dopustite

Dopustite is a rare mineral belonging to the silicate group, specifically classified as a sorosilicate. It was first discovered in 1985 in the Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia. The mineral is named after its chemical composition, which includes calcium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, with the chemical formula CaAl2(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH). Dopustite is typically found in alkaline igneous rocks and pegmatites, often associated with minerals like nepheline, sodalite, and other rare earth elements.

Dopustite crystals are usually small and prismatic, with a pale yellow to colorless appearance. They exhibit a vitreous luster and have a hardness of approximately 6 on the Mohs scale. The mineral is transparent to translucent and has a white streak. Dopustite is not fluorescent under ultraviolet light and does not exhibit any significant cleavage or parting.

The mineral's rarity and the specific conditions under which it forms make dopustite a subject of interest for mineralogists and collectors. Despite its limited occurrence, dopustite's unique chemical composition and physical properties contribute to its scientific and collectors' value. Further research into dopustite's formation and occurrence may provide insights into the geological processes that lead to the creation of rare minerals in alkaline igneous environments.