Jeanbandyite is a relatively rare mineral that belongs to the class of phosphate minerals. It is named after the locality where it was first discovered in Jean-Baptiste mine, Matagami, Quebec, Canada. The mineral typically forms as bladed or prismatic crystals, often occurring in aggregates or as crusts on the rock matrix.
Chemically, jeanbandyite is a complex phosphate mineral that contains both phosphorus and vanadium. Its chemical formula is commonly expressed as Fe2+V3+2(PO4)2(OH)2·4H2O. This composition suggests that the mineral contains iron, vanadium, phosphorus, and hydroxyl groups, alongside four water molecules. Jeanbandyite exhibits a triclinic crystal system, which means that its crystal structure is characterized by three unequal axes that intersect at non-orthogonal angles.
In terms of its physical properties, jeanbandyite is known to have a pale green to greenish-blue color, with a vitreous to greasy luster. It possesses a relatively low hardness, typically ranging between 2.5 and 3 on the Mohs scale. Furthermore, its specific gravity, a measure of its density compared to water, usually falls around 2.71.
Due to its scarcity and limited occurrence, jeanbandyite does not hold significant commercial or industrial applications. However, as a mineral of scientific interest, it contributes to the study of geological formations and mineralogical compositions. It is often sought after by researchers, mineral collectors, and enthusiasts due to its distinctive crystal habit and unique chemical composition.
