (wt.%, electron probe) for ekplexite, kaskasite and manganokaskasite, respectively, are: Mg 6.25, 5.94, 0.06; Al 4.31, 3.67, 3.00; Ca 0.00, 0.04, 0.00; V 0.86, 0.16, 0.15; Mn 0.00, 0.23, 11.44; Fe 0.44, 1.44, 2.06; Nb 18.17, 13.39, 14.15; Mo 15.89, 23.18, 20.08; W 8.13, 7.59, 9.12; S 27.68, 27.09, 24.84; O 16.33, 15.66, 13.36; H (calc.) 1.03, 0.99, 0.89; total 99.09, 99.08, 99.15. The empirical formulae calculated on the basis of 2 S a.p.f.u. are: ekplexite: (Nb0.45Mo0.38W0.10V0.04)S0.97S2· (Mg0.60Al0.37Fe0.02)S0.99(OH)2.36; kaskasite: (Mo0.57Nb0.34W0.10V0.01)S1.02S2· (Mg0.58Al0.32Fe0.06Mn0.01)S0.97(OH)2.32; manganokaskasite: (Mo0.54Nb0.39W0.13V0.01)S1.07S2· (Mn0.54Al0.29Fe0.10Mg0.01)S0.94(OH)2.28. All three minerals are trigonal, space groups Pm1, P3m1 or P321, one-layer polytypes (Z = 1). Their structures are non-commensurate and consist of the MeS2-type (Me = Nb, Mo, W) sulfide modules and the brucite-type hydroxide modules. Parameters of the sulfide (main) sub-lattices (a, c in Å, V in Å3) are: 3.262(2), 11.44(2), 105.4(4) (ekplexite); 3.220(2), 11.47(2), 102.8(4) (kaskasite); 3.243(3), 11.61(1), 105.8(3) (manganokaskasite). Parameters of the hydroxide sub-lattices (a, c in Å, V in Å3) are: 3.066(2), 11.52(2), 93.8(4) (ekplexite); 3.073(2), 11.50(2), 94.0(4) (kaskasite); 3.118(3), 11.62(1), 97.9(2) (manganokaskasite). Ekplexite was named from the Greek word έκπληξη meaning surprise, for its exotic combination of major chemical constituents, kaskasite after the discovery locality and manganokaskasite as a Mn analogue of kaskasite.

An ideal solution model has been used to calculate the effect of the substitutions on the stability fields of the Al2SiO5 minerals. The results show that divariant assemblages of andalusite+sillimanite and sillimanite + kyanite solid solutions can coexist over ranges of 0·1 to 0·4 kbar at 527° C, but that kyanite+andalusite would be stable over a much narrower range. On adding (Fe, Mn)3+ to the system, the andalusite/sillimanite curve can be considered to rotate about the invariant point, first eliminating the sillimanite field, and then penetrating the kyanite field. Wide zones of viridine+sillimanite and viridine+kyanite are thus formed.

In view of the ease with which epitaxial nucleation occurs in the Al2SiO5 system, it is considered that extensive metastable growth of andalusite, sillimanite, and kyanite is improbable in nature. Metastable persistence is likely to occur in dry systems, or in the presence of an ‘armour’ of the stable phase, but reaction of millimetre-sized crystals should be completed in geologically short times when aqueous or silicate liquids are present. The combination of the effects of metastable persistence and solid solution seems adequate to account for essentially all the examples of kyanite + sillimanite and kyanite + andalusite, and for many sillimanite +andalusite assemblages. In addition, if small supersaturations develop during metamorphism, simultaneous growth of andalusite + sillimanite could occur over a restricted temperature range.

Dickite from a new occurrence at Barkly East, Cape Province, is described and compared with a previously unreported dickite from Postmasburg and a dickite from Ouray, Colorado. The Barkly East dickite crystals are elongated in the direction of the a-axis; the ratio of length to width of crystals varies from 3:1 to 16:1. Optical, electron microscopic, X-ray, and thermal data and a chemical analysis are given. The thermogram of the fraction smaller than 2 µ e.s.d.1 is characterized by a single peak at 600°C., while that of fractions larger than 2 µ e.s.d. shows a double endothermal effect. This two-stage dehydroxylation of dickite on heating is attributed to a particle size effect.

Present-day facies schemes are reviewed in relation to their definitions and applicability: a simplification is proposed based on assemblages in basaltic rocks, with secondary facies defined subsequently on pelitic assemblages.

Chemical data are presented for four hypersthenes and one coexisting hypersthene-augite pair, and chemical, X-ray, and thermomagnetic data presented for five titaniferous magnetites, all from various horizons of the Taupo pumice sequence. These phenocrysts are regarded as primary crystallization products, and not of xenocrystic origin. The hypersthenes range from Mg46·4Fe51·4Ca2·2 to Mg65·7Fe31·2Ca3·1; the augite composition is Mg48·5Fe12·3Ca39·2. The occurrence of such magnesian pyroxenes may be explained by the early separation of titaniferous magnetite, although it is also possible that the initial iron ratios of the liquids were already sufficiently low to precipitate these pyroxenes.

The magnetites exhibit varying stages of oxidation. Data on the least oxidized specimens indicate they were initially magnetite-ulvöspinel solid solutions, with 40 to 50% (mol.) solid solution ulvöspinel. Subsequent oxidation has modified their compositions; there is some evidence that this could have occurred during normal weathering processes.

The space group and unit cell of natural syngenite have been redetermined. X-ray powder photographs of natural syngenite and synthetic CaSO4.K2SO4.H2O were found to be practically identical. Optical and d.t.a. data are also given.

Among the many beautiful rocks of Unst, the most northerly of the Shetlands, is one composed of rosettes of pale blue kyanite set in a base of glassy quartz. This rock was mentioned by Heddle, but has never been described, nor have its genetic relationships been considered. During the mapping of Unst for the Geological Survey, opportunity was afforded of examining the field-relations of these quartz-kyanite-rocks and of collecting adequate material for study. I am indebted to Sir John Flett, F.R.S., Director of the Survey, for permission to present this account. These rocks have a considerable intrinsic interest; in addition, their investigation is closely concerned with certain general problems in metamorphism, especially those connected with metamorphic differentiation. The present paper is therefore divided into two portions, the first dealing with the description and origin of the Unst rocks, and the second with more general aspects.

Synthesis of Ni and Zn substituted nano-greigite, Fe3S4, is achieved from single source diethyldithiocarbamato precursor compounds, producing particles typically 50–100 nm in diameter with plate-like pseudohexagonal morphologies. Up to 12 wt.% Ni is incorporated into the greigite structure, and there is evidence that Zn is also incorporated but Co is not substituted into the lattice. The Fe L3 X-ray absorption spectra for these materials have a narrow single peak at 707.7 eV and the resulting main X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) has the same sign at 708.75 eV. All XMCD spectra also have a broad positive feature at 711 eV, a characteristic of covalent mixing. The greigite XMCD spectra contrast with the three clearly defined XMCD site specific peaks found in the ferrite spinel, magnetite. The Fe L2,3X-ray absorption spectra and XMCD spectra of the greigite reflect and reveal the high conductivity of greigite and the very strong covalency of the Fe–S bonding. The electron hopping between Fe3+ and Fe2+ on octahedral sites results in an intermediate oxidation state of the Fe in the Oh site of Fe2.5+ producing an effective formula of [Fe3+ ↑]A-site[2Fe2.5+ ↓]B-siteS42–]. The Ni L2,3 X-ray absorption spectra and XMCD reveal substitution on the Oh site with a strongly covalent character and an oxidation state <Ni1.5+ in a representative formula [Fe3+ ↑]A[[(2 – x)Fe2.5+ ↓][Nix1.5+]]BS42–.

In an earlier paper the writer has discussed the paragenesis - kyanite-omphacite as observed in certain ec|ogites. The fate of this association under conditions of retrograde metamorphism has led to a consideration of rocks showing the paragenesis amphibole-kyanite, a point which is briefly taken up in the present communication. Rocks containing this latter assemblage include two groups, the one better known, of sedimentary origin, the other essentially igneous in origin.

Here are included members of the para-amphibolites, biotite-hornblende- schists, and hornblende-Garbenschiefer derived from sediments of the character of calcareous and dolomitic shales. The best-known examples come from the Alps—particularly the Triassic and pre- Triassic sediments on the south side of the St. Gotthard massif.

Of the results which have so far been achieved by study of the packing of equal spheres one of the most remarkable, both by reason of its simplicity and of its fundamental importance, was that announced by Barlow in 1883. He called attention to the fact that equal spheres can be most densely packed in two ways, one possessing cubic symmetry and the other hexagonal (fig. 1).

Already in 1862 Tait had investigated the piling of marbles of equal size and had noticed that ‘there are two obvious ways of constructing the layers, and two of applying layer to layer’: nevertheless his two densest arrangements are in fact identical. He saw that the cubic structure could be begun either upon a square base or a triangular base but failed to perceive the possibility of the hexagonal arrangement.

In the course of an investigation on refractory materials, in which the identification of minerals by their X-ray diffraction patterns had a prominent place, an interesting observation was made on a zircon of gem quality which was lent to us by the courtesy of Mr. B. W. Anderson.

It may be recalled that the existence of three allotropes has been postulated in order to explain the considerable variations of physical properties which are found when comparing different specimens of zircon. In particular, densities ranging from 3·95 to 4·86 have been observed, the density of zirconium silicate, calculated from X-ray measurements, being 4·71.

Nine ferrohastingsites from the Younger Granites of Northern Nigeria and five from the nepheline-bearing rocks in the Marangudzi complex of Southern Rhodesia have been analysed chemically and their optical properties and unit-cell parameters determined.

All the minerals have compositions that can be expressed by the formula NaCa2(Fe″Mg)4Fe‴Al2Si6O22(OH)2, but the Nigerian minerals differ from those of Marangudzi in their lower alumina contents, generally greater degree of iron enrichment, lower potassium, and more variable fluorine contents. These differences are considered to reflect the differences in composition of their respective parent rocks. The compositional similarities between some hastingsites and barkevikite are commented upon and the pleochroism of barkevikite is briefly discussed.

Refractive indices of the analysed hastingsites have been plotted on the optical curves of Tröger. It is suggested that such curves are of limited use and that variations in unit-cell parameters might be a more useful method of determining the iron contents of hastingsites.

The variation in cell parameters with variation in chemical composition of the analysed minerals is also discussed.