Kolaite

Kolaite is a rare mineral composed of calcium, titanium, and oxygen with the chemical formula CaTi2O4(OH)2. It is a member of the perovskite group of minerals. Kolaite was first discovered in 1970 in the Khibiny Massif, on the Kola Peninsula in Russia, which is where it gets its name. It typically occurs as small, prismatic crystals that are often found embedded within other minerals. The color of kolaite can range from pale yellow to brownish-yellow.

The mineral is known for its unusual crystal structure. It is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of about 5.5, and has a vitreous luster. Kolaite is not a common mineral, and significant deposits are rare. Its formation is associated with specific geological environments, often involving hydrothermal alteration processes in alkaline igneous rocks. While it has no significant economic use, it is of interest to mineralogists due to its unique composition and occurrence. Research has focused on understanding its crystallographic properties and its place within the broader family of titanium-bearing minerals.