MITRYAEVAITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Mitryaevaite is a rare mineral that belongs to the zirconium silicate group. It is named after Galina Ivanovna Mitryaeva, a Russian geologist who discovered the mineral in Russia. Mitryaevaite typically occurs as minute grains or crystals within cavities of certain ultrapotassic rocks.
In terms of its physical properties, mitryaevaite is recognized for its characteristic blue-green color, which can vary from pale blue to dark turquoise. It possesses a vitreous to pearly luster on its surface and can exhibit a translucent to transparent appearance. This mineral has a brittle tenacity, meaning it can easily break or shatter when subjected to force. Its hardness is estimated to be around 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale.
Chemically, mitryaevaite is composed primarily of zirconium, silicon, and oxygen, with varying amounts of trace elements such as magnesium, iron, and aluminum. Its specific gravity falls within the range of 3.52 to 3.59 grams per cubic centimeter, indicating a relatively dense mineral.
Due to its rarity and limited occurrence, mitryaevaite does not have significant industrial or commercial applications. Instead, it is mainly of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying ultrapotassic rocks and their associated minerals. The identification of mitryaevaite can be confirmed through X-ray diffraction techniques, as well as other mineralogical examination methods.
