KOCEITE

KOCEITE is a recently discovered mineral. Its chemical formula is approximately (Y,Ca,Ce)5(Mg,Al,Fe)2(Si,Al)4O12(OH)2. It is a complex silicate mineral containing a variety of rare earth elements and other metals. The mineral was first identified and described in 2006.

The type locality for koceite is the Karkachinsky pegmatite field in the Karelia region of Russia. It is found in association with other rare earth bearing minerals such as xenotime and fluorite. The crystals of koceite are typically small and anhedral, meaning they lack well-defined crystal faces. The color of the mineral can vary from pale yellow to light brown.

KOCEITE's discovery adds to the understanding of mineral diversity, particularly within pegmatite environments known for concentrating unusual elemental compositions. Its complex structure and presence of multiple rare earth elements make it of interest to mineralogists and geochemists studying element mobility and mineral formation processes. Further research is ongoing to fully characterize its physical and chemical properties and its potential geological significance.