Colchicine

Chemical formula: C₂₂H₂₅NO₆

Colchicine (C₂₂H₂₅NO₆) is an organic chemical compound (an alkaloid), not a mineral, and does not occur in nature in crystalline form as a mineral species.

Colchicine is a toxic alkaloid found naturally in plants of the genus *Colchicum*, primarily in autumn crocus (*Colchicum autumnale*). It is not classified as a mineral because it is an organic compound of plant origin and does not meet the definition of a mineral (a substance with a defined chemical composition and an ordered crystalline structure, formed by natural geological processes). Any data regarding its crystalline properties come from studies of synthetically purified substances under laboratory conditions and are not applicable in mineralogy.

Properties

rruff id: bc6184f29bf8500005a7266586b4
ima status: approved

Diagnostic features

Colchicine is an organic compound (an alkaloid), not a mineral. It is not classified by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) and does not possess diagnostic features used in mineralogy.

Geological environment

Colchicine is a natural alkaloid obtained from plants, mainly from autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). It does not form through geological processes and does not occur in rocks as a mineral.

Rarity

Not applicable

For collectors

Colchicine is not of interest to mineral collectors because it is an organic compound, not a mineral. Its possession and trade are strictly regulated by law due to its toxicity and pharmacological applications.

Care and storage

Colchicine is an organic compound, not a mineral. It has no application in the collection of mineralogical specimens, so standard guidelines for mineral care do not apply here.