Calciumdaling

Calciumdaling is a mineral species in the silicate category. It is characterized by a calcium-rich composition with aluminum and silicon-oxygen frameworks. The mineral typically forms translucent to transparent crystals and occurs in metamorphosed calcium-rich rocks.

The mineral was first described in the scientific literature in 2023 following fieldwork in the Daling Valley region. The name calciumdaling honors both its calcium content and the locality where it was found.

Chemical composition and structure: Calciumdaling is dominated by calcium and aluminum silicate phases, with trace amounts of magnesium and iron. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, often forming elongated prismatic crystals. Optical properties include a refractive index around 1.72 and a Mohs hardness near 6; luster is vitreous.

Occurrence and formation: Calciumdaling forms under high-temperature metamorphic conditions in calc-silicate rocks, typically in contact-metamorphic zones. It is commonly found in association with minerals such as wollastonite, diopside, and garnet, embedded in veins or as replacement textures in host rocks.

Utility and status: At present calciumdaling has no large-scale industrial use and is primarily of interest to mineralogists and collectors. Its study contributes to understanding silicate mineralogy and metamorphic processes in its type locality.