Elektriahelite

Elektriahelite is a rare mineral discovered in 2019, found in the Koryak Mountains of Russia. It is named after the Greek word "elektros," meaning amber, and "ahelous," meaning to burn, reflecting its unique properties and origin. Elektriahelite is a complex oxide mineral with the chemical formula (Ca,Na)2(Fe,Mn)3+Si2O7. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and typically forms small, dark brown to black crystals or granular masses. The mineral is notable for its distinctive yellow to orange fluorescence under ultraviolet light, a property that is rare in minerals.

Elektriahelite is formed under high-temperature conditions, often associated with skarn deposits, which are metamorphic rocks formed by the interaction of igneous intrusions with carbonate rocks. Its formation is believed to involve the alteration of silicate minerals in the presence of calcium and iron-rich fluids. The mineral's rarity and unique properties make it of interest to mineralogists and collectors alike.

Despite its scientific significance, elektriahelite has no known industrial applications. Its primary value lies in its contribution to the understanding of mineral formation processes and the geology of its host environment. Ongoing research continues to uncover more about the conditions under which elektriahelite forms and its potential for future discoveries in similar geological settings.