LITVINSKITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Litvinskite is a rare mineral that belongs to the family of sulfates and sulfides. It is known chemically as [Ca(H2O)8][Al2(OH)2(SO4)2]·2H2O. The mineral was first discovered in 1983 at its type locality, the Tolbachik volcano in the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. It was named after its geological discoverer, V. P. Litvinskaya of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team.
Litvinskite typically occurs as thin, tabular crystals or aggregates with a pearly to vitreous luster. It displays a yellowish to greenish-white color and is often translucent. The crystals have a prismatic habit and may be twinned. In terms of physical properties, litvinskite has a relatively low hardness and a distinct cleavage direction.
This mineral is formed in volcanic fumaroles, which are openings through which volcanic gases and steam escape from the earth's crust. It is associated with other rare minerals like alumoklyuchevskite and lammerite. Due to its rarity and limited occurrence, litvinskite has little commercial significance and is primarily sought after by mineral collectors and researchers.
In conclusion, litvinskite is a rare sulfate mineral found in volcanic fumaroles. It possesses unique crystal habits and distinctive physical properties. Although it lacks significant industrial applications, its scarcity and unusual occurrence make it of interest to collectors and scientists studying the geological processes associated with volcano formations.
