Bakakinite
Chemical formula: Ca<sub>2</sub>V<sup>5+</sup><sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub>
Bakakinite is a calcium pyrovanadate, a newly discovered mineral forming microscopic, orange crystals in volcanic fumarole products.
Description
## Characteristics Bakakinite is a calcium pyrovanadate, forming small, tabular or prismatic crystals, rarely exceeding 0.2 mm. It occurs as small druses, granular aggregates, and crusts. The crystals are transparent, with an intense, orange or reddish-orange color and a vitreous to adamantine luster. Due to its microscopic size, it is a mineral primarily for specialized collectors. ## Physical Properties The mineral is characterized by a hardness of approximately 3 on the Mohs scale. It is brittle, with perfect cleavage in one direction. The density calculated based on the chemical formula and unit cell parameters is 3.19 g/cm³. ## Colors and Varieties Bakakinite occurs in uniform shades from orange to reddish-orange. No color or commercial varieties have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral is named in honor of Vladimir Gerasimovich Bakakin (1933–2020), a Russian crystallographer and specialist in crystal chemistry, for his contributions to mineralogy. It was officially recognized as a new mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2022 (IMA2022-091). It was described by a team of researchers from the Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka. ## Applications Bakakinite, as an extremely rare microscopic mineral, has no industrial applications. Its significance is purely scientific and for collectors.
Diagnostic features
## Identification Identification of bakakinite is impossible without advanced analytical techniques. Under collecting conditions, recognition is based on its characteristic orange color, microcrystal form, and, most importantly, its unique occurrence environment and associated minerals. Certain identification requires chemical composition analysis (EDS/WDS) to confirm the presence of calcium and vanadium. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals Bakakinite can be confused with other orange or red minerals from the same locality, such as shcherbinaite (VO₂) or hephaistosite (K₂Fe₄O₇). Distinguishing them based on visual characteristics is practically impossible and requires specialized research equipment. ## Crystal Forms It forms tabular or short-prismatic crystals, often flattened. They occur as single, well-formed individuals in fissures or more commonly as granular aggregates, crusts, and coatings on the rock surface.
Geological environment
## Genesis Bakakinite is a mineral of volcanic origin, formed by resublimation. It crystallizes directly from hot gases (fumaroles) at temperatures of 500–600°C, depositing on the surface of volcanic rocks. ## Mineral Associations This mineral occurs in association with other rare products of volcanic exhalations. The most common co-occurring minerals include: shcherbinaite, hephaistosite, hematite, tenorite, as well as various sulfates and chlorides of alkali metals. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of bakakinite in the world is its type locality: Arsenatnaya fumarole on the second slag cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.
Rarity
Extremely rare
Collector aspects
## Quality Criteria For collectors specializing in microscopic minerals, the value of a bakakinite specimen depends on several factors. The most important is the richness of occurrence – the more crystals on the rock matrix, the better. Specimens with well-formed, sharp, and undamaged crystals of intense color are highly valued. An additional advantage is the aesthetic arrangement of crystals and the presence of rare associated minerals. ## Popular Localities As this mineral is known only from one locality in the world, all available specimens come from the Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka. This is a difficult-to-access location, which further contributes to the rarity and desirability of the material for specialized collectors.
Care and storage
## Cleaning Bakakinite specimens are extremely delicate and usually microscopic in size. They should not be cleaned mechanically or chemically. Only careful removal of dust with a soft brush or a stream of compressed air from a safe distance is permissible. ## What to Avoid Contact with water, acids, and other chemicals should be strictly avoided, as its reactivity is not fully understood. Protect from ultrasound, vibrations, and sudden temperature changes. Due to its brittleness, any mechanical pressure should be avoided. ## Storage It is recommended to store specimens only in specialized, sealed "micromount" boxes, which protect them from damage, dust, and moisture. Store in stable conditions, away from direct sunlight.