koputin

Koputin is a rare and distinctive mineral that belongs to the group of phosphates. It was first discovered in 1970 in the Kopa mine, near the town of Kola, Murmansk Oblast, Russia, from which it derives its name. Koputin is characterized by its unique chemical composition, consisting primarily of calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen, with the chemical formula Ca2(PO4)2. It is typically found in the form of small, colorless to white crystals, often associated with other phosphate minerals such as apatite and monazite.

The mineral exhibits a vitreous luster and has a hardness of approximately 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching. Koputin is translucent to transparent and has a specific gravity of around 3.2. It is often found in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, where it forms as a secondary mineral through the alteration of primary phosphate minerals.

Koputin is of limited geological interest due to its rarity and the fact that it does not exhibit any significant physical or chemical properties that make it stand out from other phosphate minerals. However, it is occasionally collected by mineral enthusiasts for its aesthetic appeal and the rarity of its occurrence. The mineral's discovery and characterization have contributed to the broader understanding of phosphate mineralogy and the geological processes that lead to their formation.