Discovery of Kola Ashcroftine mineral in Russia

Researchers from the Kola Science Center, St Petersburg State University, and the A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum announced the discovery of a new mineral, provisionally named Kola Ashcroftine, at the Kirovsky mine in the Khibiny Massif on the Kola Peninsula.

The mineral features an unusually complex crystal structure involving silicate nanotubes and a zeolite framework. It contains yttrium and other rare-earth elements, as well as calcium, manganese, fluorine, silicon, potassium, and sodium. Scientists suggest the mineral could have applications in nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals, water purification, and ion-exchange technologies.

Initial market estimates suggested the mineral could be valued higher than gold per comparable length. The discovery is viewed as a potential boost to Russia’s domestic rare-earth industry, which currently produces approximately 50 tonnes annually against a domestic consumption of 3,000 tonnes. However, the find is currently at the research stage and does not yet represent a commercial deposit.