Brazilian scientists identify new mineral species in diamond
The discovery could enhance our understanding of the processes occurring in the deepest regions of the Earth
-
![]()
Photo source: Bjoern Wylezich / iStock
Brazilian researchers have identified a new mineral never before found in nature, as reported by Metrópoles, a partner of TV BRICS. Named grahampearsonite, the compound is a phosphate of calcium, phosphorus and oxygen and has been officially recognised as a new mineral species by the leading international association in the sector.
According to the researchers, although a compound of equivalent composition had already been synthesised in the laboratory, this is the first time the mineral has been identified in nature, either on Earth or in meteorites.
The discovery was made inside a super-deep diamond extracted in the Juina region, in north-western Mato Grosso. These diamonds form at depths ranging from approximately 400 to 800 kilometres below the Earth’s surface and preserve minerals originating from the planet’s deepest layers.
According to Professor Tiago Jalowitzki, one of the lead researchers on the study, the discovery expands our understanding of the composition and processes occurring within the Earth.
"Super-deep diamonds act as veritable time capsules. During their formation, they trap tiny minerals and transport them to the surface, preserving information about the conditions existing hundreds of kilometres below the surface. Furthermore, their association with other phosphates may help us understand how phosphorus is stored and recycled between the Earth’s crust and mantle," he noted.
The initial analyses were carried out by researchers at the University of Brasilia (UnB), using techniques capable of identifying the minerals present in the diamond. Subsequently, further tests confirmed that the sample had a unique composition, matching no other known mineral, which led to its official recognition.
-
![]()
Society12.09.26Xi Jinping: China and India should view their bilateral relations from perspective of long-term development -
![]()
Society12.09.26BRICS leaders adopt New Delhi Declaration at 18th Summit -
![]()
Society12.09.26Narendra Modi proposes reforming global governance architecture and creating BRICS continuity mechanism -
![]()
Society12.09.2618th BRICS Summit begins in India -
![]()
Society11.09.26Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: BRICS Summit in India to consolidate group's role as flagship of multilateralism -
![]()
Society11.09.26Broadcast of BRICS Summit in India to be available to TV BRICS website users
-
![Ashok Mondal]()
Ashok MondalNID Director"Signing this Memorandum of Understanding between the National Institute of Design (NID) and TV BRICS marks a pivotal milestone in advancing design diplomacy across the BRICS media space. This moment is especially significant as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit, following India’s assumption of the BRICS chairship under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The partnership directly embodies his call to elevate Indian design standards through 'Design in India, Design for the World'. Through the global reach and broadcast capabilities of TV BRICS, we are excited to showcase the extraordinary visual storytelling, films, and design research of NID’s Film and Video Communication students to an international audience, while also welcoming and screening film works from BRICS network countries at NID Ahmedabad. This reciprocal exchange strengthens our shared commitment to educational, cultural, and artistic collaboration, fostering sustainable connections among global creative communities. NID Ahmedabad looks forward to leveraging this partnership to deepen cross-cultural dialogue, build international expert networks, and unlock transformative opportunities for filmmakers, researchers, and faculty across member nations" -
![Vladimir Putin]()
Vladimir PutinPresident of Russia"We are developing mutual trade, which is growing; it increased by over 12 per cent last year. We have a joint commission working in this sphere. Our focus is on agriculture, shipbuilding, information technology and energy, including nuclear power. We have signed a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Indonesia. Jakarta is our reliable and old friend within ASEAN. We are working together at all international platforms, including the UN" -
![Vladimir Putin]()
Vladimir PutinPresident of Russia"More and more Iranian students are choosing Russian education. We are very pleased about this. A great many future doctors are studying in Russia. In the 2025–2026 academic year, the number of Iranian students in Russia approached 10,000, with 802 of them studying at the expense of the Russian state budget" -
![Xi Jinping]()
Xi JinpingPresident of the People’s Republic of China"The foundation of our bilateral relations will only grow stronger, and we will confidently move forward to a better future. […] The striving of nations on our planet for peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remains unchanged. The vital mission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is to maintain stability and promote the development of our region" -
![Alisher Salomov]()
Alisher SalomovAdviser to the Chairman of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan"First and foremost, I would like to highlight the importance of this Central Asia–Russia initiative, because environmental problems know no borders, and only a shared understanding of these problems and the search for joint solutions can deliver positive results"
