Kvačekite is a new mineral species discovered in a sample collected from the now abandoned Bukov uranium mine, western Moravia, Czech Republic. It occurs as rare anhedral grains, up to 15 μm in size, associated with nickeltyrrellite, tyrrellite, berzelianite, hakite-(Zn), hakite-(Cd), eucairite, clausthalite, and gold in calcite gangue. In reflected light, kvačekite is white with a faint yellowish shade; bireflectance, pleochroism and anisotropy are absent. Internal reflections were not observed. Reflectance values for the four COM wavelengths for kvačekite in air [R (%) (λ in nm)] are: 54.9 (470); 53.5 (546); 52.6 (589); and 52.2 (650). The empirical formula, based on electron-microprobe analyses (EPMA), is (Ni0.95Cu0.04Co0.03)Σ1.02Sb1.00(Se0.97S0.01)Σ0.98. The ideal formula is NiSbSe, which requires (in wt.%) Ni 22.63, Sb 46.93, Se 30.44, total 100.00. Kvačekite is cubic, P213, with unit-cell parameters a = 6.09013(13) Å, V = 225.881(15) Å3 and Z = 4. The strongest reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern of synthetic kvačekite [d, Å (I) hkl] are: 3.0458 (11) 200; 2.7242 (100) 201, 210; 2.4867 (71) 211; 1.8632(39) 311; 1.6277(29) 321, 312; and 1.3290 (13) 421. Given the similarity with ullmannite, NiSbS, the crystal structure was refined from the powder X-ray diffraction data starting from those atomic coordinates using the synthetic analogue of kvačekite. Its crystal structure is formed by corner-sharing [NiSb3Se3] octahedra which form a three-dimensional network. The identity of the natural kvačekite and synthetic cubic NiSbSe were confirmed by a study of their chemical composition, reflectance measurements, Raman spectroscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) measurements on the mineral. Kvačekite is named after Milan Kvaček (1930–1993), a prominent Czech mineralogist. The mineral and its name have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA2023-095).

Okruginite, Cu2SnSe3 is a new mineral discovered from the high-sulfidation epithermal Au Ozernovskoye deposit, Kamchatka peninsula, Russia. It occurs as distinct Se-rich zones in Se-bearing mohite crystals or forms aggregates of small crystals 10–15 μm in size in quartz. In plane-polarised light, okruginite appears brownish grey. Pleochroism and bireflectance are discernible, anisotropy is weak, with rotation tints pale blue-grey to pale grey-brown; it exhibits no internal reflections. Reflectance values of the synthetic analogue of okruginite in air (R1, R2 in %) are: 25.9, 26.5 at 470 nm, 27.5, 26.5 at 546 nm, 27.8, 28.4 at 589 nm and 27.7, 28.4 at 650 nm. Twenty seven electron-microprobe analyses of okruginite give an average composition: Cu 29.48, Sn 28.10, Se 33.40 and S 8.75, total 99.73 wt.%, corresponding to the empirical formula Cu1.99Sn1.02(Se1.82S1.17)Σ2.99 based on 6 atoms; the average of seven analyses on its synthetic analogue is: Cu 23.62, Sn 24.37 and Se 49.09, total 97.08 wt.%, corresponding to Cu1.86Sn1.03Se3.11. The density, calculated on the basis of the empirical formula, is 5.126 g/cm3. The mineral is monoclinic, space group Cc, with a = 6.9906(2), b = 12.0712(4) Å, c = 6.9723(2) Å, β = 109.350(10)°, V = 555.1(2) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure was solved and refined from the powder X-ray-diffraction data of synthetic Cu2SnSe3. Okruginite is the selenium-end member of the Cu2SnS3–Cu2SnSe3 solid solution. The mineral name is in honour of Dr. Victor Mikhailovich Okrugin, a Russian mineralogist, for his contributions to mineralogy and geology of epithermal deposits, in particular of the Au–Ag deposits in Kamchatka.

An investigation of sample 41647 from the Platinum Placer of Ugol'nyi Ruchei, Norilsk Cu–Ni deposit, Russia, stored in the systematic collection of the Fersman Mineralogical Museum, revealed that it contained a mineral that can be identified as the original stannopalladinite described in 1947. As the literature information on the latter is controversial, the mineral was re-investigated using modern analytical techniques. Stannopalladinite occurs as spherical and ovoid-shaped grains up to 0.08 mm, closely intergrown with tetraferroplatinum as part of flattened, prismatic crystals up to 6 mm long. The micro-indentation hardness of stannopalladinite (VHN, 30 g load) is 244 kg/mm2 (range 233–266, n = 4), corresponding to a Mohs hardness of 4. The calculated density is 9.781 g/cm3. In reflected light, stannopalladinite is pale pink. The bireflectance is noticeable only in oil immersion. In crossed nicols the mineral exhibits strong anisotropy with colour effects changing from reddish purple to greyish blue and polysynthetic twinning of grains. The reflectance curves show distinct anomalous dispersion. The chemical composition (wt.%, electron microprobe data, mean of 11 analyses) is: Cu 8.48, Pd 61.21, Pt 0.89, Sn 25.87, Pb 3.70, total 100.15. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 4 atoms per formula unit is (Pd2.42Cu0.56Pt0.02)Σ3.00(Sn0.92Pb0.08)Σ1.00. The ideal chemical formula of stannopalladinite is therefore proposed as (Pd,Cu)3Sn instead of Pd3Sn2 used in the official IMA List of Minerals. The strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs, Å (I, %) (hkl) ]: 2.292 (42) (231), 2.166 (100) (331), 2.034 (10) (710), 1.916 (15) (141) and 1.851 (15) (630). The powder X-ray data are indexed in the orthorhombic unit cell with a = 14.634(2), b = 8.5253(6), c = 4.5946(3) Å and V = 573.24(7) Å3 (Z = 8). Stannopalladinite can be reliably identified among all other minerals belonging to the binary Pd–Sn and ternary Pd–Cu–Sn systems by a combination of chemical, optical and X-ray data.

Auroselenide, ideally AuSe, is a new mineral from the Gaching ore occurrence of the Maletoyvayam deposit, Kamchatka peninsula, Russia. It occurs as anhedral grains up to 0.05 × 0.02 mm and as intergrowths up to 0.06 mm with maletoyvayamite–tolstykhite-series minerals, enclosed in native gold. Other associated minerals include pyrite, calaverite, fischesserite, gachingite, tetrahedrite-group minerals [stibiogoldfieldite, its As-analogue, tennantite-(Cu) and tetrahedrite-(Zn)], tripuhyite, minerals of the famatinite–luzonite and selenium–tellurium series, paraguanajuatite, petrovskaite, součekite and tiemannite. Auroselenide is bluish-grey, opaque with metallic lustre and grey streak. It is brittle and has an uneven fracture. Dcalc = 9.750 g/cm3. In reflected light, auroselenide is grey with a bluish shade. Bireflectance is very weak. No pleochroism and internal reflections are observed. In crossed polars, it is strongly anisotropic with bluish to brownish rotation tints. The reflectance values for wavelengths recommended by the Commission on Ore Mineralogy of the International Mineralogical Association are (Rmin/Rmax, %): 28.4/31.5 (470 nm), 30.2/33.3 (546 nm), 31.9/34.9 (589 nm) and 34.3/37.3 (650 nm). The principal bands in the Raman spectrum of auroselenide are at 93, 171, 200, 210 and 325 cm–1. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 2 atoms per formula unit is (Au0.98Ag0.01)Σ0.99(Se0.79S0.17Te0.05)Σ1.01. Auroselenide is monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 8.319(1), b = 3.616(1), c = 6.276(2) Å, β = 104.54(2)°, V = 182.74(5) Å3 and Z = 4. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å (I, %) (hkl)] are: 4.015 (54) (200); 3.033 (25) (${\bar 1}$11, 002); 2.780 (100) (${\bar 2}$02, 111); 2.172 (20) (${\bar 3}$11, 310); and 1.811 (25) (${\bar 1}$13). Auroselenide is the natural analogue of synthetic β-AuSe. The structural identity between them is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The mineral is named according to its composition, as a combination of the main elements Au (aurum) and Se (selenium).

Tolstykhite, ideally Au3S4Te6, is a new mineral from the Gaching ore occurrence of the Maletoyvayam deposit, Kamchatka peninsula, Russia. It occurs as individual anhedral grains up to 0.05 mm or as intergrowths with native Se, native Te and tripuhyite. Other associated minerals include calaverite, fischesserite, Cu–Te-rich ‘fahlores' [stibiogoldfieldite, ‘arsenogoldfieldite', tennantite-(Cu), tetrahedrite-(Zn)], galena, gold, maletoyvayamite, minerals of famatinite–luzonite series, pyrite, baryte, ilmenite, magnetite, quartz and V-bearing rutile. Tolstykhite is bluish-grey, opaque with metallic lustre and grey streak. It is brittle and has an uneven fracture. Cleavage is good on {010} and {001}. Dcalc = 7.347 g/cm3. In reflected light, tolstykhite is grey with a bluish shade. No bireflectance, pleochroism and internal reflections are observed. In crossed polars, it is weakly anisotropic with bluish to brownish rotation tints. The reflectance values for wavelengths recommended by the Commission on Ore Mineralogy of the International Mineralogical Association are (Rmin/Rmax, %): 32.6/34.3 (470 nm), 32.4/34.1 (546 nm), 32.6/34.5 (589 nm) and 33.0/35.0 (650 nm). The Raman spectrum of tolstykhite contains the main bands at 297, 203, 181, 151 and 127 cm–1. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 13 atoms per formula unit is (Au2.98Ag0.01)Σ2.99(S3.59Se0.41)Σ4.00Te6.01. Tolstykhite is triclinic, space group P$\bar{1}$, a = 8.977(5), b = 9.023(2), c = 9.342(6) Å, α = 94.03(3), β = 110.03(3), γ = 104.27(4)°, V = 679.0(3) Å3 and Z = 2. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern [d, Å (I, %) (hkl)] are: 8.59 (18) (010); 2.90 (100) (0$\bar{1}$3); 2.23 (13) (13$\bar{3}$); 1.89 (21) (13$\bar{4}$). Tolstykhite is the S-analogue of maletoyvayamite, Au3Se4Te6. The structural identity between them is confirmed by powder XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The mineral honours Russian mineralogist Dr. Nadezhda Dmitrievna Tolstykh for her contributions to the mineralogy of gold and platinum-group elements and the study of ore deposits.

Svetlanaite, SnSe is a new mineral discovered from the high-sulfidation epithermal Au-deposit Ozernovskoe, Kamchatka peninsula, Russia. It forms tiny euhedral spindles (0.5–2 μm × 10–15 μm) in quartz, in close association with cassiterite, rutile, mohite, mawsonite, kiddcreekite, hemusite, tellurium, kostovite and Se-bearing ‘fahlores’ (Se-goldfieldite–Se(Bi)-tetrahedrite–Se-tennantite). In plane-polarised light, svetlanaite is light-grey, pleochroic from white to cream and strongly anisotropic in shades of light blue, dark blue, khaki and orange–brown; it exhibits no internal reflections. Reflectance values of synthetic analogue of svetlanaite in air (R1,R2 in %) are: 50.9, 56.5 at 470 nm, 50.2, 56.7 at 546 nm, 49.5, 55.3 at 589 nm and 48.7, 53.4 at 650 nm. Twelve electron-microprobe analyses of svetlanaite give an average composition: Sn 61.30, Se 37.22 and S 1.25 total 99.79 wt.%, corresponding to the empirical formula Sn1.01(Se0.92S0.07)Σ0.99 based on 2 atoms; the average of seven analyses on its synthetic analogue is: Sn 59.98 and Se 39.71, total 99.59 wt.%, corresponding to Sn1.00Se1.00. The density, calculated on the basis of the empirical formula, is 6.08 g/cm3. The mineral is orthorhombic, space group Pnma, with a = 11.500(2), b = 4.154(2), c = 4.445(2) Å, V = 212.34(14) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure was solved and refined from the powder X-ray-diffraction data of synthetic SnSe. It crystallises in the GeS-structure type. It is isostructural with the mineral herzenbergite (SnS). The mineral name is in honour of Svetlana K. Smirnova, a Russian mineralogist, for her contributions to geology in the epithermal Au–Ag deposits of the Tien–Shan region.

Gachingite, Au(Te1–xSex), 0.2 ≈ x ≤ 0.5, is a new mineral discovered in the Gaching ore occurrence of the Maletoyvayam epithermal deposit, Kamchatka, Russia. Gachingite forms individual droplet-like grains of sizes from 2 to 10 μm included in native gold (Au–Ag), associated with calaverite, maletoyvayamite, watanabeite and Au–Sb oxides. The aggregates do not exceed 100 μm in diameter. In plane-polarised light, gachingite is grey with a bluish tint, has bireflectance (bluish-grey to deep grey), and strong anisotropy with rotation tints blue to dark blue to brown. Reflectance values for gachingite in air (Rmin, Rmax in %) are: 39.9, 40.3 at 470 nm; 41.6, 43.3 at 546 nm; 42.0, 43.7 at 589 nm; and 43.0, 44.0 at 650 nm. Eighteen electron-microprobe analyses of gachingite gave an average composition: Au 62.40, Ag 0.57, Se 9.78, Te 27.33 and S 0.01, total 100.09 wt.%, corresponding to the formula (Au0.96Ag0.02)Σ0.98(Te0.65Se0.37)Σ1.02 based on 2 apfu, the simplified formula is Au(Te0.65Se0.35); the average analyses of its synthetic analogue is Au 65.7, Se 13.1 and Te 21.1, total 99.9 wt.%, corresponding to Au1.00(Te0.50Se0.50). The calculated density is 10.47 g/cm3. The mineral is orthorhombic, space group Cmce (#64) with a = 7.5379 Å, b = 5.7415 Å, c = 8.8985 Å, V = 385.12 Å3 and Z = 8. The crystal structure was solved and refined from the single-crystal X-ray-diffraction data of synthetic Au1.00(Te0.50Se0.50). The crystal structure of gachingite represents a unique structure type, containing linear [Au–Au–Au] chains running along the b-axis indicating strong metallic interaction in one direction. The structural identity of gachingite and its synthetic analogue Au1.00(Te0.50Se0.50) was confirmed by electron back-scatter diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The formation of gachingite requires an abundant source of Au and Se and a high oxidising environment. Gachingite is related to the gold-bearing productive stage of ore mineralisation, which is stable at 250°C in log$f_{{\rm S}{\rm e}_ 2}$ range of −12.4 and −5.7. The mineral is named after its type locality.

Sluzhenikinite, Pd15(Sb7–xSnx) with 3 ≤ x ≤ 4, is a new mineral discovered in the pegmatoidal galena–chalcopyrite massive ore from the Oktyabrsk mine, Oktyabrsk deposit of the Noril`sk deposits, Russia. Sluzhenikinite forms euhedral elongate lamellar crystals (100–150 μm long and 10–50 μm wide) associated with Au–Ag alloy, insizwaite and myrmekitic intergrowths of Pt–Pd minerals (stibiopalladinite, maslovite and sobolevskite), in close association of sperrylite and base-metal sulfides (galena, chalcopyrite, cubanite and pentlandite). In plane-polarised light, sluzhenikinite is pale brown with weak bireflectance, imperceptible pleochroism, and weak anisotropy with straw yellow to deep blue rotation tints; it exhibits no internal reflections. Reflectance values for sluzhenikinite in air (R1,R2 in %) are: 46.2, 46.5 at 470nm; 52.1, 52.2 at 546nm; 54.7, 55.1 at 589nm; and 57.8, 59.0 at 650nm. Thirteen electron-microprobe analyses of sluzhenikinite gave an average composition: Pd 65.06, Sn 15.60 and Sb 19.58, total 100.24 wt.%, corresponding to the formula Pd14.88(Sb3.92Sn3.20)Σ7.12 based on 22 atoms; the average of twenty-one energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses on co-type material gave: Pd 63.36, Pt 1.15, Sn 16.28 and Sb 19.21, total 100.00 wt.%, corresponding to the formula (Pd14.62Pt0.14)Σ14.76(Sb3.87Sn3.37)Σ7.24. The density, calculated on the basis of the empirical formula, is 11.22 g/cm3. The mineral is monoclinic, space group P21/m, with a = 7.5558(1), b = 29.2967(3), c = 7.5713(1) Å, β = 119.931(2)°, V = 1452.44(4) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure was determined using data from single-crystal X-ray diffraction and demonstrates conclusively that the correct stoichiometry is Pd15(Sb,Sn)7, rather than Pd2(Sb,Sn); R1 = 0.035, wR2 = 0.073, GoF = 1.118 for 209 refined parameters and 4738 unique reflections. The mineral is named after Sergey Fedorovich Sluzhenikin, an expert on platinum-group minerals, particularly from the area of the type locality.

Kufahrite, PtPb, is a new mineral (IMA2020-045) from the Ledyanoy Creek placer, Koryak Highlands, Russia. The mineral was found in isoferroplatinum (Pt3Fe) grains extracted from a heavy-mineral concentrate, together with tetraferroplatinum (PtFe), tulameenite (Pt2FeCu), native iridium, hollingworthite (RhAsS) and Cr-rich spinel. Kufahrite occurs as part of alteration rims which are formed together with tetraferroplatinum after isoferroplatinum, or as grains up to 150 μm in size. According to powder X-ray diffraction analyses kufahrite is isotypic to its synthetic analogue, it is hexagonal and crystallises in space group P63/mmc adopting the nickeline structure type. Its unit-cell parameters are: a = 4.2492(6) Å; c = 5.486(6) Å; V = 85.78 Å3 and Z = 2. The calculated density is 14.80 g/cm–3. The strongest diffraction lines are [d, Å (I, %) (hkl)]: 3.052 (80) (101), 2.197 (100) (102), 2.125 (28) (110), 1.747 (18) (210), 1.528 (35) (202), 1.240 (18) (212) and 0.958 (22) (312). The Vickers hardness is 295 kg/mm2 (range 262–320, n = 5), corresponding to a Mohs hardness of 4. The empirical formula of kufahrite, calculated from a mean value of 23 electron-microprobe analyses is (Pt0.94Rh0.04)Σ0.98(Pb0.83Sb0.19)Σ1.02. The name (pronounced as [ku fa rait]) honours Fahrid Shakirovitch Kutyev (1943‒1993), a geologist from the Institute of Volcanology of USSR Academy of Sciences, who played a key role in the discovery of the Koryak–Kamchatka Platinum Belt, including the Ledyanoy Creek placer platinum deposit, where the new mineral has been discovered.

Panskyite, Pd9Ag2Pb2S4, is a new mineral (IMA2020–039) discovered in the platinum-group element mineralisation of the Southern Kievey ore occurrence of the Fedorova–Pana layered intrusion, Kola Peninsula, Russia. It forms tiny anhedral grains (of 0.5 to 10 μm in size) in the interstices of rock-forming silicates, often forming tiny inclusions in base-metal sulfides (millerite, chalcopyrite, bornite and chalcocite) and complex intergrowths with other platinum group minerals (zvyagintsevite, laflammeite, vysotskite, thalhammerite, unnamed phase Pd9Ag2(Tl,Pb)2S4 and others). In plane-polarised light, panskyite is creamy white with weak bireflectance, weak pleochroism and distinct anisotropy with brown to grey rotation tints; it exhibits no internal reflections. Reflectance values for panskyite in air (R1, R2 in %) are: 43.8, 44.1 at 470 nm; 44.4, 44.7 at 546 nm; 45.6, 45.8 at 589 nm; and 47.2, 47.2 at 650 nm. Twelve electron-microprobe analyses of panskyite gave an average composition: Pd 55.61, Ag 12.36, Pb 23.50, Fe 0.21, Ni 0.24 and S 7.17 total 99.09 wt.%, corresponding to the formula (Pd9.05Fe0.07Ni0.07)Σ9.19Ag1.98Pb1.96S3.87 based on 17 atoms; the average of nine analyses on the synthetic analogue is: Pd 57.02, Ag 14.17, Pb 21.81 and S 7.44, total 100.44 wt.%, corresponding to Pd9.07Ag2.22Pb1.78S3.93. The density, calculated on the basis of the empirical formula, is 9.81 g/cm3. The mineral is tetragonal, space group I4/mmm, with a = 7.973(3), c = 9.139(3) Å, V = 581.0(4) Å3 and Z = 2. The crystal structure was solved from the single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data of synthetic Pd9Ag2Pb2S4. Panskyite is isostructural with thalhammerite (Pd9Ag2Bi2S4). The mineral name is for the locality, the Pansky massif of the Fedorova–Pana layered intrusion in the Kola Peninsula, Russia.

Bowlesite is a new mineral discovered in the Merensky Reef of the Rustenburg Platinum Mine, Bushveld complex, South Africa. Bowlesite forms tiny grains (maximum dimension 20 μm). It is associated with sulfides including chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and pentlandite, in contact with silicates including plagioclase, pyroxene- and minor serpentine-subgroup and amphibole-supergroup minerals. Bowlesite is brittle and has a metallic lustre. In plane-polarised light, bowlesite has a light bluish grey colour. It shows weak bireflectance, no pleochroism and has weak anisotropism. Internal reflections were not observed. Reflectance values of bowlesite in air (R1, R2 in %) are: 50.3–51.4 at 470 nm, 48.5–48.9 at 546 nm, 47.9–48.6 at 589 nm and 47.8–48.7 at 650 nm. Ten spot analyses of bowlesite give the average composition: Pt 56.85, Pd 0.02, Sn 34.03 and S 9.15, total 100.05 wt.%, corresponding to the empirical formula (Pt1.001Pd0.001)Σ1.002Sn0.997S1.001, based on 3 atoms per formula unit. The simplified formula is PtSnS. Due to the small size of bowlesite, the crystal structure was solved and refined from the powder X-ray-diffraction data of synthetic PtSnS. The calculated density is 10.06 g⋅cm–3. The mineral is orthorhombic, space group: Pca21 (#29) with a = 6.11511(10), b = 6.12383(10), c = 6.09667(11) Å, V = 228.31(1) Å3 and Z = 4. Bowlesite is isotypic with cobaltite, CoAsS. The origin of bowlesite is probably related to low-T exsolution of Pt–Sn phases from high-T sulfides crystallised from the sulfide melt. The mineral honours Dr. John Bowles (Manchester University, UK) for his contributions to ore mineralogy and mineral deposits related to mafic–ultramafic rocks.

Maletoyvayamite, Au3Se4Te6, is a new mineral discovered in a heavy-mineral concentrate from the Gaching occurrence of the Maletoyvayam deposit, Kamchatka, Russia (60°19′51.87″N, 164°46′25.65″E). It forms anhedral grains (10 to 50 μm in size) and is found in intergrowths with native gold (Au–Ag), Au tellurides (calaverite), unnamed phases (AuSe, Au2TeSe and Au oxide), native tellurium, sulfosalts (tennantite, tetrahedrite, goldfieldite and watanabeite) and supergene tripuhyite. Maletoyvayamite has a good cleavage on {010} and {001}. In plane-polarised light, maletoyvayamite is grey, has strong bireflectance (grey to bluish grey), and strong anisotropy; it exhibits no internal reflections. Reflectance values for maletoyvayamite in air (Rmin,Rmax in %) are: 38.9, 39.1 at 470 nm; 39.3, 39.5 at 546 nm; 39.3, 39.6 at 589 nm; and 39.4, 39.7 at 650 nm. Sixteen electron-microprobe analyses of maletoyvayamite gave an average composition: Au 34.46, Se 16.76, Te 47.23 and S 0.84, total 99.29 wt.%, corresponding to the formula Au2.90(Se3.52S0.44)Σ3.96Te6.14 based on 13 atoms; the average of eleven analyses on synthetic analogue is: Au 34.20, Se 19.68 and Te 45.42, total 99.30 wt.%, corresponding to Au2.90Se4.16Te5.94. The calculated density is 7.98 g/cm3. The mineral is triclinic, space group P1, with a = 8.901(2), b = 9.0451(14), c = 9.265(4) Å, α = 97.66(3), β = 106.70(2), γ = 101.399(14)°, V = 685.9(4) Å3 and Z = 2. The crystal structure of maletoyvayamite represents a unique structure type resembling a molecular structure. There are cube-like [Au6Se8Te12] clusters linked via van der Waals interactions. The structural identity of maletoyvayamite with the synthetic Au3Se4Te6 was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.

Phase equilibria in the system Pd–Ag–S were studied using the silica-glass tube method at 400°C and 550°C. In the system we synthesised three ternary phases: coldwellite (Pd3Ag2S), kravtsovite (PdAg2S) and a new phase Pd13Ag3S4. At 400°С, coldwellite forms a stable association with vysotskite (PdS) and vasilite (Pd16S7); vysotskite and kravtsovite; phase Pd4S and a Ag–Pd alloy; it also coexists with a new phase Pd13Ag3S4. Kravtsovite is stable up to 507°C; the presence of kravtsovite in the mineral assemblage reflects its formation below this temperature. The occurrence of coldwellite, vysotskite and Ag2S together in equilibrium reflects the formation of this mineral assemblage above this temperature (507°C). Coldwellite is stable up at 940°С. Mineral assemblages defined in this study can be expected in Cu–Ni–PGE mineral deposits, associated with mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, in particular in mineralisations with known silver–palladium sulfides.

Nipalarsite, Ni8Pd3As4, is a new platinum-group mineral discovered in the sulfide-bearing orthopyroxenite of the Monchetundra layered intrusion, Kola Peninsula, Russia (67°52′22″N, 32°47′60″E). Nipalarsite forms anhedral grains (5–80 µm in size) in intergrowths with sperrylite, kotulskite, hollingworthite, isomertieite, menshikovite, palarstanide, nielsenite and monchetundtraite enclosed in pentlandite, anthophyllite, actinolite and chlorite. Nipalarsite is brittle, has a metallic lustre and a grey streak. In plane-polarised light, nipalarsite is light grey with a blue tinge. Reflectance values in air (in %) are: 46.06 at 470 nm, 48.74 at 546 nm, 50.64 at 589 nm and 54.12 at 650 nm. Values of VHN20 fall between 400.5 and 449.2 kg.mm–2, with a mean value of 429.9 kg.mm–2, corresponding to a Mohs hardness of ~4. The average result of 27 electron microprobe wavelength dispersive spectroscopy analyses of nipalarsite is (wt.%): Ni 44.011, Pd 28.74, Fe0.32, Cu 0.85, Pt 0.01, Au 0.05, As 25.42, Sb 0.05, Te 0.39, total 99.85. The empirical formula (normalised to 15 atoms per formula unit) is: (Ni8.10Fe0.06)Σ8.16(Pd2.94Cu0.18)Σ3.12(As3.68Te0.03)Σ3.71 or, ideally, Ni8Pd3As4. Nipalarsite is cubic, space group Fm$\bar{3}$m, with a = 11.4428(9) Å, V = 1498.3(4) Å3 and Z = 8. The strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern of synthetic Ni8Pd3As4 [d, Å (I) (hkl)] are: 2.859(10)(004), 2.623(6)(313), 2.557(6)(024), 2.334(11)(224), 2.201(35)(115,333), 2.021(100)(044), 1.906(8)(006,244) and 1.429(7)(008). The crystal structure was solved and refined from the single-crystal X-ray diffraction data of synthetic Ni8Pd3As4. The relation between natural and synthetic nipalarsite is illustrated by an electron back-scattered diffraction study of natural nipalarsite. The density calculated on the basis of the empirical formula of nipalarsite is 9.60 g.cm–3. The mineral name corresponds to the three main elements: Ni, Pd and As.

Mitrofanovite, Pt3Te4, is a new telluride discovered in low-sulfide disseminated ore in the East Chuarvy deposit, Fedorovo–Pana intrusion, Kola Peninsula, Russia. It forms anhedral grains (up to ~20 μm × 50 μm) commonly in intergrowths with moncheite in aggregates with lukkulaisvaaraite, kotulskite, vysotskite, braggite, keithconnite, rustenburgite and Pt–Fe alloys hosted by a chalcopyrite–pentlandite–pyrrhotite matrix. Associated silicates are: orthopyroxene, augite, olivine, amphiboles and plagioclase. Mitrofanovite is brittle; it has a metallic lustre and a grey streak. Mitrofanovite has a good cleavage, along {001}. In plane-polarised light, mitrofanovite is bright white with medium to strong bireflectance, slight pleochroism, and strong anisotropy on non-basal sections with greyish brown rotation tints; it exhibits no internal reflections. Reflectance values for the synthetic analogue of mitrofanovite in air (Ro, Re’ in %) are: 58.4, 54.6 at 470 nm; 62.7, 58.0 at 546 nm; 63.4, 59.1 at 589 nm; and 63.6, 59.5 at 650 nm. Fifteen electron-microprobe analyses of mitrofanovite gave an average composition: Pt 52.08, Pd 0.19, Te 47.08 and Bi 0.91, total 100.27 wt.%, corresponding to the formula (Pt2.91Pd0.02)Σ2.93(Te4.02Bi0.05)Σ4.07 based on 7 atoms; the average of eleven analyses on synthetic analogue is: Pt 52.57 and Te 47.45, total 100.02 wt.%, corresponding to Pt2.94Te4.06. The density, calculated on the basis of the formula, is 11.18 g/cm3. The mineral is trigonal, space group R$\overline 3 $m, with a = 3.9874(1), c = 35.361(1) Å, V = 486.91(2) Å3 and Z = 3. The crystal structure was solved and refined from the powder X-ray-diffraction data of synthetic Pt3Te4. Mitrofanovite is structurally and chemically related to moncheite (PtTe2). The strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern of synthetic mitrofanovite [d in Å (I) (hkl)] are: 11.790(23)(003), 5.891(100)(006), 2.851(26)(107), 2.137(16)(1013), 2.039(18)(0114), 1.574(24)(0120), 1.3098(21)(0027). The structural identity of natural mitrofanovite with synthetic Pt3Te4 was confirmed by electron backscatter diffraction measurements on the natural sample. The mineral name is chosen to honour Felix P. Mitrofanov, a Russian geologist who was among the first to discover platinum-group element mineralisation in the Fedorova–Pana complex.

Pampaloite, AuSbTe, is a new mineral discovered in the Pampalo gold mine, 65 km east of Joensuu, Finland. It forms anhedral grains (up to ~20 μm) intergrown with gold, frohbergite and altaite. Pampaloite is brittle and has a metallic lustre. Values of VHN25 lie between 245 and 295 kg/mm2, with a mean value of 276 kg/mm2, corresponding to a Mohs hardness of ~4–5 (measured on synthetic material). In plane-polarised light, pampaloite is white with medium to strong bireflectance, weak reflectance pleochroism from slightly pinkish brown to slightly bluish white (only visible in grains of synthetic material containing multiple orientations), and strong anisotropy, with blue to light brown rotation tints; it exhibits no internal reflections. Reflectance values of pampaloite in air (R1,R2 in %) are: 60.0, 62.5 at 470 nm, 62.5, 64.8 at 546 nm, 63.2, 65.6 at 589 nm and 63.7, 66.0 at 650 nm. Ten electron-microprobe analyses of natural pampaloite give an average composition: Au 44.13, Sb 27.44 and Te 28.74, total 100.31 wt.%, corresponding to the empirical formula Au1.00Sb1.00Te1.00 based on 3 atoms; the average of eleven analyses on synthetic pampaloite is: Au 44.03, Sb 27.26, and Te 29.08, total 100.38 wt.%, corresponding to Au0.99Sb1.00Te1.01. The density, calculated on the basis of the empirical formula, is 9.33 g/cm3.The mineral is monoclinic, space group C2/c, with a = 11.947(3), b = 4.481(1) Å, c = 12.335(3) Å, β = 105.83(2)°, V = 635.3(3) Å3 and Z = 8. The crystal structure was solved and refined from the single-crystal X-ray-diffraction data of synthetic AuSbTe. The pampaloite crystal structure can be considered as a monoclinic derivative of the CdI2 structure composed of [AuTe3Sb3] octahedra. The strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern of synthetic pampaloite [d in Å (I) (hkl)] are: 4.846(24)($\bar{2}$02), 3.825(18)(111), 2.978(100)($\bar{3}$11), 2.968(50)(004), 2.242(25)(020), 2.144(55)(313), 2.063(33)($\bar{3}$15) and 1.789(18)(024).

The Gaching high-sulfidation epithermal deposit in the Maletoyvayam ore field features a wide range of Se-containing minerals and selenides, as well as complex gold oxides, Au tellurides (calaverite, krennerite) and native gold typical for epithermal deposits. Pyrite included in quartzites and quartz-alunite rocks was probably formed during an early stage of the ore-forming process. During the following Au-rich stage, the $f_{{\rm S}{\rm e}_{\rm 2}}$/$f_{{\rm S}_{\rm 2}}$ increased with $f_{{\rm O}_{\rm 2}}$ being relatively high, resulting in the formation of very rare compounds that have not been previously described in nature. These include Au2Te4(Se,S)3, Se3Te2, AuSe and Au(Te,Se,S) phases. The Au2Te4(Se,S)3 compounds have some variations in composition: the complete isomorphic series between Au2Te4Se3 and Au2Te4S3 was observed. The gold and Au-minerals at the main ore stage can be stable within a range of log$f_{{\rm O}_{\rm 2}}$ of −27.3 and atmospheric oxygen (?); log$f_{{\rm S}{\rm e}_{\rm 2}}$ between −12.4 and −5.7; log$f_{{\rm T}{\rm e}_{\rm 2}}$ between −10.5 and −7.8; and log$f_{{\rm S}_{\rm 2}}$ between −12.8 and −6.8 (at 250°C). The increasing oxygen fugacity during the final stage of mineralization resulted in the formation of complex Sb,As,Te,S-bearing Au oxides. Gold-oxide formation occurs due to oxidation of Au-tellurides. The final products of this process are newly-formed secondary mustard gold and Te–Se solid solutions.

We describe occurrences of palladoan melonite in intimate intergrowths with cobaltite-gersdorffite from the Neoproterozoic dunite-wehrlite-gabbro complexes of Kingash and Kuskanak, Eastern Sayans, Russia. The observed compositional trends of melonite are consistent with the overallvariations examined on the basis of numerous literature sources. The levels of Bi in NiTe2 are normally limited to ≤0.25 Bi atoms per formula unit (apfu), under natural conditions. Greater levels (≤0.5 Bi apfu) are associated with the (Pd + Pt) enrichment in the palladoanvarieties. The telluride–sulfarsenide intergrowths probably formed at Kingash and Kuskanak late in the crystallization history of the ore zones, from microdroplets of residual melt rich in semimetals (Te, Bi, As) and noble metals (Pd and Ag), below the solidus of the enclosing gabbroicrocks and within a narrow range of temperatures (500–550°C). On the basis of our observations made on specimens of melonite and synthetic Ni(Te,Bi)2–x (x = 0.6), we infer that the limit of incorporation of Bi into a melonitetype phase is ≤0.5 Bi apfu.

The phase equilibria in the system Ag–Pd–Te were studied by the technique of using an evacuated silica glass tube at 350° and 450°C. Five ternary phases were synthesized: sopcheite (Pd3Ag4Te4), lukkulaisvaaraite (Pd14Ag2Te9),telargpalite (Pd2–xAg1+xTe) and the previously unknown phases Pd7.5–xAg0.5+ xTe3 and Pd2+xAg2–xTe.The synthetic telargpalite has a compositional range from 26 to 29 wt.% Ag, with the formula Pd2–xAg1+xTe, where x varies from 0.09 to 0.22. The phase Pd2+xAg2–xTe has a compositional range from 34 to 35 wt.% Ag, where x varies from 0.18 to 0.24. The phase Pd7.5–xAg0.5+xTe3 forms a solid solution from 4 to 11 wt.% Ag, where x varies from 0.02 to 0.83. Phases Pd20Te7and Pd13Te3 dissolve up to 3.5 and 2 wt.% Ag, respectively. Other binary palladium tellurides do not dissolve Ag. The phase Pd3Ag4Te4, an analogue of the mineral sopcheite, forms a stable association with hessite and kotulskite it also coexists with lukkulaisvaaraite. Sopcheite is stable up to 383°C. Natural occurrences of hessite, kotulskite and lukkulaisvaaraite together in equilibrium indicate formation above this temperature. Phase relations defined the mineral assemblages that can be expected to occur in nature.The phase Pd7.5–xAg0.5+xTe3 potentially represents a new mineral; it will probably be found in association with lukkulaisvaaraite and telargpalite or telluropalladinite, among other platinum-group minerals. The phasePd2+xAg2–x Te can be found in association with telargpalite. Mineral assemblages defined in this study can be expected in Cu-Ni-PGE mineral deposits, associated with mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, particularly in mineralized zones with known silver-palladium tellurides.

Improved X-ray powder diffraction data for synthetic PdSn are reported. Powder diffraction data were collected with a laboratory X-ray source (CuKα) for Rietveld refinement. Refined crystallographic data for PdSn (orthorhombic, Pnma) are a=6.1388(4), b=3.89226(3), c=6.3377(4) Å, V=151.43(2) Å3, Z=4, and Dx=9.87 g∕cm3.