Structural and chemical complexity of minerals: an update

Abstract The complexities of chemical composition and crystal structure are fundamental characteristics minerals that have high relevance to the understanding their stability, occurrence evolution. This review summarises recent developments in field mineral complexity outlines possible directions for its future elaboration. database structural parameters is updated by H-correction structures with unknown H positions inclusion new data. revised average values (arithmetic means) all 3.54(2) bits/atom 345(10) bits/cell (based upon 4443 reports). distributions atomic information amounts, chem I G str , versus number species fit normal modes, whereas total complexities, G,total along numbers atoms per formula unit cell log normal. three most complex known today ewingite, morrisonite ilmajokite, either discovered or structurally characterised within last five years. important complexity-generating mechanisms are: (1) presence isolated large clusters; (2) clusters linked together form three-dimensional frameworks; (3) formation modular (4) layers; (5) hydration state salts heteropolyhedral units; (6) ordered superstructures relatively simple types. relations between symmetry considered. analysis temporal dynamics mineralogical discoveries since 1875 step 25 years show increasing human knowledge kingdom history mineralogy. In Earth's history, both diversity experience dramatic increases associated continental crust, initiation plate tectonics Great Oxidation event.