In 2002, a new gem mineral of commercial importance
was discovered. In accordance with the need for all
new mineral discoveries to be scientifically
characterized (see Nickel and Grice, 1998), the
gemological community anxiously awaited the results
of tests to positively identify the new mineral
(Hawthorne et al., 2003, Hawthorne et al., submitted
and Laurs et al., 2003). This period of analysis
brought into play the question: Exactly what
procedures are necessary for the positive
characterization of a new mineral
