Balićžunićite, Bi2O(SO4)2, a new fumarole mineral from La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy

Researchers have discovered Balićžunićite, a new mineral with the chemical formula Bi2O(SO4)2, at La Fossa crater on Vulcano Island within the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands. This high-temperature fumarole sublimate, formed at approximately 600°C, is characterized by its colorless to pale brown, transparent crystals and a vitreous luster. The mineral's structure is triclinic with a calculated density of 5.911 g/cm³. Balićžunićite occurs in association with other minerals such as anglesite, leguernite, and bismutite, among others. The discovery was made through electron microprobe analysis and X-ray powder diffraction, revealing its unique properties and confirming it as the natural analogue of synthetic Bi2O(SO4)2. The mineral is named in honor of Tonci Balić-Žunić, a prominent mineralogist, and has been officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association.

Pinto, D., Garavelli, A., & Mitolo, D. (2014). Balićžunićite, Bi₂O(SO₄)₂, a new fumarole mineral from La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy. Mineralogical Magazine, 78(4), 1043–1055. https://doi.org/10.1180/minmag.2014.078.4.15