doosiline

Doosiline is a rare and distinctive mineral, primarily found in the Khibina and Lovozero massifs in the Kola Peninsula of Russia. It is a member of the eudialyte group, which includes several other minerals with similar chemical compositions and crystal structures. Doosiline is characterized by its complex chemical formula, Na12Ca6Fe3+3Zr3Si24O72(OH)2, which reflects its composition of sodium, calcium, iron, zirconium, silicon, and oxygen, along with hydroxide ions.

The mineral is typically found in alkaline igneous rocks, such as nepheline syenites and phonolites, which are rich in alkali elements. Doosiline crystals are usually small, ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter in size, and often occur as euhedral crystals with well-defined faces. They can exhibit a variety of colors, including brown, green, and yellow, depending on the presence of different trace elements.

Doosiline is of interest to mineralogists and geologists due to its unique chemical composition and the geological conditions under which it forms. It is also a subject of study for its potential use in the production of zirconium compounds, as zirconium is a valuable metal with applications in various industries, including nuclear energy and aerospace. Despite its rarity and the challenges associated with its extraction, doosiline remains an important mineral in the field of mineralogy and geology.