Kampelite
Chemical formula: Ba₃Mg₁.₅Sc₄(PO₄)₆(OH)₃·4H₂O
Kampelite is an extremely rare, colorless hydrated barium, magnesium, and scandium phosphate, with very low hardness.
Properties
- Mohs hardness
- 1
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
- Streak
- White
- Density
- 3.07
- Cleavage
- on {001}
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
Diagnostic features
## Identification Identification of kampelite is impossible without advanced laboratory techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and chemical analysis (EDS/WDS). In collector conditions, even under a microscope, it is practically visually unrecognizable. Its characteristic feature is its occurrence as microscopic, colorless, lath-like crystals in a specific geological environment. ## Distinction from Similar Minerals Under a microscope, it can be confused with many other secondary, colorless phosphate or silicate minerals occurring in similar parageneses, such as some zeolites or apatite. Definitive distinction requires specialized instrumental analysis. ## Crystal Forms Kampelite crystals are elongated and flattened parallel to {001}, forming thin laths and tablets. They often combine into fan-like or radial aggregates and imperfect spherulites up to 0.4 mm in diameter.
Geological environment
## Genesis Kampelite is a hydrothermal mineral. It forms in the late stage of hydrothermal processes, crystallizing in cavities and fissures within calcite-dolomite carbonatites. Its formation is associated with the interaction of low-temperature solutions with earlier minerals. ## Mineral Associations At the type locality, kampelite co-occurs with minerals such as dolomite, calcite, quartz, goethite, anatase, as well as rarer minerals like juonniite, manasseite, quintinite, and katophorite. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of kampelite in the world is its type locality – the Kovdor Zheleznyi Mine (Iron Mine) in the Kovdor massif, Murmansk Oblast, Kola Peninsula, Russia.
Rarity
Extremely rare
For collectors
## Quality Criteria Due to the microscopic nature of the mineral, the only criterion for evaluation is the quality and richness of aggregates visible under the microscope. The most highly valued specimens would be those with well-formed, sharp crystals forming aesthetic clusters on a well-defined rock matrix. The size of the aggregates (though still sub-millimeter) and their abundance on the specimen are also important. ## Market Prices Kampelite is practically unavailable on the collector's market. Specimens mainly originate from scientific research and go directly to institutions or private specialized collections through exchange. Establishing a market price is impossible. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the Kovdor mine in Russia, which is known for supplying many rare and unique minerals, including type (holotype) species.
Care and storage
## Cleaning Kampelite specimens, due to their microscopic size and extreme fragility, are practically not subject to cleaning in the traditional sense. Any attempt at mechanical cleaning, even with a soft brush, risks irreversible destruction of the crystals. Specimens should be treated solely as objects for microscopic observation. ## What to Avoid Absolutely everything should be avoided: touch, vibrations, temperature changes, moisture, and all chemicals. A hardness of 1 on the Mohs scale means it can be scratched with a fingernail. It is an extremely unstable mineral. ## Storage The only safe place for kampelite is a stable, padded "micromount" box, protecting it from dust, shocks, and light. Display is only possible under laboratory conditions or in specialized micromineral display cases, away from sources of vibration and direct light.