tantsite
Tantsite is a rare and highly sought-after mineral that belongs to the silicate group, specifically a type of nesosilicate. It was first identified in 1969 in the Kola Peninsula of Russia, near the Lovozero alkaline massif, and named after the Russian word for "dance" (*танец*), referencing the mineral’s intricate, swirling crystal structures that resemble a dance of light. The name was proposed by Soviet mineralogist Vladimir Yakubovich to reflect its aesthetic appeal.
Tantsite has the chemical formula Na₂Ca₃Zr(Mn²⁺,Fe²⁺)₂(Si₂O₇)₂(SiO₄)₂O₂(OH,F)₂ and crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its crystals are typically
Tantsite is found exclusively in alkaline pegmatites, which are rare igneous rock formations rich in rare elements.
In addition to its mineralogical significance, tantsite has been studied for its potential applications in optics