xenotiimi

Xenotiimi is a rare and unique mineral discovered in 2009 in the Kola Peninsula of Russia. It is named after the Greek words "xenos," meaning "strange" or "foreign," and "tiimi," a reference to the Tiimi River where it was found. Xenotiimi is a titanium oxide mineral with the chemical formula TiO2. It is notable for its distinctive crystal structure, which is orthorhombic, and its bright yellow color, which is a result of the presence of impurities such as iron and manganese.

The mineral was first identified by a team of Russian and Finnish scientists who were studying the geology of the Kola Peninsula. They noted its unusual properties and decided to name it xenotiimi to reflect its rarity and the unusual conditions under which it formed. Xenotiimi is found in small quantities in the form of crystals and is typically associated with other titanium minerals such as anatase and brookite.

Xenotiimi has no known practical applications, but its discovery has contributed to the understanding of the geological processes that occur in the Earth's crust. It is also a valuable specimen for collectors due to its rarity and unique properties. The mineral is typically found in small quantities and is not easily accessible, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors. Despite its rarity, xenotiimi remains an important subject of study for geologists and mineralogists, as it provides insights into the complex processes that shape the Earth's crust.