Diapazonit

Diapazonit is a rare mineral belonging to the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Ca2Al(PO4)(F,OH). It was first discovered in 1962 in the Kola Peninsula, Russia, and has since been found in a few other locations worldwide. The mineral is named after its range of colors, which can vary from colorless to yellow, green, blue, and brown, due to the presence of impurities.

Diapazonit typically forms in granitic pegmatites and is often associated with other phosphate minerals such as triphylite and vivianite. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. The mineral's optical properties include a biaxial positive figure, with refractive indices ranging from 1.635 to 1.665.

Due to its rarity and unique coloration, diapazonit is primarily of interest to mineral collectors. It has no known industrial applications. The mineral's name is derived from the Greek word "diapason," meaning "range," reflecting the wide variety of colors it can exhibit.