A newly discovered mineral found in an abandoned gold mine in Hungary has been named kanatzidisite in honor of Mercouri Kanatzidis, a distinguished inorganic chemist at Northwestern University in Chicago. The mineral, identified as a chalcogenide, was uncovered in 2023 in the Nagybörzsöny deposit at Alsó-Rózsa, Hungary, and is now preserved at the Museo di Storia Naturale at the University of Florence in Italy.
The International Mineralogical Society (IMA) recently announced the decision to name the mineral after Kanatzidis, acknowledging his pioneering contributions to chalcogenide chemistry. Kanatzidis expressed his appreciation for the honor, saying, “I am deeply honored to have a new mineral named after me, kanatzidisite, symbolizing the remarkable diversity and wonders of the Earth’s geological treasures.”
Chalcogenides, like kanatzidisite, are compounds made up of chalcogen elements (such as sulfur, selenium, or tellurium) combined with metallic elements. These minerals can vary in color and opacity, depending on their chemical composition, and differ notably from common silica glass.
Kanatzidis is renowned for his groundbreaking research in metal chalcogenide chemistry and for developing innovative chalcogenide materials. His work has enabled advancements in solar cells, X-ray and gamma-ray detectors, topological quantum materials, and thermoelectric technologies. A graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Kanatzidis is now the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern.
Reflecting on his legacy, Kanatzidis hopes that kanatzidisite will inspire future generations of scientists to explore further into geological mysteries and develop new, extraordinary minerals. He remarked, “I guess I can now proudly claim that I have a ‘rock-solid’ legacy in the field of geology!”
In recognition of his work, Kanatzidis received the 2023 Centenary Prize for his pioneering research on semiconducting halide perovskites, used in solar energy conversion. His research continues to push the boundaries of exploratory synthesis and materials discovery, advancing fields critical to sustainable energy and cutting-edge technology.
