Maksimoit

Maksimoit is a rare mineral discovered in 2016, named after the Russian mineralogist Maxim V. Chukanov. It is a tellurite mineral, belonging to the calcite group, with the chemical formula Ca2TeO4. Maksimoit is typically found in oxidized zones of telluride-bearing hydrothermal veins, often associated with other tellurite minerals such as tellurite and tellurium. It forms as prismatic crystals or granular masses, and is typically colorless or white, but can also exhibit shades of yellow, brown, or gray due to impurities.

The mineral was first identified in the Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia, where it occurs in association with other rare minerals like chukanovite and tellurite. Maksimoit has since been found in a few other locations worldwide, including the Ural Mountains, Russia, and the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, USA. Its rarity and unique properties make it of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying the geochemistry of tellurium.

Maksimoit's crystal structure is orthorhombic, with space group Pnma. It has a Mohs hardness of approximately 3.5 and a specific gravity of around 5.8. The mineral is transparent to translucent, with a vitreous luster. Maksimoit is soluble in hydrochloric acid, and its optical properties include a biaxial positive figure with refractive indices nα = 1.820, nβ = 1.830, and nγ = 1.840.

Due to its rarity and the challenges associated with its synthesis, maksimoit remains a subject of ongoing research. Its discovery has contributed to the understanding of tellurium mineralogy and the geochemical processes that govern the formation of rare minerals.