VLASOVITE Meaning and
Definition
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Vlasovite is a mineral that belongs to the arfvedsonite group, which is a subgroup of the amphibole mineral family. It was first discovered in the Kovdor Massif in the Kola Peninsula, Russia, and was named after the Russian mineralogist Sergey Vlasov. The mineral is characterized by its dark green to black color and is typically found in crystalline form.
Vlasovite has a prismatic crystal structure with well-formed, elongated crystals. It exhibits a vitreous luster and can range in transparency from transparent to translucent. The mineral has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, making it relatively hard compared to other minerals.
In terms of optical properties, vlasovite is nonpleochroic, meaning it does not display different colors when observed from different angles. It also has a high refractive index and a significant birefringence, which is the ability to split a ray of light into two separate rays.
Vlasovite is considered a rare mineral and is primarily found in alkaline igneous rocks, often associated with other minerals such as nepheline and pyroxene. It occurs in various geological environments, including pegmatites, crystalline limestone, and carbonatites.
Due to its relative scarcity and lustrous appearance, vlasovite is sometimes used as a decorative stone in jewelry and as a collector's specimen. Its unique crystalline structure and distinct color make it a desirable addition to mineral collections.
Etymology of VLASOVITE
The word "vlasovite" is derived from the surname of a Russian geologist and mineralogist, Sergei Vlasov. Sergei Vlasov (1889-1952) was a prominent figure in the field of crystallography and mineralogy. He made significant contributions to the study of minerals and developed crystallographic techniques for their identification and classification.
The mineral "vlasovite" was discovered and named in honor of Sergei Vlasov due to his contributions to the field of mineralogy. It is a rare mineral primarily composed of beryllium and aluminum silicate, found in certain pegmatite deposits. The etymology of "vlasovite" is therefore directly connected to the name of the geologist and scientist Sergei Vlasov.
