Dark green platy single crystal of the very rare mica group-mineral chernykhite from the type locality in Kazakhstan (Balasauskandyk Vanadium Deposit, Shieli, Kyzylorda Region, Kazakhstan). Ex Vandenbroucke Museum collection from Waregem, Belgium. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Chernykhite
Chernykhite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula BaV₂(Si₂Al₂)O₁₀(OH)₂.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system. It is a member of the Mica, Clay structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2.5–3.6; specific gravity 3.14–3.16; Light green streak; Pearly on cleavage luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Cyk, IMA status: approved, named in 1972.
Found in small veinlets cutting carbonate rocks interbedded with vanadium-rich lower Paleozoic shales.
The mineral was named to honor Viktor Vasil'evich Chernykh (1889–1941), Professor of Mineralogy, the Mining Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia.