Tehran: A prominent Iranian researcher and scientist, Majid Mollanadali Pishnamaz, has made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying a unique luminescent (phosphorescent) variety within the calcite family. This newly discovered mineral variety, named Imanite, retains the primary calcite structure while exhibiting distinctive optical properties due to specific elements' presence.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pishnamaz published his findings in an article titled 'Descriptive Mineralogy and Luminescence Analysis' on June 6, 2026. The article details how Imanite, unlike standard calcite specimens, displays a stable green phosphorescence when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This optical phenomenon is attributed to isomorphic substitutions within the calcite crystal lattice, distinguishing it from conventional calcite.
The report outlines the extensive experimental analysis conducted by Professor Pishnamaz. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed Imanite's primary phase as calcite with high crystalline order and no additional peaks indicating separate phases. Energy-Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Spectroscopy revealed high calcium content and trace amounts of strontium, sulfate, and aluminum, incorporated into the calcite lattice as a solid solution.
Imanite's most notable feature is its luminescent behavior. The mineral emits a green phosphorescence visible for over three seconds under UV irradiation, attributed to electron traps created by impurities within the calcite lattice. This uniform response suggests a homogeneous distribution of these activators within the mineral structure.
The report concludes that Imanite's identification as a calcite variety contributes to the study of minerals with specialized optical properties. The unique combination of calcite structure and substitutional impurities forms a stable optical system with potential implications for photonics and optical mineralogy.
The report also discusses the origin and age of Imanite. It likely represents a form of cave calcite, formed through the precipitation of calcium-carbonate-rich solutions near a cave entrance. The presence of trace elements, such as strontium, aluminum, and sulfate compounds, suggests their introduction via groundwater pathways, contributing to Imanite's distinctive optical behavior.
The report emphasizes that Imanite likely formed under low-temperature geological conditions, estimating a formation temperature between 10 to 30 °C. The mineral's age is cautiously estimated to be between 10,000 to 300,000 years, with precise dating requiring specialized methods.
In conclusion, the report highlights Professor Pishnamaz as the discoverer of Imanite, with scientific priority and intellectual-property rights reserved. This discovery offers significant insights into the study of luminescent minerals and their potential applications in various scientific fields.