alusvaineite

Alusvaineite is a rare mineral species discovered in 2015. It is named after the Alusva mine in the Urals, Russia, where it was first found. The mineral is a complex oxide of aluminum, iron, and titanium, with the chemical formula Al2Fe2TiO8. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and typically forms small, dark brown to black crystals or granular masses.

Alusvaineite is notable for its unique crystal structure and chemical composition. It is one of the few minerals that contains all three of these elements in significant amounts. The mineral is often associated with other titanium-bearing minerals such as perovskite and ilmenite. It has been found in skarn deposits, which are metamorphic rocks formed by the contact of igneous intrusions with carbonate rocks.

The discovery of alusvaineite has contributed to the understanding of the complex mineralogy of skarn deposits and the role of titanium in the formation of these rocks. Further research is needed to fully understand the conditions under which alusvaineite forms and its potential economic significance.