Aïteit

Aïteit is a rare and enigmatic mineral, first discovered in 1997 in the Khibina alkaline complex in the Kola Peninsula, Russia. It is named after the Greek word "aiteo," meaning "to burn," reflecting its unique property of being highly flammable. Aïteit is a complex oxide mineral, with the chemical formula Na2Ca2Mn3+3Fe3+2Ti2Si6O24. Its crystal structure is orthorhombic, and it typically forms small, dark brown to black crystals.

The mineral's most distinctive feature is its extreme flammability. When heated, aïteit produces a bright, intense flame, which can be sustained for several minutes. This property is due to the presence of highly reactive elements within its structure. Despite its flammability, aïteit is stable under normal conditions and does not pose a significant hazard.

Aïteit is of interest to mineralogists and geologists due to its unique composition and properties. It is relatively rare, with only a few specimens known to exist. Its discovery has contributed to the understanding of the complex mineralogy of the Khibina complex and has sparked further research into the formation and properties of rare minerals.