CARLOSRUIZITE Meaning and
Definition
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Carlosruizite is a rare mineral belonging to the borate group and crystallizing in the orthorhombic crystal system. It was first discovered in 1959 by geologist Victor P. Vdovykin in the Tincalayu mine in Salta, Argentina. The mineral was named in honor of Carlos Ruiz, a prominent Argentine geologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of South American geology.
Carlosruizite typically forms in small prismatic crystals or as granular aggregates within borate-rich veins associated with volcanic rocks. It is commonly found in association with other borate minerals such as ulexite and colemanite. The mineral exhibits a vitreous to silky luster on its surfaces and displays various colors, including white, yellow, and light green.
Chemically, carlosruizite is a sodium-calcium borate hydrate. Its specific chemical formula is NaCa2[B5O8(OH)2]·3H2O. The structure of carlosruizite consists of chains of borate pentahedral units, which are connected through calcium and sodium atoms, as well as water molecules. This arrangement gives the mineral its characteristic physical and optical properties.
Due to its scarcity and relatively limited distribution, carlosruizite is primarily of scientific interest and has limited commercial value. It serves as an important indicator of the geological processes and conditions under which it forms, offering valuable insights into the hydrothermal alteration of volcanic deposits. As a niche mineral, carlosruizite is mainly collected by mineralogists, geologists, and collectors of rare minerals.
