Turustuskanalite

Turustuskanalite is a rare mineral belonging to the phosphate class, with the chemical formula Ca2Mg2(PO4)2. It was first discovered in 1979 in the Turusty mine, located in the Kola Peninsula, Russia. The mineral is named after the mine where it was found.

Turustuskanalite crystallizes in the monoclinic system, forming prismatic crystals that can reach up to 0.5 mm in length. It is typically colorless or white, with a vitreous luster. The mineral has a Mohs hardness of 4.5 and a specific gravity of approximately 3.2 g/cm³.

The mineral is found in association with other phosphate minerals such as turustite, fluorapatite, and monazite. It is formed through the alteration of primary phosphate minerals in granitic pegmatites.

Turustuskanalite is of limited interest to collectors due to its rarity and small crystal size. However, it is significant to mineralogists for its unique chemical composition and the geological context in which it forms. The mineral's discovery has contributed to the understanding of phosphate mineralization in granitic pegmatites.