Kishonite

Chemical formula: VH<sub>2</sub>

Kishonite is a naturally occurring vanadium hydride, an extremely rare mineral found as microscopic inclusions in corundum.

## Characteristics Kishonite is a natural vanadium hydride, described as a mineral in 2013. It occurs as microscopic, tabular or platy crystals with a hexagonal outline, reaching sizes up to 45 micrometers. It is found as inclusions in corundum (sapphire) crystals originating from the volcanic zone of Mount Carmel in Israel. Due to its size, visual features are observable only under high magnification. ## Physical Properties Kishonite crystals exhibit a metallic luster. Hardness and density have not been precisely measured due to the microscopic size of the samples, however, hardness is estimated by analogy to synthetic VH₂. ## Colors and Varieties The mineral has a dark gray, almost black color. No varieties have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral's name comes from the Kishon River, near which, within Mount Carmel in northern Israel, material containing this mineral was found. It was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2013 (IMA2013-111). The type material is preserved at the Natural History Museum in London. ## Uses Kishonite has no industrial application. Its significance is purely scientific and collectible, as a unique and extremely rare component of the mineral paragenesis from Mount Carmel.

Properties

Luster
Metallic
Streak
Black
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Hexagonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of kishonite is possible only through advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), due to its microscopic size and occurrence as inclusions. Visual identification in the field or in a collection is impossible. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals Under a microscope, it may resemble other opaque, metallic inclusions, such as tistarite (Fe,Ti)₂N, graphite, or other sulfides and oxides. Reliable differentiation requires specialized analysis of chemical composition and crystal structure. ## Crystal Forms Kishonite forms very small, hexagonal, tabular or platy crystals, often grouped into small aggregates within corundum crystals.

Geological environment

## Genesis Kishonite forms under unique reducing conditions, at low pressure and high temperature, characteristic of Mount Carmel volcanism. It crystallizes from melts rich in volatile elements (hydrogen, methane), trapped within growing corundum crystals. It is a mineral formed at shallow depths, in the contact zone of volcanic lavas with Cretaceous sediments. ## Mineral Associations This mineral occurs as an inclusion in corundum (sapphire). It co-occurs with other rare minerals from this locality, such as tistarite (Fe,Ti)₂N, moissanite (SiC), hibonite, grossite, diopside, anorthite, and native vanadium. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of kishonite in the world is the volcanic zone of Mount Carmel in the Haifa district, Israel. This is the type locality for this mineral.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of a kishonite specimen is practically assessed based on the quality and aesthetics of its host corundum crystal. Well-formed, partially transparent sapphire crystals, in which kishonite inclusions are visible under a microscope, are most desirable. Identification of the mineral confirmed by laboratory analysis is crucial for scientific and collectible value. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is Mount Carmel in Israel. The material comes from mining operations conducted by Shefa Yamim (A.T.M.) Ltd.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens containing kishonite (mainly corundum) can be cleaned using ultrasonics or gently with a soft brush and distilled water. Kishonite itself, as a microscopic inclusion, does not require and is not subject to separate cleaning. ## What to Avoid Contact with strong acids, which could damage both kishonite and the surrounding corundum, should be avoided. There is no detailed data on its thermal stability, but extreme temperatures should be avoided. ## Storage Specimens with kishonite should be stored in stable conditions, away from dust and chemicals. It is best to keep them in closed display boxes, protecting them from mechanical damage.

Sources

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