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. Image Number: Ken Larsen
Catalog Number: G10625 Weight: 0.48 carats Gift of Yuko Tanaka
Locality: Fuka Mine, Fuka, Bicchu, Kawakami, Okayama