Georgerobinsonite is a very rare [[lead]] [[vanadate]] [[chloride]] [[mineral]] with the chemical formula Pb₄(V⁵⁺O₄)₂Cl₂. It was officially approved by the [[International Mineralogical Association]] (IMA) in 2021, making it a recently recognized mineral species.
Etymology
The mineral is named in honor of Dr. George W. Robinson (1947–2020), a distinguished American mineralogist, curator, and collections manager at the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum of [[Michigan Technological University]]. Robinson was renowned for his significant contributions to mineralogy, particularly in the study of new mineral species, the photography of minerals, and the meticulous curation of extensive mineral collections.Properties
Georgerobinsonite crystallizes in the [[tetragonal crystal system]]. Its specific physical properties, such as hardness, specific gravity, and luster, are being characterized following its recent discovery and approval. It is chemically and structurally related to [[mendipite]], another lead chloride mineral, and forms part of the mendipite group. Its crystallography is distinct, representing a unique structure within this group.Occurrence and Discovery
The type locality for Georgerobinsonite is the Korytnica quarry, located near Gmina Sobków, Jędrzejów County, [[Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship]], [[Poland]]. It was discovered in an oxidation zone, typically associated with the weathering of lead-rich sulfide deposits. At its discovery site, it is found alongside other rare secondary minerals in a [[gossan]] environment, indicating a complex geochemical history. Its occurrence points to specific conditions of lead, vanadium, and chlorine availability during its formation.References
- [https://www.mindat.org/min-56903.html Mindat.org – Georgerobinsonite]
- [https://webmineral.com/data/Georgerobinsonite.shtml Webmineral.com – Georgerobinsonite]
- [https://cnmnc.main.jp/news.htm IMA-CNMNC New Minerals List]