Ramikite-(Y)
Chemical formula: Li<sub>2</sub>Na<sub>6</sub>(Y,Ca,REE)<sub>3</sub>Zr<sup>4+</sup><sub>3</sub>(PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>6</sub>(CO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>(OH,F)<sub>2</sub>
Ramikite-(Y) is an extremely rare, complex phosphate of lithium, sodium, yttrium, and zirconium, known exclusively from a single worldwide locality in the form of microscopic crystals.
Description
## Characteristics Ramikite-(Y) is a very complex mineral from the phosphate group. It forms small, prismatic or acicular crystals that can arrange into radial or divergent aggregates. It is usually colorless, white, or pale yellow. Due to its microscopic size, specimens are most often observed under magnification. ## Physical Properties This mineral is characterized by low hardness, measuring 3 on the Mohs scale, and a relatively high density, approximately 3.60 g/cm³. It is brittle, and its fracture is splintery. It has a white streak. The luster is vitreous, sometimes with a tendency towards greasy, and the mineral itself can be transparent to translucent. ## Colors and Varieties It occurs in a limited range of colors: from colorless, through white, to pale yellow. No named varieties are distinguished. ## History and Name It was officially recognized as a new mineral by the IMA in 2017. Its name honors Robert A. Ramik, a mineralogist and researcher from the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada. The suffix "-(Y)" in the name indicates the dominance of yttrium in a specific position within the crystal structure. The type locality, meaning the first place of discovery, is the Poudrette quarry at Mont Saint-Hilaire in Quebec. ## Applications Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic size, ramikite-(Y) has no industrial applications. It serves solely as an object of scientific research and is a valuable acquisition for specialized collectors of rare minerals.
Diagnostic features
## Identification Identification of ramikite-(Y) is impossible without advanced analytical methods. Preliminary diagnostic features include a combination of low hardness (3) and high density (3.60), which is unusual for minerals with non-vitreous luster. The origin from the type locality is also crucial. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals At its occurrence site, it may be confused with other colorless or white minerals, such as catapleiite or some minerals from the eudialyte group. Differentiation requires specialized studies, most often X-ray microanalysis (EDS/WDS) to confirm its unique chemical composition. ## Crystal Forms It forms elongated, prismatic to acicular crystals with a bladed cross-section. They often occur as small, radial or fan-shaped aggregates in rock fissures.
Geological environment
## Genesis Ramikite-(Y) forms in a unique geological environment, namely nepheline syenite pegmatites. It crystallizes in the late stage in miarolitic cavities, under conditions of low silica content and high concentrations of rare elements, lithium, and zirconium. ## Mineral Associations It co-occurs with other rare minerals typical of Mont Saint-Hilaire, such as aegirine, albite, catapleiite, eudialyte, microcline, natrolite, polylithionite, and serandite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality in the world is the Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.
Rarity
Extremely Rare
Collector aspects
## Quality Criteria For such a rare mineral, any specimen with well-formed, undamaged crystals is considered valuable. Isolated, sharply terminated crystals or aesthetic groups on a contrasting rock matrix are most highly prized. The presence of other rare associated minerals increases the attractiveness of the specimen. ## Popular Localities All known and available specimens on the collector's market come from a single location - the Poudrette quarry in Canada.
Care and storage
## Cleaning Specimens should only be cleaned mechanically, using a very soft brush. If necessary, distilled water can be used, but the specimen must be thoroughly dried immediately. Ultrasonic cleaners or any chemical agents must not be used. ## What to Avoid The mineral is very soft (hardness 3), so it must be protected from scratching by harder minerals. As a carbonatophosphate, it is sensitive to acids. Avoid sudden temperature changes, mechanical shocks, and moisture. ## Storage The safest way to store is to place the specimen in a separate, padded "micromount" box, away from other minerals. Protect from dust and moisture.