losnas

Losnas, a mineral, is a rare metamorphic mineral composed primarily of chromium, iron, and vanadium. It is often found in conjunction with other minerals, such as chromite and rodingite, in rocks formed at high temperatures and pressures.

The mineral's crystal structure is isometric, which means it has three equal axes that meet at right angles. This is a characteristic shared with many other isometric minerals, including some varieties of garnet and pyrope. Losnas typically forms small, well-defined crystals, which can range in size from a few micrometers to several millimeters.

Losnas has been identified in only a few locations worldwide, including Norway and the United States. Its discovery is often tied to the presence of other, more common minerals, such as calcite or dolomite. While it has some resemblance to other minerals, its distinct Cr3+ and Fe3+ ions set it apart chemically.

The mineral's name is derived from the Greek words for "red dragon," referred to the coloration of some samples. However, not all samlples display a red color, instead appearing blue or green as a result of variations in vanadium content. As a relatively rare mineral, losnas has limited significance in commercial or industrial settings, but its scientific study can provide insights into geological processes and metal distribution in high-temperature metamorphic rocks.