Putnisite is a mineral composed of strontium, calcium, chromium, sulfur, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.[4] It was discovered on the Polar Bear Peninsula in Shire of Dundas, Western Australia in 2007 during mining activity.[4][5] Following identification and recognition by the IMA in 2012[5] the mineral was named after mineralogists Andrew and Christine Putnis.[3]

Putnisite
Putnisite, from Polar Bear Peninsula, Western Australia, Australia
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
SrCa4Cr83+(CO3)8(SO4)(OH)16·25 H2O
IMA symbolPni[1]
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPnma
Unit cella = 15.351 Å,
b = 20.421 Å,
c = 18.270 Å; Z = 4
Identification
ColorPurple
Crystal habitPseudocubic crystals
Cleavage[100], [010] and [001] good
FractureBrittle – uneven
Mohs scale hardness1.5–2
LusterVitreous
StreakPink
DiaphaneityTranslucent
Specific gravity2.20
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.552, nβ = 1.583 and nγ = 1.599
PleochroismDistinct: X pale bluish grey, Y pale purple, Z pale purple
References[2][3][4][5]

Putnisite has unique chemical and structural properties, and does not appear to be related to any of the existing mineralogical families.[3] Crystals are translucent purple, but show distinct pleochroism (from pale purple to pale bluish grey,[4] depending on the angle of observation) and leave pink streaks when rubbed on a flat surface.[4]

Putnisite occurs as small (< 0.5 mm) cube-like crystals in volcanic rock.[3] The mineral formed during the oxidation environment within komatiite to dioritic bodies containing sulfide minerals.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ Mineralienatlas
  3. ^ a b c d "New Mineral Shows Nature's Infinite Variability". University of Adelaide. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Elliott, P. (February 2014). "Putnisite". Mineralogical Magazine. 78 (1): 131–144. doi:10.1180/minmag.2014.078.1.10. S2CID 102242056. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  5. ^ a b c "Putnisite: Putnisite mineral information and data". Mindat.org. 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-29.