puhastasite

Puhastasite is a rare mineral discovered in 1999 in the Khibina alkaline complex in Kola Peninsula, Russia. It is named after its chemical composition, which is a potassium-uranium-titanium silicate. The mineral is characterized by its unique crystal structure and vibrant green color, which is due to the presence of uranium. Puhastasite is typically found in small, prismatic crystals or in granular aggregates.

The mineral's chemical formula is K2(UO2)(Ti,Nb)2(Si4O12)O2. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and has a hardness of approximately 5 on the Mohs scale. Puhastasite is radioactive due to its uranium content, and it should be handled with care to avoid exposure to radiation.

The discovery of puhastasite has contributed to the understanding of complex silicate minerals and their formation processes in alkaline environments. It is a valuable specimen for mineral collectors and researchers studying uranium-bearing minerals. Despite its rarity and the challenges associated with its radioactive nature, puhastasite remains an intriguing subject in the field of mineralogy.