KOKTAITE Meaning and
Definition
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Koktaite is a rare mineral that belongs to the pyrochlore group, a class of complex oxides. It was first discovered in the Lovozero Massif in the Kola Peninsula, Russia, and named after the neighboring Koktash River. Koktaite is typically found in igneous rocks associated with alkali and carbonatite complexes.
In terms of physical properties, koktaite usually appears as small, octahedral crystals with a brown to black color and a dull metallic luster. It has a high density and is classified as a non-conductive mineral. Koktaite is often distinguished from other pyrochlore minerals by its distinct composition, which contains significant amounts of lanthanides and uranium.
Chemically, koktaite is composed of a complex chemical formula that can be summarized as A2-mA'mB2-mB'2X6-wYwZ1-mZ'm(m+3)O14-x(OH)x, where A and A' are cations such as calcium, sodium, or uranium; B and B' are cations such as titanium, niobium, or tantalum; X is usually oxygen; Y can be fluorine or hydroxyl; and Z and Z' are rare earth elements.
Koktaite is primarily valued for its rarity, as it has limited occurrences worldwide. It is considered a significant mineral for researchers and collectors due to its unique composition and association with alkaline rock complexes. Its mineralogical study and analysis can provide insights into the geological processes and formation of rare earth minerals, as well as their potential industrial applications.
