A New Mineral Was Discovered by Zhejiang University Teacher Rao Can

After the discovery of the Nanping stone, strontiohurlbutite is another new mineral found in Nanping pegmatite. Young teacher Rao Can of Department of Earth Sciences has conducted study on Nanping No. 31 pegmatite for years, which led to the discovery of this new mineral and named it “strontiohurlbutite”, and submitted applications to the new minerals and mineral naming committee of International Mineralogical Society. In October 2012, Rao Can received the mineral confirmation letter issued by the committee (IMA No. 2012-032, National Museum collection No. M11803). Experts of International Mineralogical Society believe that the discovery of strontiohurlbutite carries indicative significance for understanding of the origins of Nanping pegmatite.

Each year there are about dozens of new minerals discovered in the world. Domestically, there are 1 or 2 newly discovered species. Rao Can said, “It’s so lucky that strontiohurlbutite makes me a discoverer of new mineral.”

From 2006 to 2011, Rao Can conducted his Ph.D and Post-doc research on Nanping pegmatite mineralogy at Nanjing University advised by Professor Wang Rucheng. “Nanping pegmatite is an interesting subject of research. It’s can be described as treasure for its value in mineralogical studies.” Many scholars will go to Nanping to collect stones for analysis and research back in laboratories.

To cut the stones and scan them with modern micro-analytical techniques is a necessary part in mineralogical studies. “In the study on the mineralogical traits anstructural model, [PO4> and [BeO4> build up an enclosed indoor space like building a house, and calcium ‘lives’ inside. All I should do is to prove my hypothesis.”

To verify his hypothesis, in March, with the help from Professor Gu Xiangping of Central South University, Rao Can determined that the crystal structure of the “suspicious” element is the same as that of calcium beryllium phosphate stone. Based on the chemical analysis and micro crystal structure analysis, he conducted Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and determined the existence of beryllium in the crystal structure of the mineral. “We made relevant analyses in composition, atomic ratio and structure, and found that it is truly the identical twin of calcium beryllium phosphate stone. So I gave it a similar name strontiohurlbutite.”

In August, the new minerals and mineral naming committee of International Mineralogical Society confirmed that strontiohurlbutite is a new mineral. The discovery of strontiohurlbutite enriches mineralogical studies, has important implications in geochemical research, and at the same time carries indicative significance for understanding of the origins of Nanping pegmatite. “Minerals can record a variety of geological processes. The discovery of new minerals is significant to mineralogical study.”

d evolution of Nanping No. 31 pegmatite, we found another kind of image in electron backscatter image – very bright mineral particles contained in beryllium mineral aggregates (about 30 wt.% SrO). In nature, how could such kinds of ‘autocratic’ elements get crystallized in pegmatite magma?” Rao can came up with a bold hypothesis. “Will this be a new mineral?”

At the end of 2011, 34-year-old Rao Can came to work at Zhejiang University. “The open and free platform at Zhejiang University offers me peace to do my research with.” This year, he collected many samples for research.

After analyses of the chemical composition with large geological electron microprobe, these “suspicious” elements are determined to be a kind of phosphate mineral rich in strontium and beryllium. “Beryllium” is a rare ultra-light metal element. For its lightness, it often “flies” away when electron probe tries to capture it.

Then would that be the “identical twin” of calcium beryllium phosphate stone? “This idea occurred to me from the very beginning. In Nanping pegmatite phosphate minerals, the replacement of calcium and strontium is very common. Calcium beryllium phosphate stones have long been discovered by scientists. In its structural model, [PO4> and [BeO4> build up an enclosed indoor space like building a house, and calcium ‘lives’ inside. All I should do is to prove my hypothesis.”

Site Description

VIP Service

How to Use VIP Service

Make Payment:

Bank of China

A New Mineral Was Discovered by Zhejiang University Teacher Rao Can

News&Opinion

Top University

Policy＆Laws

Hanban sets guidelines for Mandarin teachers

Special Skills in Sports and Arts are required i...

Regulation of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control at...

	Search by School Name