Nifontovite

Nifontovite is a very rare borate mineral. It is a soft stone, only 3.5 on the Moh's scale of hardness. Nifontovite is transparent and typically colorless or gray with a vitreous luster. It was discovered in 1961 and named for the Russian geologist, Roman V. Nifontov (1901-1960). Nifontovite has been found in Russia, Mexico, and Japan. It is the first nifontovite for the National Gem Collection.