Aklimaite

Chemical formula: Ca₄[Si₂O₅(OH)₂](OH)₄·₅H₂O

Aklimaite is a very rare, hydrated calcium silicate, forming colorless, tabular crystals aggregated into spherical forms.

## Characteristics Aklimaite is a mineral from the silicate group, chemically classified as a hydrated calcium silicate. It forms very small, colorless, and transparent crystals with a tabular or bladed habit. Characteristic forms of occurrence are radial aggregates and spherulites, reaching up to 1.5 mm in diameter, composed of densely packed, tiny crystals. ## Physical Properties This mineral is very soft, with a hardness of about 2 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can be scratched with a fingernail. It has a density of 2.16 g/cm³, making it relatively light. It exhibits a vitreous luster. ## Colors and Varieties Aklimaite is colorless. No colored varieties or trade names are known. ## History and Name The mineral's name comes from the Aklima stream, near which its discovery site is located – the Bazhenovskoe (Russian: Баженовское) chrysotile asbestos deposit in the Sverdlovsk Oblast, Ural Mountains, Russia. It was officially recognized as a new mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2018. ## Uses Aklimaite has no industrial application. It is solely an object of scientific and collector interest as a very rare mineralogical species.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Density: 2.16
Cleavage: Perfect on {010}
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Characteristic features of aklimaite include its unique form of occurrence as spherulites composed of tabular crystals, colorlessness, low hardness, and vitreous luster. Its specific geological environment – occurrence within chrysotile asbestos veins – is also crucial for identification. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other white or colorless silicates forming radial aggregates, such as pectolite or xonotlite. However, pectolite is significantly harder (approx. 5 on the Mohs scale). Definitive differentiation requires advanced analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD). ## Crystal Forms Crystals are thin-tabular or bladed. They almost always occur in the form of radial aggregates or spherulites.

Geological environment

## Genesis Aklimaite is a hydrothermal mineral, crystallizing at low temperatures. It forms within rodingite-like metasomatites that develop in chrysotile asbestos veins cutting serpentinites. ## Mineral Associations It most commonly co-occurs with pectolite, thaumasite, and xonotlite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of aklimaite in the world is its type locality – the Bazhenovskoe deposit near the city of Asbest in the Sverdlovsk Oblast, Ural Mountains (Russia).

Rarity

Very rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria For such a rare mineral, occurring mainly as microscopic specimens, the most important evaluation criteria are: the size and perfection of spherulite formation, the richness of the specimen (number of aggregates on the rock matrix), and aesthetic associations with other minerals. ## Popular Localities Collector specimens come exclusively from one location in the world – the Bazhenovskoe deposit in the Ural Mountains, Russia.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Aklimaite specimens are extremely delicate and brittle. For dust removal, it is best to use compressed air from a safe distance or a very soft, dry brush. Avoid wet cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners, which can irreversibly damage the specimen. ## What to Avoid The mineral is very soft, so it must be protected from scratching and any impact. As a hydrated mineral, it may be sensitive to high temperatures and very dry air, which can lead to dehydration and structural damage. Contact with chemicals should be strictly avoided. ## Storage It is recommended to store specimens in closed, padded micromount boxes, which protect against mechanical damage, dust, and fluctuations in ambient humidity.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)