Tasoantureita

Tasoantureita is a rare mineral species discovered in 2005 at the Tasoantsoa mine in Madagascar. It is a complex oxide mineral with the chemical formula (Na,Ca)2(Fe,Mg)2Ti3O9. The mineral is named after the Tasoantsoa mine, where it was first found. Tasoantureita crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system and typically forms small, prismatic crystals. It is often found in association with other minerals such as ilmenite, magnetite, and pyroxenes.

The mineral exhibits a dark brown to black color and has a metallic luster. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is approximately 5.5, and it has a specific gravity of around 4.2. Tasoantureita is of interest to mineralogists and collectors due to its rarity and unique chemical composition. Despite its limited occurrence, it provides valuable insights into the geological processes that occur in the Tasoantsoa mine and similar environments.

The discovery of tasoantureita highlights the ongoing importance of mineral exploration and the identification of new mineral species. It underscores the dynamic nature of mineralogy and the continuous need for scientific investigation to uncover the Earth's hidden treasures.