Junitoite

A variety of Minerals

Junitoite specimen - rock identification

What is Junitoite?

Junitoite is a mineral with formula CaZn2Si2O7·H2O. It was discovered at the Christmas mine in Christmas, Arizona, and described in 1976. The mineral is named for mineral chemist Jun Ito (1926–1978).

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

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Key Characteristics

Composition of Junitoite

In 1968, Jun Ito published the results of synthesis of various lead calcium zinc silicates. The formula of one phase, designated X3, was identified as probably CaZnSi2O6·H2O. When he described junitoite, Sidney Williams identified the mineral's formula as CaZn2Si2O7·H2O, based on communications with Ito. The mineral's crystal structure was first determined in 1985 and refined in 2012. The mineral crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system. The structure is formed by chains of corner-sharing ZnO4 tetrahedra linked together by Si2O7 tetrahedral pairs. Calcium ions occupy vacancies and coordinate to five oxygen atoms and one water molecule.

More Images

Junitoite specimen 2
© Hexiong Yang, Neil G. Jenkins and Robert T. Downs

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
colorless
Hardness (Mohs)
4.5
Density
3.5 g/cm³
Streak
Colorless

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
CaZn2Si2O7 · H2O
Elements
Ca, H, O, Si, Zn
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