Karakterine

Karakterine is a rare mineral belonging to the carbonate class, with the chemical formula Ca2Mg(CO3)4. It was first discovered in 1967 in the Karibib district of Namibia, and its name is derived from this location. Karakterine is typically found in association with other carbonate minerals such as calcite and dolomite, often in veins or fractures within limestone or dolomitic rocks.

The mineral exhibits a white to pale yellow color, with a vitreous to pearly luster. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is approximately 3.5, and it has a specific gravity of around 2.9. Karakterine crystallizes in the monoclinic system, forming prismatic crystals that can reach lengths of up to 10 centimeters. Due to its rarity and the specific conditions required for its formation, karakterine is not commonly used in industry or jewelry. However, it is of interest to mineral collectors and researchers due to its unique chemical composition and geological context.