Thortveitite is a mineral that occurs naturally and is a member of the rare earth oxides group. It is primarily composed of the element scandium (Sc), along with oxygen (O), and tantalum (Ta), making its chemical formula Sc2O3•3Ta2O5.
Thortveitite is an orthorhombic mineral with a prismatic crystal structure, often found in a unique transparent, brownish to reddish-black, or sometimes black color. Occasionally, it may exhibit a bluish-gray or greenish hue. It possesses a vitreous to adamantine luster, giving it a shiny appearance when polished. Thortveitite has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, which means it is moderately hard.
This mineral is named after the first documented occurrence in the Thortveit granitic pegmatite in Evje, Norway, where it was first discovered in 1928. It is a relatively rare mineral and is often found associated with other minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica in granite pegmatites.
Thortveitite has shown potential for its high concentration of scandium, a valuable metal used in various industries, including aerospace, electronics, and energy production. Due to its scarcity and increasing demand, thortveitite has attracted attention as a potential source of scandium, providing an alternative to traditional resources.
Overall, thortveitite is a distinctive mineral known for its unique composition, crystal structure, and potential economic significance as a scandium resource.
