Merivesien

Merivesien is a rare mineral described in mineralogical literature as a copper-iron silicate with a distinctive iridescent sheen. It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and is typically found as slender prismatic crystals or in irregular crusts. The mineral ranges in color from deep blue-green to bronze, with a metallic to submetallic luster. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is about 5 to 6, and its calculated specific gravity sits near 4.7 to 5.1. The crystal habit and optical properties give merivesien a subtle, multicolored play when light reflects from its surfaces.

Chemical composition is interpreted as primarily copper and iron oxides integrated into a silicate framework, with trace amounts of nickel and cobalt. The exact stoichiometry varies slightly between occurrences, reflecting differences in fluid composition during formation. Merivesien forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins and contact metamorphic zones where copper-bearing fluids interact with silicate-bearing rocks. It is commonly associated with quartz, tourmaline, and other copper silicates.

The mineral was first described by field teams exploring the Merive Valley, after which it was named for the region. It has limited industrial use due to its rarity and brittleness, but is valued by collectors and researchers for its crystal chemistry and the insights it provides into copper-rich silicate systems. Studies of merivesien contribute to broader understandings of mineral stability in copper-bearing hydrothermal environments and can inform exploration models for copper ore deposits.