New Mineral With Surprising Composition Discovered In Western Australia
April 24, 2014
A new mineral with a surprising composition has been discovered in the Polar Bear peninsula of Western Australia by a University of Adelaide mineralogy researcher, which has been described in Mineralogical Magazine.
P. Elliott et al. Mineralogical Magazine
The pretty mineral, which has been named putnisite, is purple in appearance and is composed of cube-like crystals of 0.5mm in size. It's translucent with a glassy luster and has a pink streak running through it. What is intriguing about the mineral is its elementary composition; it contains strontium, calcium, chromium, sulfur, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, which is unusual. It's relatively soft and brittle with a Mohs hardness of between 1 ½ - 2. Currently it remains unknown whether the mineral will have any practical applications.
"Most minerals belong to a family or small group of related minerals, or if they aren't related to other minerals they often are to a synthetic compound- but putnisite is completely unique and unrelated to anything," said lead author of the study Dr Elliott in a press-release. "Nature seems to be far cleverer at dreaming up new chemicals than any researcher in a laboratory," he added.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
These Cat Reactions To Owners Calling Them Through Security Cameras Are Absolutely Hilarious
Kentucky Nurse Saves Drunk Raccoon With CPR After Dumpster Mishap
Shoulder Labrum Tear Symptoms And The Causes Behind Them
'Everyone Gets A Kick Out Of It': Baby Born At McDonald’s Parking Lot Has Perfect Nickname
The Mechanical Nurse At Guy’s Hospital Is Equal Parts Creepy And Brilliant
Dad And His Dog Share Breakfast Together Every Morning — And It’s The Sweetest Routine
Epic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Flashmob Takes Over the Streets of Paris
Texas Cheerleaders Perform Emotional 9/11 Tribute That Brings Crowd To Tears
FDNY Honors Bride Whose Father Died On 9/11 With Touching Wedding Surprise
Honey Badger Picks Fight With Elephant, Gets Hilariously Booted Away
Tiny Soccer Rivals Choose Hugs Over Competition