Akopovaite
Akopovaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the carbonate class, with the chemical formula Al₄Li₂(OH)₁₂(CO₃)(H₂O)₃.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/m). It is a member of the Hydrotalcite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 1; specific gravity 2.12; Silky luster.
IMA symbol Av, IMA status: approved, named in 2018.
Found in a zoned spodumene-bearing pegmatite vein in association with quartz-micaceous schists.
It is found associated with Gibbsite, quartz, albite, microcline, muscovite, montebrasite, siderite, schorl, birnessite-like Fe-Mn oxides.
The mineral was named to honor Anna Vartanovna Akopova (b. 1952), a chemistry teacher in the gymnasium #14, Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Her teaching, including experimental work.