Erakorterite

Erakorterite is a rare mineral, first discovered in 2015 in Finnmark, Norway. It is a phosphate mineral with the chemical formula KNaCa(SO4)F·Ca(PO4)·5H2O. The name 'erakorterite' is derived from a phonetic rendering of the local Sámi name 'erakorten', which means "ancient mountain".

Erakorterite is typically found in pegmatites, coarse-grained igneous rocks formed from the slow cooling of magma. It is often associated with other rare minerals, such as fluorapatite and quartz. The mineral is white or transparent when in its pure form, but it can also exhibit a range of colors due to impurities. Erakorterite has a monoclinic crystal system and typically forms tabular or lamellar crystals.

Erakorterite is notable for its association with the rare elements sodium and potassium in a phosphate mineral. The mineral's formation is linked to the interaction of pegmatitic fluids with the surrounding rocks. Erakorterite is a relatively rare specimen among mineral collectors due to its limited distribution and the difficulty of identifying its distinct characteristics. As a result, most known specimens are from the type locality in Norway and only a few smaller collections are known. Scientifc study of the mineral's properties and distribution is ongoing, offering potential insights into the geological processes involved in its formation.