Kurgantaite is a rare mineral and mineral species that belongs to the molybdenum family. It was first discovered in 1985 in the Lovozero Massif of the Kola Peninsula, Russia. The mineral is named after the Kurganta River in the area where it was found.
Chemically, kurgantaite is classified as a sulfide mineral and is composed of the chemical elements copper (Cu), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O). Its chemical formula is Cu3PbSb3S6+O.
Kurgantaite possesses a complex crystal structure and forms as botryoidal aggregates or crusts with a bright metallic luster. It typically exhibits a bluish-gray to steel gray color, sometimes with a brown tarnish. The mineral has a moderate to high hardness on the Mohs scale, ranging from 3.5 to 4.5.
While kurgantaite is primarily found in association with other minerals such as pyrochlore, aegirine, ussingite, and fergusonite, its exact formation process and geological occurrences are not yet fully understood. Due to its rarity and limited occurrences, kurgantaite is primarily valued as a collector's mineral rather than having any significant industrial uses.
In summary, kurgantaite is a rare sulfide mineral found in Russia. It is composed of copper, lead, antimony, sulfur, and oxygen and forms bluish-gray to steel gray botryoidal aggregates. Its crystal structure is complex, and it is primarily sought after by mineral collectors.
