Sovite

Sovite is a rare, coarse-grained carbonatite rock primarily composed of calcite, typically with minor amounts of other minerals such as dolomite, apatite, magnetite, pyrite, phlogopite, and pyrochlore. It is often associated with alkaline igneous complexes and is found in regions with carbonatite intrusions.

Sovite is visually characterized by its white or light gray color and a crystalline texture. Its geological significance lies in its association with the concentration of rare earth elements (REEs) and other valuable minerals. The term "sovite" is often used interchangeably with "calcite carbonatite" in geological literature.

The origin of sovite is linked to magmatic processes within the Earth's mantle. Carbonatite magmas, rich in carbonate minerals, intrude into the Earth's crust, where they cool and crystallize, forming sovite and other related carbonatite rocks. The presence of sovite can serve as an indicator of potential economic deposits of REEs, niobium, and other elements.

The identification of sovite typically involves petrographic analysis, including microscopic examination of thin sections. Geochemical analysis is also employed to determine the mineral composition and trace element concentrations.