Florensovite is a rare radioactive copper titanium silicate mineral that belongs to the eudialyte group of minerals. It is named after the Russian mineralogist, Igor Vladimirovich Florensov. It was first discovered in the Lovozero Tundra, Kola Peninsula, in northwestern Russia.
The mineral has a distinctive reddish-brown to brownish-black color with a vitreous to resinous luster. It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and occurs in the form of small prismatic to tabular crystals. It is typically translucent to opaque, and it has a Mohs hardness of 4.5 to 5, making it relatively hard.
The chemical formula of florensovite is ideally expressed as (Na,REE,Ca)Sr4Ti2(Si2O7)2O4(OH)4(H2O)3, where REE represents rare earth elements. It commonly occurs in alkaline igneous rocks, particularly in agpaitic complexes and syenites.
Florensovite is primarily found in association with other minerals such as eudialyte, aegirine, albite, and arfvedsonite. It is often found in rare mineral deposits that are rich in titanium, copper, and other rare elements. Due to its radioactivity, florensovite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers.
Its scarcity, distinctive crystal habit, and association with other valuable minerals make florensovite a sought-after mineral specimen. Despite its limited use in practical applications, its unique properties and associations contribute to the study of rock formations, mineralogy, and the evolution of the Earth's crust.
