Molecular structure of the phosphate mineral brazilianite NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4 - A semi precious jewel

► We have assessed the molecular structure of the mineral brazilianite NaAl3(PO4)2(OH)4. ► It is a semi precious jewel. ► Brazilianite is composed of chains of edge-sharing Al-O octahedra linked by P-O tetrahedra. ► Raman spectroscopy proves the presence of both phosphate and hydrogen phosphate units.