China’s geological scientists discover new mineral with potential for advanced materials

A new mineral, a nickel-bismuth-antimony-arsenic sulfide, has been officially recognised and named Jinxiuite, according to Global Times, citing the China Geological Survey under the Ministry of Natural Resources. The mineral was proposed by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences.

Jinxiuite was discovered in a nickel-cobalt deposit located in Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China. Experts described the deposit as exceptionally rich, with nickel and cobalt contents of approximately 17.5 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively. These levels are nearly 80 times higher than conventional mineralisation standards of 0.2 per cent for nickel and 0.02 per cent for cobalt, underscoring the deposit’s extraordinary value.

The discovery is particularly significant because cobalt is a critically scarce mineral resource in China, a country that has long relied heavily on imports. Experts emphasised that the finding of Jinxiuite provides valuable insights into the genesis of hydrothermal nickel-cobalt deposits and could guide breakthroughs in future mineral exploration.

Experts further noted that the identification of a new mineral demonstrates China’s advanced geological survey capabilities while contributing a new member to the global family of minerals. The discovery represents a milestone scientific breakthrough, expanding humanity’s understanding of the material world and offering potential for the development of new materials with unique properties.

Yan Jiayong, director of the Mineral Exploration Theory and Technology Research Office at the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, described a new mineral as a “design blueprint” gifted by nature. He explained that it embodies a stable structure refined through 4.6 billion years of geochemical experimentation on Earth. Its unique atomic stacking pattern may possess properties that are challenging to replicate through conventional artificial synthesis.

Yan highlighted the potential applications for materials science, noting that scientists can study the crystal structures of metallic minerals like Jinxiuite to attempt artificial synthesis of similar compounds. Such efforts could lead to new energy materials that are more efficient, stable, or cost-effective.

Moreover, a new mineral also serves as a “geological code”, recording the Earth’s unique geological history and even offering insights into the evolutionary behaviour of elements under extreme conditions. Jinxiuite, therefore, not only enriches the catalogue of known minerals but also deepens understanding of the Earth and the universe, according to the report.

By Tamilla Hasanova