katselaborite

Katselaborite is a rare and recently identified mineral that belongs to the sulfate class of minerals. It was first discovered in 2021 in the Tolbachinsky Dolomite Cave, located in the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia. The mineral was named after the cave itself, with "katsela" derived from the indigenous Evenki word for "cave" and "laborite" referencing the nearby Tolbachik volcano, where the cave is situated.

Katselaborite has the chemical formula Na₃Ca[SO₄]₂·2H₂O, indicating it is composed of sodium, calcium, sulfur, oxygen, and water. Its crystal structure is monoclinic, and it typically forms as transparent to translucent, colorless to white prismatic crystals. The mineral exhibits a vitreous luster and is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 2.5. It is soluble in water and reacts with acids, which are common properties of sulfate minerals.

The discovery of katselaborite was made by a team of Russian mineralogists studying the unique hydrothermal deposits found in the Tolbachinsky Dolomite Cave. The cave is known for its diverse mineral assemblages, including other rare species such as tolbachite and kamchatkite. Katselaborite is notable for its occurrence in a secondary hydrothermal environment, where it forms from the interaction of volcanic gases and groundwater.

Due to its rarity and recent identification, katselaborite remains a subject of ongoing research. Its unique chemical composition and formation conditions make it an important specimen for mineralogists studying sulfate minerals and hydrothermal processes. As of now, confirmed occurrences of katselaborite are limited to the Tolbachinsky Dolomite Cave, though further exploration may reveal additional localities.