The mineral jarosite (KFe₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆) is commonly found in environments such as acid sulphate soils, acid mine wastes, saline lakes and hypogene systems. It is also produced in some hydrometallurgical operations (such as zinc processing) to remove unwanted iron and improve metal concentrates. In many, if not all, systems microbes also exist, often being a critical component of them. The relationship between jarosite and microbes is, however, not fully understood. In the case of acid mine drainage, jarosite formation could be extremely beneficial by locking away toxic metals often released by the high acidity but this depends on the stability of the jarosite in this environment. As a precursor to understanding the impact microbes have on jarosite formation, we have looked at small amino acids. Even if such small molecules are not incorporated into the jarosite mineral structure, it is probable that they will interact with growing crystallites to modify their growth rate, morphology and particle size.

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1. Anionic, inorganic crystallization promoters - the curious case of sodium sulfite and sodium dithionate impacts on barium sulfate crystallization