Russian researchers have reportedly identified a new mineral at the Kirovsky mine in the Khibiny Massif, a major geological area on the Kola Peninsula. According to the report, the find has been presented as especially valuable, with the headline describing it as worth more than gold.
The mineral has been named Kola Ashcroftine. A spokesperson for Russia's Ministry of Science and Higher Education told Sputnik that the identification was made at the Kirovsky mine, linking the discovery to one of the country's best-known mineral-rich regions.
The trimmed report available here does not include detailed scientific data, chemical composition, or an explanation for the comparison with gold. Still, the naming of Kola Ashcroftine suggests the discovery has been recognized as a distinct mineral find tied to the Khibiny Massif and the wider Kola Peninsula.
The announcement adds to interest in Russia's northern mining and geology sectors, especially in areas known for rare and unusual mineral formations. Further technical information will likely determine how significant Kola Ashcroftine is for science, mining, or future industrial use.
