Keldyshite
Keldyshite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Na₂ZrSi₂O₇.
It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system (space group P-1).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.8–4.3; specific gravity 3.22–3.3; Vitreous to greasy luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Kel, IMA status: approved, named in 1962.
Found as a primary mineral in foyaites composed of partly albitized microcline, nepheline, sodalite, aegirine, and alkali amphibole, in a differentiated alkalic massif (Lovozero massif, Russia).
It is found associated with Eudialyte, lorenzenite (Lovozero massif, Russia).
The name refers to Russian mathematician Mstislav Vsevolodovich Keldysh (1911–1978), President of the Academy of Sciences, Russia.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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