Venjurs

Venjurs are a family of crystalline minerals defined by a layered silicate-oxide framework that forms tabular crystals in hydrothermal environments. They exhibit an iridescent sheen caused by dopants of transition metals such as vanadium and chromium. In speculative mineralogy, venjurs are grouped by lattice type and trace-element signature.

Physical properties: Hardness 5.5–7 on the Mohs scale; specific gravity 3.1–3.9; color ranges from deep blue to violet or green; transparent to translucent; hexagonal prismatic crystals with a plate-like habit; weak photoluminescence under ultraviolet light.

Occurrence and formation: Venjurs occur in terrestrial hydrothermal veins within basaltic rocks and in meteoritic samples. Deposits described near the Venjor Crater region are among the best documented. They form through high-temperature silicate alteration and ore-fluid convection, with dopant incorporation during crystal growth.

Uses and significance: Venjurs attract interest for semiconducting and optoelectronic applications, including experimental photovoltaics and thermoelectrics, as well as solid-state battery electrodes. They are also used as decorative minerals in jewelry and as pigments. Research focuses on crystallography, dopant chemistry, and sustainable extraction.

Etymology and history: The name venjurs derives from the Venjor region in speculative field literature, where initial specimens were described. Ongoing work aims to standardize taxonomy and nomenclature.