Multiple dimensionalities in (SO) ( = Rb, Cs; = Co, Ni) analogues.

New representatives of the (SO) ( = Rb and Cs, = Co, Ni) family were found, inspired by the discovery and characterization of itelmenite, a mineral of composition NaCuMg(SO). Four new compounds were obtained by high-temperature solid-state reactions in air. All new compounds were structurally characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction.

Morphotropism in fumarolic mineral-related anhydrous sulfates: novel representatives in AM(SO) and AM(SO) series.

The discovery of numerous endemic anhydrous sulfate minerals in fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano (Kamchatka, Russia) has revived interest in the whole family of anhydrous sulfates. Herein is reported the crystal structure of CsCu(SO) which adds important data on the `final' contributor with the largest A cation to the A[Cu(SO)] morphotropic series (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs), the `initial' structurally characterized representative of this family being saranchinaite NaCu(SO). With increasing ionic radius of the alkali metal cation(s), embedded in the [Cu(SO)] framework, symmetry-breaking transformations occur.

From ( = 1) Spin Hexamer to Spin Tetradecamer by CuO Interstitials in ACuO(CuO)(SO) (A = alkali).

(Na,K)CuO(SO) compounds form structural chains of Cu hexameric units with nominal = 1 spins due to the interplay between inner strong antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic exchanges. We show here that the lattice relaxation after the replacement of alkali by larger Rb and Cs ones is accompanied by the insertion of neutral CuO species into (Rb,Cs)CuO(CuO)(SO) phases. Structurally, interstitial CuO links the next two Cu units in longer Cu tetradecameric ones.

Hydrocerussite-related minerals and materials: structural principles, chemical variations and infrared spectroscopy.

White lead or basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO·Pb(OH), the synthetic analogue of hydrocerussite Pb(OH)(CO), has been known since antiquity as the most frequently used white paint. A number of different minerals and synthetic materials compositionally and structurally related to hydrocerussite have been described within the last two decades. Herein, a review is given of general structural principles, chemical variations and IR spectra of the rapidly growing family of hydrocerussite-related minerals and synthetic materials.