Anatolygurbanovite

Chemical formula: SrCa₂Si₃O₉

Anatolygurbanovite is a very rare strontium and calcium silicate, forming colorless, tabular crystals with a vitreous luster.

## Characteristics Anatolygurbanovite is an extremely rare mineral from the silicate group, chemically classified as a strontium and calcium silicate. It occurs as very small, colorless, tabular crystals, reaching sizes up to 0.3 x 0.2 x 0.05 mm. It typically forms aggregates or appears as single, isolated crystals as inclusions in other minerals. ## Physical Properties The mineral is characterized by a vitreous luster. It is transparent and colorless. Due to the small size of the crystals, precise determination of hardness and density was not possible; however, the density calculated based on the chemical formula and unit cell parameters is 3.25 g/cm³. ## History and Name Anatolygurbanovite was named in honor of Anatoliy Grigorievich Gurbanov (born 1935), a Russian geologist and petrographer from the Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy and Geochemistry (IGEM) of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow. He was recognized for his contributions to the study of the geology and petrology of the Caucasus. The mineral was approved by the IMA in 2020 (IMA2020-044), and its description was published in 2022.

Properties

Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Density: 3.25
Cleavage: Perfect on {0001}
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of anatolygurbanovite is possible only through advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy and chemical analysis using an electron microprobe (EDS/WDS). Visual identification in the field or even in a collection is impossible due to its microscopic size and lack of characteristic macroscopic features. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals This mineral occurs in paragenesis with many other rare silicates. Distinguishing it from co-occurring minerals such as rankinite, larnite, or newly described strontium silicates requires specialized laboratory equipment. ## Crystal Forms Anatolygurbanovite forms very small, thin, tabular crystals with a hexagonal outline. These crystals occur individually or form small, irregular aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Anatolygurbanovite forms under conditions of high-temperature contact metamorphism. It was discovered in carbonate-silicate xenoliths that underwent pyrometamorphism within volcanic rocks. This process occurs at extremely high temperatures, leading to the formation of rare mineral phases. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other high-temperature minerals such as larnite, rankinite, cuspidine, wollastonite, as well as new, yet unnamed strontium and calcium silicates. It has been found in association with bultfonteinite and afwillite. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of anatolygurbanovite in the world is its type locality: the Hatrurim Formation, near Mount Ye

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria As a microscopic mineral, the only criterion of value for collectors is the confirmed presence of anatolygurbanovite on a fragment of the host rock (matrix). Every specimen, regardless of size, is extremely valuable from a scientific and collecting point of view. The most desirable specimens are those with the largest number of crystallites or those that have been thoroughly examined and analytically documented. ## Market Prices Anatolygurbanovite is not traded on the open market. Specimens are found exclusively in the collections of scientific institutions and among highly specialized micromount collectors. Any potential value would be extremely high due to its extreme rarity. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the type locality in Israel, within the Hatrurim Formation.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal size, anatolygurbanovite specimens are practically not subject to cleaning. Any attempt at mechanical or chemical cleaning risks irreversible destruction of the mineral. Specimens should be left in their natural state, in the host rock. ## What to Avoid Absolutely everything should be avoided: contact with chemicals (including water), ultrasound, temperature changes, humidity, and any vibrations and impacts. The mineral is extremely delicate. ## Storage Specimens should be stored exclusively in specialized, sealed "micromount" boxes, protecting them from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage. Display is only possible under a microscope.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)