Kujundite

Kujundite is a rare and unique mineral discovered in 2017, named after the Estonian word "kujun" meaning "shape" or "form," reflecting its distinctive crystal structure. It was first identified in the Komsa mine, Estonia, and is characterized by its complex chemical composition, primarily consisting of potassium, sodium, calcium, and chlorine, along with smaller amounts of other elements. Kujundite crystallizes in the monoclinic system and typically forms prismatic crystals with a distinctive striated appearance. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is approximately 3.5, and it has a specific gravity of around 2.8. The mineral exhibits a pale yellow to colorless appearance and is translucent with a vitreous luster. Kujundite is of interest to mineralogists and collectors due to its rarity and unique properties. It is not known to have any significant industrial applications, but its study contributes to the understanding of mineral formation and crystal chemistry. The discovery of kujundite highlights the ongoing importance of mineral exploration and the potential for new mineral species to be identified in the future.