Kupletskite, a rare mineral discovered in 1964, is named after its type locality in the Kupletskii volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. The word "kupletskite" is pronounced /ˈkʊplɛtskaɪt/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Its spelling corresponds to the pronunciation of each syllable, starting with the stressed syllable "kup" followed by the unstressed syllable "lets" and ending with the suffix "-ite" commonly used to name minerals. The correct spelling of kupletskite ensures its identification and distinguishes it from other mineral species.
Kupletskite is a rare mineral that belongs to the silicate group. It is an uncommon iron and manganese silicate that is typically found in hydrothermal veins and fractures within metamorphic rocks. Kupletskite often forms as small, tabular crystals or granular masses with an opaque, black to brownish-black coloration.
In terms of its chemical composition, kupletskite is characterized by iron, manganese, silicon, and oxygen elements. Typically, it contains around 45-48% iron oxide (Fe2O3), 18-20% manganese oxide (MnO), and 30-32% silicon dioxide (SiO2).
Kupletskite derives its name from the locality in which it was first discovered in the Khibina Massif of the Kola Peninsula in Russia. It was named in honor of the Russian scientist A.P. Kupletsky. Since its initial discovery, kupletskite has also been found in other regions around the world, including Greenland, Norway, and Madagascar.
Although kupletskite is not widely known or utilized in various industries due to its scarcity and limited availability, it is still a mineral of interest to collectors and researchers. Its distinctive crystal habits, color, and association with other minerals make it a sought-after specimen for geological studies and mineralogical enthusiasts.