Perkovaite

Chemical formula: CaMg₂[SO₄]₃

Perkowait is a very rare, colorless calcium and magnesium sulfate, occurring as microscopic, isometric crystals.

## Characteristics Perkowait is a mineral from the sulfate group, with the chemical formula CaMg₂(SO₄)₃. It was approved as a new mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2022. It occurs in the form of extremely small, isometric (regular) crystals, reaching sizes up to 20 micrometers. Due to its microscopic size, its visual features are difficult to observe without specialized equipment. ## Physical properties Perkowait crystals are colorless and transparent. The luster is vitreous. Hardness and density have not yet been measured due to the small size of the crystals. ## History and name The mineral's name honors Evgeniy Vladimirovich Perkov (1950-2020), a Russian mineralogist from the Kola Peninsula, who made a significant contribution to the study of minerals in this region. The mineral was discovered in the dump of the Komsomolsky nickel-copper ore mine in the Norilsk region of Russia.

Properties

Luster: Vitreous
Density: 0
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Isometric

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of perkowait is possible only through advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy and chemical analysis using an electron microprobe (EDS). Visual identification is impossible due to the microscopic size of the crystals. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals Perkowait co-occurs with other sulfates, such as anhydrite and gypsum. Distinguishing it from these and other minerals requires specialized research equipment. ## Crystal forms It forms very small, well-formed, isometric (regular) crystals, often with a rhombic dodecahedral habit.

Geological environment

## Genesis Perkowait forms as a result of hydrothermal processes within sulfide deposits. At the discovery site (Komsomolsky mine), it was found in voids within calcite-anhydrite veins cutting diabases. ## Mineral associations This mineral co-occurs with calcite, anhydrite, gypsum, magnesite, serpentine, talc, pyrite, and chalcopyrite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of perkowait in the world is its type locality - the Komsomolsky mine, in the Talnakh region, near Norilsk, Siberia, Russia.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria As a microscopic mineral, perkowait is primarily of interest to specialized "micromount" collectors. The most highly valued specimens are those where the crystals, despite their small size, are well-formed, numerous, and set against a contrasting background of the host rock. Confirmation of the specimen's authenticity through analysis is crucial. ## Popular localities The only source of specimens is the Komsomolsky mine in Russia, which makes them extremely difficult to acquire.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to the extremely small size of the crystals and their occurrence on the host rock, mechanical cleaning is neither recommended nor possible without the risk of damage. ## What to avoid Contact with chemicals should be avoided, especially acids, which can react with sulfates. Specimens should be protected from moisture and extreme temperatures. ## Storage Perkowait specimens should be stored under stable conditions, in closed "micromount" containers, to protect them from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage.

External references

https://www.mindat.org/min-29722.html