uksepiite

Uksepiite is a rare mineral belonging to the phosphate group. Its chemical formula is Ca4(Mn,Mg)2(PO4)2(F,OH)2. Uksepiite was first described in 2010 and is named after the Uksep site in the Kola Peninsula of Russia, where it was discovered. The mineral typically occurs as small, translucent to opaque, prismatic crystals. Its color ranges from pale yellow to light brown and sometimes greenish. Uksepiite is found in association with other phosphate minerals, often in pegmatites or metamorphic rocks. It forms under specific geological conditions involving the interaction of phosphorus-rich fluids with manganese- and calcium-bearing minerals. The mineral is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of around 4.5 to 5, and has a vitreous to greasy luster. Due to its rarity, uksepiite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and geologists studying rare earth element deposits and specialized mineral parageneses. It has not found any significant industrial or commercial applications.