We examined the influence of Al₂O₃ and H₂O on the position of the coesite–stishovite transition by means of in situ X‑ray diffraction measurements with the large-volume press at the synchrotron PETRA III in Hamburg. The position of the transition was found to be shifted almost in parallel by about 1.5 GPa to lower pressures compared to results for the pure SiO₂ system by Ono et al. (2017). Stishovite of this study containing Al and H is only partially quenchable but transforms back to coesite.

Nannoniite, Al₂(OH)₅F, is a new mineral species discovered in the Cetine di Cotorniano mine (Tuscany, Italy). Its description was possible through a multi-technique approach, and its crystal structure was solved through three-dimensional electron diffraction, revealing close relations with gibbsite. The partial replacement of (OH) by F induces subtle by detectable structural changes. This study reveals that Al hydroxides could be a source of F in geological environments.

The growing interest in lithium (Li) diffusion for the determination of timescales of magmatic events increases the necessity to better understand Li diffusion in common mineral phases. In this context we analyzed Li diffusion in plagioclase, one of the most common mineral phases. Our study is the first to confirm two diffusion mechanisms for Li in plagioclase, and our results indicate timescales derived from Li diffusion data in previous studies were underestimated by a factor of up to 100.

In situ U–Th–Pb dating of allanite and monazite provides a robust record of polymetamorphism in greenschist facies metapelites in the Austroalpine Unit. Variations in bulk rock Ca, Al and Na contents produced a wide range of REE-mineral-phase relationships and microstructures, making them excellent geochronometers in complex tectonic settings. Our new pressure, temperature, time and deformation data reveal Permian metamorphism and a major crustal-scale Cretaceous detachment.

This study examines solid nano-inclusions in magnetite from the La Víbora magnesian skarn, Spain, revealing insights into mineral formation. We found two types of inclusions: representing fossilized skarn reactions and precipitated from supersaturated fluids. Nano-inclusions provide valuable clues about the Fe mineralization event, highlighting the significance of nano-inclusions in understanding geological processes and resource exploration.

Kamafugites are rare ultrabasic/basic K₂O-rich rocks. High-pressure–high-temperature experiments on four samples from the known type localities (Italy, Brazil, Uganda) constrained their melting assemblage, unlike a classical peridotite. Clinopyroxene and phlogopite are the first near-liquidus phases. Olivine appears in two runs. The different abundances of the main phases and the variable contribution of apatite, oxides and titanite explain the variegated kamafugite geochemical features.

We used U–Pb dating and Pb–Sr–O–H isotopes of hydrothermal epidote to characterize fluid circulation in the Aar Massif (central Swiss Alps). Our data support the hypothesis that Permian fluids exploited syn-rift extensional faults. In the Miocene during the Alpine orogeny, fluid sources were meteoric, sedimentary, and/or metamorphic water. Likely, Miocene shear zones were exploited for fluid circulation, with implications for the Sr isotope budget of the granitoids.

Karlseifertite is a new member of the dussertite group of the alunite supergroup from Tsumeb, Namibia. It is the first member of the dussertite group to be described based upon valency-imposed double site occupancy in the octahedrally coordinated cation site. It is also the first member of the alunite supergroup containing essential Ge. 

The article provides the standard description of bonacinaite, Sc³⁺(AsO₄)·2H₂O, the first natural scandium arsenate. The new mineral species was found in a few specimens in the dumps of the old Varenche Mine, Valle d'Aosta, Italy, which is therefore the type locality and the only locality in the world. Bonacinaite forms colourless (with faint to distinct violet tints), pseudohexagonal, thick tabular crystals, up to 0.25 mm in size, or as small, faintly violet lath-shaped crystals.

We experimentally investigated the behavior of chrome in high-pressure post-spinel oxide phases. Only minor amounts of Cr can be incorporated into Fe₅O₆. But there is full solid solution between Fe₄O₅ and Fe₂Cr₂O₅ and Mg₂Fe₂O₅ and Mg₂Cr₂O₅, in spite of a phase transition occurring in the middle of the compositional range. Our results provide further constraints on the formation of such oxide phases in extraterrestrial materials and inclusions in natural diamonds.

Technology for producing energy with zero-carbon emissions must be developed in light of the current climate emergency. Using recyclable metal fuels, such as magnesium (Mg), is one practical solution. Metals can therefore be seen as regenerable fuels and new energy vectors since the energy they contain can be transferred and released through metal combustion. To optimize the particle trapping capacity of the investigated system, we successfully characterized magnesium oxide (MgO) crystals. 

Known as black smokers, sulfur-rich hydrothermal vents expel hot metal-rich water (~ 400°C). These extreme environments host micro-organisms capable of living at over 100°C. But to date, we do not know whether these microorganisms influence the formation of hydrothermal vents. The comparative study of minerals along the chimney wall is an essential step in determining whether microorganisms may have colonized and influenced mineral formation in certain parts of the chimney. 

The discovery of the K-dominant tourmaline maruyamaite with microdiamond inclusions suggested its ultrahigh-pressure formation. We analyzed the role of K in the tourmaline structure, with a special focus on its stability. High pressure is necessary to squeeze the large cation K⁺ in the stiff framework of tourmaline, although K is the underdog component if Na⁺ is present in the mineralizing fluid. K-tourmaline is stable at high pressure, overcoming the stereotype of a mere crustal component.

In this study, we analyze a peculiar eclogite from the Western Alps, which not only recorded a classical subduction-to-exhumation path but revealed evidence of Ca-rich fluid–rock interaction. Chemical composition and modeling show that the rock experienced peak metamorphic conditions followed by Ca-rich pulsed fluid influx occurring consistently under high-pressure conditions. This research enhances our understanding of fluid–rock interactions in subduction settings.

This work deals with a challenging case of a commercial clay from Gomsiqe–Puka (Albania) contaminated by mineral fibres. Detection and quantification of asbestos in this material push the boundaries of current experimental methods. Using TEM, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and EPMA, we identified the presence of asbestos tremolite, along with a rare fibrous variety of diopside. The impact of milling on the detection and quantification of mineral fibres was also evaluated.