Mollanadali Pishnamaz published his discovery in an article on June 6, 2026, titled “Descriptive Mineralogy and Luminescence Analysis.”
The full text of his article is as follows:
1. Introduction & Background
In mineralogy, the distinction between a mineral species and a variety is determined by the crystal lattice structure and chemical composition. When a well-known mineral (such as calcite) acquires unique physical or optical properties due to specific impurities, lattice defects, or special formation conditions that are not observed in standard samples, it is classified as a “Variety.”
The discovery of Imanite falls into this category; while the primary calcite structure is maintained, the presence of specific elements has triggered a unique photonic (optical) behavior not typically seen in common calcite. It is noteworthy that this precious specimen was gifted to the discoverer by his father and is currently preserved in a special treasury box due to its exceptional importance and characteristics.
2. Abstract
This report introduces the discovery of a new variety of the mineral calcite (CaCO3CaCO_3CaCO3), named “Imanite.” Unlike standard calcite samples, Imanite exhibits a highly distinct and stable green phosphorescence (afterglow) under ultraviolet
(UV) radiation. Despite maintaining the calcite crystal structure, this optical phenomenon indicates the presence of specific isomorphic substitutions within the crystal lattice, distinguishing this variety from conventional calcite.
3. Experimental Analysis
3.1. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Analysis
XRD analysis results demonstrated that the primary and dominant phase of the sample is pure calcite with extremely high crystalline order. The resulting diffraction pattern shows no additional peaks indicating the presence of secondary phases or separate crystalline impurities. This confirms that “Imanite” is not a new mineral species with a new structure, but rather a variety hosted within the calcite lattice.
3.2. Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectroscopy
EDX data confirmed a very high purity of Calcium (CaOCaOCaO equivalent to 98.38%). Of significant interest is the presence of trace amounts of impurities, including SrOSrOSrO (0.15%), SO3SO_3SO3 (0.38%), and Al2O3Al_2O_3Al2O3 (0.29%). Based on the correlation between XRD and EDX data, it is concluded that these elements, instead of forming separate phases, have been incorporated into the calcite lattice as a solid solution through isomorphic substitution.
4. Optical Properties and Phosphorescence Mechanism
The most distinguishing feature of Imanite is its luminescent behavior. Under UV irradiation, the mineral exhibits a green phosphorescence that persists for more than 3 seconds. This phenomenon, known as “Afterglow,” is caused by the presence of electron traps created by impurities such as strontium within the calcite lattice. The uniform and repeatable nature of this behavior across all points of the mineral indicates a homogeneous distribution of activators within the Imanite structure.
5. Conclusion
The discovery of Imanite as a new variety of the calcite family represents a significant step in understanding minerals with specialized optical capabilities. The combination of the calcite structure with substitutional impurities has created a stable optical system, distinguishing this variety for potential applications in the fields of photonics and optical mineralogy. It should be noted that this mineral has a specific gravity of 2.662 and a hardness of about 3.
6. Origin and Age of Imanite
Based on previous investigations of this exceptional mineral by Professor Pishnamaz, who considers its probable origin to be related to the entrance of a cave, the most likely origin of Imanite can be regarded as a cave environment. From a geological perspective, this interpretation is fully consistent with the calcitic nature of the sample. Many caves form in limestone formations, where infiltrating waters dissolve calcium carbonate while passing through limestone layers and subsequently redeposit it as calcite crystals within the cave environment or around its entrance.
According to him, Imanite is most likely a type of cave calcite or crystalline speleothem deposit formed through the gradual precipitation of calcium‑carbonate–rich solutions near a cave entrance. The presence of impurities such as strontium, aluminum, and sulfate compounds may indicate that groundwater passed through specific geological pathways, introducing trace elements into the calcite crystal lattice. These trace elements likely played an important role in producing its distinctive optical behavior, particularly the stable green phosphorescence lasting more than three seconds. Furthermore, in terms of the formation environment, the stable and uniform green phosphorescence may suggest that the sample formed in a relatively calm, humid, low‑light cave environment characterized by slow mineral deposition. In such settings, crystal growth occurs gradually, allowing sufficient time for activator impurities to be incorporated into the calcite lattice. These conditions typically occur near cave entrances or in semi‑interior cave zones, where air exchange, fluctuations in humidity, and the influx of waters rich in calcium and carbonate ions can promote the growth of transparent, translucent, or optically distinctive crystals.
Regarding formation temperature, given the likely cave origin and the absence of evidence for metamorphic processes or strong volcanic/hydrothermal sources, it can be inferred that Imanite formed under low‑temperature geological conditions. Its approximate formation temperature may have been in the range of 10 to 30 °C, corresponding to the natural temperature conditions of caves and shallow groundwater systems. Under certain circumstances, however, if warmer mineral waters contributed to its formation, this temperature could have been somewhat higher, possibly reaching up to around 40 °C.
Pishnamaz stated that, in terms of age, cave calcites can typically range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand years old. Based on the probable cave origin and the calcitic nature of the sample, the approximate age of Imanite may cautiously be estimated within a range of 10,000 to 300,000 years. Nevertheless, determining the precise age of this specimen is only possible through specialized dating methods such as uranium–thorium (U–Th) dating, or in some cases U–Pb dating applied to calcite.
In summary, the available evidence suggests that Imanite is most likely a calcite variety of cave origin, formed in a calm, humid, limestone-rich, and low‑temperature environment. Due to the presence of trace elements within its crystal lattice, it exhibits a distinctive and valuable optical property—stable green phosphorescence.
7. Scientific Priority Registration:
This official statement announces the public and definitive recognition of Professor Majid Mollanadali Pishnamaz as the discoverer of the new variety of calcite “named Imanit”, and its naming and intellectual property rights are fully reserved.
IRNA