VERGASOVAITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Vergasovaite is a rare mineral that belongs to the phosphate mineral group. It is named after Natalia V. Vergasova, a Russian mineralogist who made significant contributions to the field of mineralogy. Vergasovaite was first discovered in 1983 in the Eveslogchorr mountain, Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.
Chemically, vergasovaite is composed of complex calcium, aluminum, vanadium, phosphorus, and oxygen ions. It forms prismatic crystals that have a yellow to brownish-yellow color and a vitreous luster. The mineral has a relatively high density and is brittle in nature. It often occurs alongside other rare phosphates and hydroxides, including aegirine, microcline, eudialyte, and natrolite.
The mineral vergasovaite possesses unique crystallographic and physical properties. It has a monoclinic crystal system and forms distinct cleavage planes, exhibiting an uneven fracture. Vergasovaite is also fluorescent, displaying a yellowish-brown or pale yellow fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Furthermore, it has been found to be biaxial positive, meaning that it has two optic axes and exhibits both positive double refraction and birefringence.
Due to its rarity and limited occurrence, vergasovaite does not have significant commercial application. However, it is highly valued among mineral collectors and researchers for its unique crystal structure and chemical composition. Its emergence has contributed to our understanding of the geological processes involved in the formation of phosphates and the mineralogy of the Kola Peninsula.
Etymology of VERGASOVAITE
The word "vergasovaite" is named after the Russian mineralogist Nadezhda N. Vergasova (1919-2008). She contributed significantly to the field of mineralogy and discovered several minerals. In honor of her contributions, the mineral with composition KNa6MgCa2[Ti4Si8O24]Cl2 was named vergasovaite. As such, the etymology of "vergasovaite" is directly derived from the surname of Nadezhda N. Vergasova.
