Coronalsivun

Coronalsivun is a rare mineral distinguished by its layered silicate framework with trace sulfide inclusions, and by iridescent, corona-like halos that appear on fractured surfaces. The name combines the Latin corona, meaning crown, with sivun, a coined term referencing its celestial- and mineralogical appearance.

It was first described from meteorite matrices recovered in a crater region named Coronis, where multidisciplinary analyses identified a consistent crystal habit and optical properties that allowed coronalsivun to be recognized as a distinct mineral species within a provisional silicate-sulfide group.

Coronalsivun is typically associated with ultramafic rock assemblages and meteoritic matrices containing olivine, pyroxene, magnetite, and sulfide blebs. Formation is hypothesized to occur during high-temperature, oxidizing events in early solar system bodies, followed by rapid cooling that preserves nanoscale iridescent coatings responsible for the corona-like effect.

Crystallography indicates hexagonal to pseudo-hexagonal prisms. The mineral shows a Mohs hardness around 6 and a density near 3.8 g/cm3. Color in hand specimen ranges from deep blue to green, with a distinctive iridescent corona effect visible under cross-polarized light.

Because coronalsivun is extremely rare, it is primarily of interest to mineralogists and collectors. Its optical microstructure has attracted research into photonic materials and reflective coatings. No large-scale industrial use has been established, though ongoing studies explore potential applications in spectroscopy, coatings, and nanostructured optical devices.