New Unique Mineral Found On Earth; Putnisite

Found down unda in Earth's bunghole, Australia.





" previously unknown mineral has been discovered in a remote location in Western Australia. The mineral, named putnisite, appears purple and translucent, and contains strontium, calcium, chromium, sulphur, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, a very unusual combination.
While dozens of new minerals are discovered each year, it is rare to find one that is unrelated to already-known substances."



"It appears as tiny semi-cubic crystals and is often found within quartz. Putnisite is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 1.5 to 2 (out of 10), comparable to gypsum, and brittle. It's unclear yet if the mineral could have any commercial applications."


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