Type-mineralogy of Rwanda with particular reference to the Buranga pegmatite

Abstract

The type-mineralogy of Rwanda is reviewed. Six type-mineral names are presented, comprising four approved valid species and two non-valid phases. An unnamed mineral is also given. The four approved species are described from two type localities: Buranga and Lutsiro. One of these minerals remains unique to the type occurrence. All but one of the described type-phases occur in the Buranga pegmatite, which is host to over hundred other valid species. More than half the recorded minerals from Buranga are phosphates of which two compositional groups are recognised: Al-dominant and Fe-Mn-dominant phases.