metatandardite

Metatandemite is a rare mineral discovered in 1994, found in the Tandem mine in the Tandem District of the Yukon Territory, Canada. It is named for its association with the Tandem mine and the term "meta," which refers to the alteration of one mineral into another. Metatandemite is a member of the pyrochlore group of minerals, which are characterized by their complex crystal structures and high concentrations of rare earth elements.

The mineral is typically found as small, dark brown to black crystals or grains, often associated with other minerals such as eudialyte, aegirine, and catapleiite. Its chemical formula is (Na,Ca)2(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6(OH,F), indicating a complex mixture of sodium, calcium, niobium, tantalum, titanium, oxygen, hydrogen, and fluorine.

Metatandemite is of interest to mineralogists and geologists due to its unique chemical composition and the geological processes that led to its formation. It provides insights into the complex interactions between different elements and minerals in the Earth's crust. Despite its rarity, metatandemite serves as a valuable specimen for scientific study and collection.