Mavlyanovite

Chemical formula: Mn<sup>2+</sup><sub>3</sub>Mn<sup>3+</sup><sub>2</sub>Si<sup>4-</sup><sub>3</sub>

Mawlyanovite is an extremely rare manganese silicide, discovered in the Besh-Tyube iron meteorite in Uzbekistan.

## Characteristics Mawlyanovite is a manganese silicide with metallic character. It occurs as small, irregular (anhedral) grains, usually not exceeding 150 micrometers in size. It is opaque and gray in color. ## Physical Properties It is characterized by a strong metallic luster. It is an opaque mineral. Its density, calculated based on chemical composition and crystal structure, is 6.13 g/cm³. ## Colors and Varieties It is observed exclusively in gray color. No varieties are distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral was officially approved by the IMA in 2018. Its name honors Gani Arifkhanovich Mavlyanov (1910–1988), a prominent Uzbek geologist, seismologist, and member of the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences. ## Applications Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic size, mawlyanovite has no practical applications. It is solely an object of scientific and collecting interest.

Properties

Luster
Metallic
Streak
Black
Density
6.13
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Hexagonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification is possible only through advanced laboratory techniques, such as electron microprobe (EDS/WDS) for chemical composition analysis and X-ray diffraction for structure confirmation. Visual identification is impossible. ## Differentiation from Similar Minerals Within the meteorite, it can be confused with other metallic minerals such as kamacite, taenite, or schreibersite. Differentiation requires chemical analysis, as mawlyanovite is distinguished by its high manganese and silicon content. ## Crystal Forms It occurs exclusively as anhedral (irregular, lacking crystal faces) grains embedded in the meteorite mass.

Geological environment

## Genesis It is a mineral of extraterrestrial origin. It formed under strongly reducing conditions within the parent body of the Besh-Tyube iron meteorite, likely during the crystallization processes of a metallic melt. ## Mineral Associations It co-occurs with minerals typical of iron meteorites, mainly kamacite and taenite (iron-nickel alloys) and schreibersite (iron-nickel phosphide). ## Localities The only confirmed locality in the world is the Besh-Tyube meteorite, found in the Forish district, Jizzakh region, Uzbekistan.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The collector's value of a specimen depends solely on the confirmed presence of mawlyanovite. Since it occurs as microscopic grains, the aesthetics of the specimen are secondary – the mere fact of possessing a meteorite fragment with this mineral is what matters. ## Popular Localities All specimens originate from a single find – the Besh-Tyube meteorite. This material is extremely difficult to obtain on the collector's market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens containing mawlyanovite, which are typically meteorite fragments, should not be wet cleaned. Fine dust can be removed with compressed air or a very soft brush. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with acids and strong chemicals, which could react with the mineral or the surrounding metallic meteorite matrix. ## Storage Store in a dry place, preferably in a closed display box or membrane box, to protect against dust and moisture, which could cause oxidation of iron in the meteorite.

External references

Sources

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