Aksaite is a very rare borate mineral, specifically a hydrated calcium–magnesium borate. It is scientifically notable because it represents one of the uncommon borate species found in evaporite deposits.
🌍 Origins and Naming
- Name Origin: Named after the Ak-Sai deposit in Kyrgyzstan, where it was first discovered.
- Type Locality: Ak-Sai borate deposit, Kyrgyzstan.
- Discovery: Described in the mid‑20th century during studies of borate-rich evaporites.
🔬 Chemical and Structural Properties
- Formula: CaMg[B₆O₇(OH)₆]·2H₂O
- Mineral Group: Borates
- Crystal System: Monoclinic
- Color: White to colorless, sometimes pale gray
- Habit: Fibrous, acicular crystals or massive aggregates
- Hardness: ~3–4 on Mohs scale
- Specific Gravity: ~2.0–2.2 (light due to boron content)
- Luster: Vitreous to silky
- Streak: White
⚙️ Geological Occurrence
- Found in borate-rich evaporite deposits, often associated with:
- Ulexite
- Inyoite
- Colemanite
- Forms under low-temperature evaporitic conditions where boron-rich fluids precipitate calcium–magnesium borates.
📖 Scientific and Collector Significance
- Petrology: Important for understanding boron geochemistry in evaporite basins.
- Collectors: Rare and delicate, usually only available from type localities.
- Economic Note: Not an ore mineral, but contributes to knowledge of borate mineral diversity.
✨ Conclusion
Aksaite is a rare hydrated calcium–magnesium borate, first described in Kyrgyzstan, occurring in evaporite deposits alongside other borates. Though not economically significant, it is scientifically valuable for understanding boron mineralogy and prized by collectors for its rarity.
In short: Aksaite = rare Ca–Mg borate, fibrous crystals, first found in Kyrgyzstan’s borate deposits.
