The crystal structure of antimonian asbecasite in an ejectum of hypabyssal origin occurring at Tre Croci near Vetralla, Vico volcanic complex, Roman potassic province, Latium, Italy, has been refined to R = 0.042, and is compared to the original crystal structure determination carried out on the Sb-free asbecasite of hydrothermal metamorphic origin from the type-locality, Cherbandung in Binna valley, Monte Leone nappe, Switzerland. New electron microprobe analyses of samples from both localities demonstrate crystal-chemical features that permit distinction between asbecasites from the two occurrences, so far the only known localities for this mineral.

The Mo-W-O thin films were deposited by RF reactive sputtering from composite target of W and Mo (20:80 weight ratio). Structural characterisation was carried out by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and the composition of the film was obtained by Rutherford backscattering analysis. The layers were investigated by volt-amperometric technique for electrical and gas-sensing properties. The films were capable of sensing CO. No effect of poisoning of the surface was recorded and recovery of the resistance was complete. A concentration of CO as low as 15 ppm produced a relative variation in the conductance of 390% with response and recovery times of about 2 minutes at a working temperature of 200°C.