bkanalit

Bkanalit is a rare phosphate mineral described from hydrothermal veins in the Bkanal district. The name is derived from the locality where it was first identified. Its composition is commonly written as a Ba–Al phosphate with the approximate formula BaAl(PO4)3, with occasional substitutions by calcium and sodium.

Bkanalit forms pale blue to greenish prismatic to tabular crystals up to about 2 cm. It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and typically exhibits a vitreous luster and a white streak. Hardness is about 5.5 on the Mohs scale; specific gravity around 3.7; cleavage indistinct; fracture conchoidal to uneven.

Occurrence and associations: Bkanalit is found in hydrothermal veins hosted by ultramafic rocks, often occurring in Ba-rich fluids. It is commonly associated with minerals such as apatite, baryte, quartz, and magnetite.

Formation and stability: The mineral is believed to form at elevated temperatures (roughly 200–400°C) in reducing, Ba-rich hydrothermal environments and is stable under low-oxygen conditions.

Uses and significance: Because of its rarity, bkanalit has primarily mineralogical interest and is sought after by collectors. It also provides potential research insight into the chemistry of Ba–Al phosphate systems.

See also: phosphate minerals; list of minerals named after places.