Organovaite-Zn

Chemical formula: K₂Zn²⁺(Nb⁵⁺,Ti⁴⁺)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(O,OH)₄·6H₂O

Organovait-Zn is an extremely rare mineral of the eudialyte group, discovered in the Khibiny Massif on the Kola Peninsula in Russia.

## Characteristics Organovait-Zn is a very rare mineral of the eudialyte group, classified as a silicate. It forms small, granular aggregates up to 0.5 mm in size. Its crystals have the form of spherulites or irregular grains. It is a mineral with a vitreous luster. ## Physical Properties This mineral is characterized by a Mohs hardness of approximately 5. It has a vitreous luster and is transparent to translucent. The calculated density is 3.12 g/cm³. It shows no cleavage, and its fracture is uneven. ## Colors and Varieties Organovait-Zn occurs in a light yellow color. No color or commercial varieties are known. ## History and Name The mineral's name honors Natalia Ivanovna Organova (born 1929), a Russian crystallographer and specialist in ore mineralogy, for her contribution to the study of eudialyte group minerals. It was approved as a new mineral species by the IMA in 2001 (IMA2001-035). The type locality is Mount Njorkpakhk in the Khibiny Massif on the Kola Peninsula in Russia.

Properties

Mohs hardness
5
Color
Pink, pinkish brown, and white
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Density
2.88
Cleavage
None
Fracture
Uneven
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of organovait-Zn is possible almost exclusively using advanced analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and chemical analysis (EDS/WDS). Visually, it is indistinguishable from many other rare minerals of the eudialyte group. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals It can be confused with other minerals of the eudialyte group, such as eudialyte, alluaivite, or other organovaite minerals. Differentiation requires specialized chemical analysis to confirm the dominance of zinc in a specific structural position. ## Crystal Forms It forms spherulitic or irregular grains and grain aggregates.

Geological environment

## Genesis Organovait-Zn forms in highly differentiated, alkaline igneous intrusions. It occurs in agpaitic pegmatites that cut foyaite in the Khibiny Massif. ## Mineral Associations This mineral coexists with eudialyte, nepheline, sodalite, microcline, aegirine, lorenzenite, lamprophyllite, lomonosovite, and villiaumite. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of organovait-Zn in the world is its type locality: Mount Njorkpakhk in the Khibiny Massif, on the Kola Peninsula in the Murmansk Oblast, Russia.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria Due to its extreme rarity, every analytically confirmed specimen is valuable to specialized collectors of rare and systematic minerals. "Micromount" specimens are the only form available on the market. Those with distinct, though microscopic, crystalline forms and well-isolated on a rock matrix are most highly prized. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the Khibiny Massif in Russia.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal sizes, mechanical cleaning is not recommended. If necessary, compressed air can be used to remove dust. ## What to avoid Avoid contact with chemicals, acids, and ultrasonics. The mineral is potentially sensitive to rapid temperature changes. It should not be exposed to prolonged strong light. ## Storage Specimens should be stored under stable conditions, in a sealed "micromount" box, protecting them from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage.

External references

Sources

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