Fingerite (IMAGE) Terry Collins Assoc Caption Fingerite, Cu11O2(VO4)6, is the 'perfect storm' of rarity. The mineral forms under extremely restrictive conditions (category 1), from rare elements (category 2), it is water soluble and disappears when rained upon (category 3), and it comes from dangerous volcanic fumeroles near active volcanoes, so is rarely collected (category 4). Fingerite is only known from near the summit of the Izalco Volcano in El Salvador. Named after mineralogist and crystallographer Larry Finger, a longtime colleague of Robert Hazen High-res photos: 1) http://bit.ly/1PzFBwl 2) http://bit.ly/1S0d4SY Credit Robert Downs, University of Arizona. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.