Parafiniukite as relict grains within the Mn-oxide; smectite matrix, around beusite. Holotype specimen MMWrIV8024. Labels: Beu = beusite; Mn-ox. = Mn-oxides; Prf = parafiniukite. — Photo: Pieczka, A.; Biagioni, C.; Gołębiowska, B.; Jeleń, P.; Pasero, M.; Sitarz, M. · CC BY 4.0
Parafiniukite
Parafiniukite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Ca₂Mn₃(PO₄)₃Cl.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P6_3/m). It is a member of the Apatite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4–5; specific gravity 3.614; Vitreous luster.
IMA symbol Pfn, IMA status: approved, named in 2018.
A primary mineral disseminated in the intensely altered intermediate and central zones of pegmatite of the beryl-columbite-phosphate subtype of the rare element (REL)-Li pegmatite class, crystallized from a highly fractionated melt.
It is found associated with Beusite, Mn-oxide, smectite.
The mineral was named to honor Jan Parafiniuk (b. 1954), professor of mineralogy, Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology, University of Warsaw, Poland.