Unnamed (Ga-analogue of Epidote) (original) (raw)

The first silicate mineral with species-defining gallium. Author's proposed name is "epidote-(Ga)". As inclusions in sphalerite (common), more rarely in galena and pyrite; also rarely between quartz and sulfides. Confirmed by EPMA, Raman spectroscopy, stoichiometry, and habit.
The zonal grains are elongated, somewhat rounded or well-shaped, up to 100 microns in length. The "epidote-(Ga)" forms cores, which contain 6-20 wt.% Ga2O3. This is followed by Gallian Allanite-(Ce), relatively Ga-low allanite-(Ce), and Ga-devoid epidote-allanite.