Bonazziite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Bonazziite
Formula:
As4S4
Colour:
Orange
Lustre:
Resinous
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
3.542 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after Prof. Paola Bonazzi (b. 22 May 1960, d. 18 March 2024).
Paola was a full Professor in Mineralogy at the University of Florence, and the mineral was named in recognition of her seminal contributions to the study of arsenic sulfides and their alteration induced by exposure to light.
Degree in Geological Sciences, 1985 (AIC Degree Award). PhD in Mineralogy and Petrology (1986/87-1989/90).
Paola was a full Professor in Mineralogy at the University of Florence, and the mineral was named in recognition of her seminal contributions to the study of arsenic sulfides and their alteration induced by exposure to light.
Degree in Geological Sciences, 1985 (AIC Degree Award). PhD in Mineralogy and Petrology (1986/87-1989/90).
Co-Type Localities:
Polymorph of:
A continuous series exists between bonazziite (As8S8) and alacránite (As8S9). Compare anorpiment, dimorphite, duranusite, orpiment, pararealgar, realgar, uzonite.
Was first discovered as natural β-As4S4, but went unnamed.
Association includes non-stoichiometric 'Unnamed (As sulfides)'.
The structure is based on covalently bonded As4S4 cage-like molecules (identical to those in realgar), with each As atom linking to one another As and two S atoms. The molecules are held together by van der Waals forces.
As realgar (but unlike alacránite), bonazziite alters to pararealgar in polychromatic and monochromatic lights.
Was first discovered as natural β-As4S4, but went unnamed.
Association includes non-stoichiometric 'Unnamed (As sulfides)'.
The structure is based on covalently bonded As4S4 cage-like molecules (identical to those in realgar), with each As atom linking to one another As and two S atoms. The molecules are held together by van der Waals forces.
As realgar (but unlike alacránite), bonazziite alters to pararealgar in polychromatic and monochromatic lights.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
46093
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:46093:4
IMA Classification of Bonazziite
Approved
Approval year:
2013
First published:
2015
Type description reference:
Bindi, Luca, Pratesi, Giovanni, Muniz-Miranda, Maurizio, Zoppi, Matteo, Chelazzi, Laura, Lepore, Giovanni O., Menchetti, Silvio (2015) From ancient pigments to modern optoelectronic applications of arsenic sulfides: bonazziite, the natural analogue of β-As4S4 from Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan. Mineralogical Magazine, 79 (1) 121-131 doi:10.1180/minmag.2015.079.1.10
Classification of Bonazziite
2.FA.
2 : SULFIDES and SULFOSALTS (sulfides, selenides, tellurides; arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides; sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites, etc.)
F : Sulfides of arsenic, alkalies; sulfides with halide, oxide, hydroxide, H2O
A : With As, (Sb), S
2 : SULFIDES and SULFOSALTS (sulfides, selenides, tellurides; arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides; sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites, etc.)
F : Sulfides of arsenic, alkalies; sulfides with halide, oxide, hydroxide, H2O
A : With As, (Sb), S
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Bzz | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Bonazziite
Resinous
Transparency:
Opaque
Colour:
Orange
Comment:
colour is slightly paler and more yellowish than realgar
Streak:
Dark orange
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN15=70 kg/mm2 - Vickers
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
3.542 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Bonazziite
Anisotropism:
strong greyish to light-blue rotation tints.
Reflectivity:
| Wavelength | R1 (%) | R2 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 471nm | 19.9% | 22.2% |
| 548nm | 19.1% | 21.3% |
| 586nm | 18.8% | 19.7% |
| 652nm | 17.8% | 18.9% |
Graph shows reflectance levels at different wavelengths (in nm). Peak reflectance is 22.2%.
R1 shown in black, R2 shown in red
Internal Reflections:
orange to red
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
orange to light red
Chemistry of Bonazziite
Mindat Formula:
As4S4
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Bonazziite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/b
Setting:
C2/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.956(1) Å, b = 9.308(1) Å, c = 8.869(1) Å
β = 102.55(2)°
β = 102.55(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.07 : 1 : 0.953
Unit Cell V:
802.3 ų
Z:
4
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0020633 | Bonazziite | Bindi L, Pratesi G, Muniz-Miranda M, Zoppi M, Chelazzi L, Lepore G O, Menchetti S (2015) From ancient pigments to modern optoelectronic applications of arsenic sulfides: bonazziite, the natural analogue of beta-As4S4 from Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan Mineralogical Magazine 79 121-131 | 2015 | Fergana Valley, Alai Range, Osh Oblast, Kyrgyzstan | 0 | 293 | |
| 0019017 | Bonazziite | Zoppi M, Pratesi G (2012) The dual behavior of the beta-As4S4 altered by light American Mineralogist 97 890-896 | 2012 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0005723 | Bonazziite | Burns P C, Percival J B (2001) Alacranite, As4S4: A new occurrence, new formula, and determination of the crystal structure The Canadian Mineralogist 39 809-818 |  | 2001 | Conical Seamount, Lihir Island, Papua, New Guinea. | 0 | 293 |
| 0012424 | Bonazziite | Porter E J, Sheldrick G M (1972) Crystal structure of a new crystalline modification of tetra-arsenic tetrasuphide (2,3,4,8-tetrathia1,2,3,7-tetra-arsatricyclo[3,3,0,0]-octane) Dalton Transactions 1972 1347-1349 | 1972 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0004222 | Bonazziite | Bonazzi P, Bindi L, Pratesi G, Menchetti S (2006) Light-induced changes in molecular arsenic sulfides: State of the art and new evidence by single-crystal X-ray diffraction American Mineralogist 91 1323-1330 | | 2006 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0004221 | Bonazziite | Bonazzi P, Bindi L, Pratesi G, Menchetti S (2006) Light-induced changes in molecular arsenic sulfides: State of the art and new evidence by single-crystal X-ray diffraction American Mineralogist 91 1323-1330 | | 2006 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0004220 | Bonazziite | Bonazzi P, Bindi L, Pratesi G, Menchetti S (2006) Light-induced changes in molecular arsenic sulfides: State of the art and new evidence by single-crystal X-ray diffraction American Mineralogist 91 1323-1330 | | 2006 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0004219 | Bonazziite | Bonazzi P, Bindi L, Pratesi G, Menchetti S (2006) Light-induced changes in molecular arsenic sulfides: State of the art and new evidence by single-crystal X-ray diffraction American Mineralogist 91 1323-1330 | | 2006 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0004218 | Bonazziite | Bonazzi P, Bindi L, Pratesi G, Menchetti S (2006) Light-induced changes in molecular arsenic sulfides: State of the art and new evidence by single-crystal X-ray diffraction American Mineralogist 91 1323-1330 | | 2006 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0004217 | Bonazziite | Bonazzi P, Bindi L, Pratesi G, Menchetti S (2006) Light-induced changes in molecular arsenic sulfides: State of the art and new evidence by single-crystal X-ray diffraction American Mineralogist 91 1323-1330 | | 2006 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 5.74 Å | (100) |
| 4.86 Å | (30) |
| 4.10 Å | (60) |
| 3.92 Å | (50) |
| 3.12 Å | (60) |
| 2.95 Å | (50) |
| 2.86 Å | (80) |
| 2.371 Å | (30) |
Reference:
Bindi, Luca, Pratesi, Giovanni, Muniz-Miranda, Maurizio, Zoppi, Matteo, Chelazzi, Laura, Lepore, Giovanni O., Menchetti, Silvio (2015) From ancient pigments to modern optoelectronic applications of arsenic sulfides: bonazziite, the natural analogue of β-As4S4 from Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan. Mineralogical Magazine, 79 (1) 121-131 doi:10.1180/minmag.2015.079.1.10
Comments:
From Type Description.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 33 : Minerals deposited by hydrothermal metal-rich fluids (see also [#12]) | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 50 : Coal and/or oil shale minerals | <0.36 |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 54 : Coal and other mine fire minerals (see also #51 and #56) |
Geological Setting:
Associated with low temperature epithermal Hg-As-Sb deposits, vapor deposited environments - burning coal or volcanic.
Type Occurrence of Bonazziite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
Crystals up to 100 μm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Type material is deposited in the mineralogical collection of the Museo di Storia Naturale, Sezione di Mineralogia e Litologia, Universita` di Firenze, Via La Pira 4, I-50121, Firenze (Italy), catalogue number 47534/G
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Mercury-antimony low-temperature hydrothermal deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Bindi, Luca, Pratesi, Giovanni, Muniz-Miranda, Maurizio, Zoppi, Matteo, Chelazzi, Laura, Lepore, Giovanni O., Menchetti, Silvio (2015) From ancient pigments to modern optoelectronic applications of arsenic sulfides: bonazziite, the natural analogue of β-As4S4 from Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan. Mineralogical Magazine, 79 (1) 121-131 doi:10.1180/minmag.2015.079.1.10
Synonyms of Bonazziite
Other Language Names for Bonazziite
Dutch:Bonazziiet
German:Bonazziit
Relationship of Bonazziite to other Species
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 8 photos of Bonazziite associated with Ermakovite | (NH4)(As2O3)2Br |
| 5 photos of Bonazziite associated with Realgar | As4S4 |
| 1 photo of Bonazziite associated with Dimorphite | As4S3 |
| 1 photo of Bonazziite associated with Orpiment | As2S3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 2.FA. | Anorpiment | As2S3 |
| 2.FA. | Paradimorphite | As4S3 |
| 2.FA.05 | Duranusite | As4S |
| 2.FA.10 | Dimorphite | As4S3 |
| 2.FA.15b | Pararealgar | As4S4 |
| 2.FA.15a | Realgar | As4S4 |
| 2.FA.15d | 'UM1970-18-S:As' | As4S4 |
| 2.FA.20 | Alacránite | As8S9 |
| 2.FA.25 | Uzonite | As4S5 |
| 2.FA.30 | Laphamite | As2Se3 |
| 2.FA.30 | Orpiment | As2S3 |
| 2.FA.35 | Getchellite | AsSbS3 |
| 2.FA.40 | Wakabayashilite | [(As,Sb)6S9][As4S5] |
| 2.FA.40 | Kalgoorlieite | As2Te3 |
Other Information
Notes:
Raman bands [cm-1]: As–As/As–S stretching (187, 343, 352, 362); As–S–As/As–As–S/S–As–S/As–As–As
bending (164, 217); 275 (from pararealgar formed during laser-induced alteration)
bending (164, 217); 275 (from pararealgar formed during laser-induced alteration)
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Bonazziite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-46093.html
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References for Bonazziite
Reference List:
Bonazzi, Paola, Bindi, Luca, Olmi, Filippo, Menchetti, Silvio (2003) How many alacranites do exist? A structural study of non-stoichiometric As8S9-x crystals. European Journal of Mineralogy, 15 (2) 283-288 doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2003/0015-0283
Williams, P. A., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2014) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2014, CNMNC Newsletter No 20. Mineralogical Magazine, 78 (3) 549-558 doi:10.1180/minmag.2014.078.3.05
Bindi, Luca, Pratesi, Giovanni, Muniz-Miranda, Maurizio, Zoppi, Matteo, Chelazzi, Laura, Lepore, Giovanni O., Menchetti, Silvio (2015) From ancient pigments to modern optoelectronic applications of arsenic sulfides: bonazziite, the natural analogue of β-As4S4 from Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan. Mineralogical Magazine, 79 (1) 121-131 doi:10.1180/minmag.2015.079.1.10
Localities for Bonazziite
Showing 10 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Chile (TL) | |
| Clark (1970) |
China | |
| XRD by Gerhard Möhn and Joy Desor |
Czech Republic | |
| Bindi et al. (2015) |
France | |
| www.mindat.org (n.d.) |
Italy | |
| Locality description |
| Campostrini et al. (2021) | |
Kyrgyzstan (TL) | |
| Williams et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
Papua New Guinea | |
| Burns et al. (2001) +1 other reference |
Russia | |
| Bindi et al. (2015) |
Tajikistan | |
| Karpenko et al. (2023) |
Quick NavTopAbout BonazziiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Campania, Italy