Manganonaujakasite is a complex mineral that belongs to the borosilicate group. It is characterized by its unique crystal structure, chemical composition, and physical properties. This rare mineral was first discovered in the Lovozero Massif of the Kola Peninsula in Russia.
The chemical formula of manganonaujakasite is Na6(Mn,Fe)Al4Si8O26(OH)4•12H2O. It consists of sodium, manganese, iron, aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen elements arranged in a specific crystal lattice. It typically forms prismatic or tabular crystals with a vitreous to pearly luster.
Manganonaujakasite usually occurs as an accessory mineral in alkaline pegmatite veins, alongside other minerals like feldspar, quartz, and mica. It can exhibit various colors, including shades of yellow, brown, orange, and red, depending on the presence of different transition elements.
This mineral has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6, making it relatively hard but not excessively so. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.57 to 2.69, indicating that it is slightly heavier than an average mineral. Manganonaujakasite is non-radioactive and does not show any fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Due to its rarity and limited occurrence, manganonaujakasite is mainly of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying the geology and mineralogy of the Lovozero Massif. Its complex crystal structure and unique chemical composition make it a valuable specimen for understanding the formation and evolution of minerals in geological environments.
