Brazilian scientists identify new mineral species in diamond

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.