Renowned diamond expert and scholar, Graham Pearson, has been honored with a newly-discovered mineral named after him, approved by the International Mineralogical Association. The mineral, Grahampearsonite, was unearthed in Brazil within a deep-Earth diamond.
Pearson, a mantle geochemist at the University of Alberta, has dedicated years to studying mantle geology and mineralogy, establishing himself as a leading authority on diamonds and their insights into the Earth’s interior. His research in Brazil a decade ago played a crucial role in elucidating the composition and water content of the Earth’s deep mantle through deep-mine diamonds.
Describing the recognition as “very humbling,” Pearson emphasized the significance of having a mineral named in his honor, highlighting the rarity of such accolades as the discovery of new minerals is becoming increasingly scarce. Grahampearsonite was found inside a diamond crystallized at depths exceeding 300 kilometers below Brazil’s surface in the Juina region.
The mineral’s chemical composition comprises calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen, with its unique crystal structure unveiled through X-ray analysis while encapsulated in the diamond. Initially known as a synthetic material, Grahampearsonite, also referred to as calcium pyrophosphate, had only been produced artificially until its natural occurrence was confirmed.
Pearson’s exceptional contributions to diamond research led an international team to name the mineral after him, acknowledging his groundbreaking work in the field. Beyond his achievements in mapping the Earth’s mantle history, Pearson has revolutionized geochemical analysis techniques and pioneered methods for dating minuscule geological samples.
Born in the UK and raised in a mining town, Pearson’s fascination with diamonds was sparked by his PhD advisor’s research on a rare graphite mineral formerly a diamond. Relocating to Canada in 2010, Pearson established the Arctic Resources Geochemistry Laboratory, continuing his exploration of minerals and diamonds in the Arctic region.
Pearson stressed the importance of ongoing mineral discoveries, emphasizing the unique properties of natural minerals compared to synthetic ones. He underscored diamonds’ ability to encapsulate pressures and insights into Earth’s deep processes, noting that advancements in microscope technology are aiding the discovery of new minerals.
With approximately half of the Earth’s minerals yet to be discovered, Pearson remains optimistic about uncovering the remaining 4,000 minerals awaiting identification, out of an estimated total of 8,800 mineral varieties.
