New minerals and structural complexities in the lavendulan family

Abstract

Stunning, bright blue crystals are common in members of the lavendulan group, which are prized by micromineral collectors for their beauty. But it is the structural complexity of the lavendulan family which is now proving to be as intriguing as its looks. Recently, a number of new finds from Russia and our own studies have expanded considerably the range of possibilities known for this structure family including new mineral species.