Ozerovaite

Chemical formula: Na₂KAl₃(As₅+O₄)₄

Ozerovite is a very rare sodium, potassium, and aluminum arsenate, forming colorless, tabular crystals with a vitreous luster.

## Characteristics Ozerovite is a mineral from the arsenate group, characterized by a complex chemical composition including sodium, potassium, aluminum, and arsenic. It occurs as very small, tabular or bladed crystals, usually not exceeding 0.2 mm in length. The crystals are colorless and transparent, with a strong, vitreous luster. Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal size, it is a mineral known primarily within the scientific community. ## Physical Properties This mineral has a hardness of approximately 3 on the Mohs scale. Its crystals are brittle. The density calculated from crystallographic data is 3.86 g/cm³. The luster is vitreous. ## History and Name Ozerovite was officially recognized as a new mineral by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2016 (IMA2016-039). The name honors Professor Elena Georgievna Ozerova (born 1949), a Russian mineralogist and crystallochemist from Moscow State University, for her contributions to the study of minerals formed in volcanic exhalation processes. ## Applications Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic size, ozerovite has no commercial or industrial applications. It is of purely scientific significance and is an object of interest for specialized micromineral collectors.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Density: 3.86
Cleavage: Perfect on {010}
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of ozerovite is possible only through advanced analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and chemical microanalysis (EDS/WDS). Visually, it is a colorless, vitreous mineral forming very small, tabular crystals on volcanic rocks. Its association with other rare arsenates from fumaroles is a key indicator. ## Differentiation from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other colorless minerals found in the same environment, such as arseniopleite, badalovite, or alarsite. Definitive differentiation from these minerals requires specialized laboratory tests to determine chemical composition and crystal structure. ## Crystal Forms Ozerovite forms thin, tabular crystals with a hexagonal or rhombic outline, as well as elongated bladed crystals. It occurs as single, scattered crystals or small, loose aggregates on the rock surface.

Geological environment

## Genesis Ozerovite is a mineral of volcanic origin, formed by sublimation from volcanic gases (exhalations) in high-temperature fumaroles. It crystallizes in an arsenic-rich environment at temperatures above 600°C. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other rare arsenates and oxides formed under similar conditions. The most important associated minerals include: alarsite, arseniopleite, badalovite, hematite, johillerite, lammerite, tilasite, urusovite, and svabite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of ozerovite in the world is its type locality - the Yadovitaya fumarole on the second cinder cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Fissure Tolbachik Eruption on Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of an ozerovite specimen is assessed based on the size and habit of the crystals, although even the largest are microscopic. The most desirable specimens are those with sharply defined, well-formed crystals that stand out clearly from the matrix. A rich association with other rare minerals from this locality is also important. ## Popular Localities The only source of ozerovite specimens is its discovery site on Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka. All specimens available on the collector's market originate from this single locality.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens of this mineral, due to their microscopic size and fragility, should not be cleaned mechanically or chemically. Any attempts at cleaning risk irreversible damage to the crystals. They should be stored in their original state. ## What to Avoid Contact with any chemicals, including water, should be avoided. The crystals are very brittle and sensitive to shock and temperature changes. Specimens should not be exposed to direct sunlight. ## Storage Ozerovite specimens should be stored exclusively in specialized, sealed "micromount" boxes that protect them from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage. Handling the specimen requires specialized equipment (microscope, tweezers).

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)