Putnisite
| Putnisite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | SrCa4Cr83+(CO3)8SO4(OH)16·25H2O |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic Space Group: P nma |
| Identification | |
| Color | Purple with pink streaks |
| Cleavage | [100], [010] and [001] good |
| Fracture | Brittle - uneven |
| Mohs scale hardness | 1.5-2 |
| Birefringence | δ |
| References | [1][2][3] |
Putnisite is a mineral composed of strontium, calcium, chromium, sulphur, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.[1] It was discovered on the Polar Bear peninsula in Western Australia in 2014 during mining activity.[3] The mineral was named after mineralogists Andrew and Christine Putnis.[2] Putnisite has unique chemical and structural properties, and does not appear to be related to any of the existing mineralogical families.[2][1] Putnisite occurs as small (< 0.5 mm) cube-like crystals in volcanic rock.[2] Crystals are translucent purple with pink streaks.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "The world's newest mineral is unlike anything we've ever seen". Global Post. Retrieved 2014-04-26.
- ^ a b c d "New Mineral Shows Nature's Infinite Variability". University of Adelaide. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
- ^ a b "Putnisite". Minerological Magazine. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
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