Amfiboleita

Amfiboleita is a rare mineral species discovered in 2016, found in the Capo di Bove mine in Sardinia, Italy. It is a member of the amphibole group, which includes minerals like tremolite, actinolite, and hornblende. The mineral is characterized by its unique chemical composition, specifically the presence of the element tellurium. This makes amfiboleita one of the few known minerals that contain tellurium, a rare and toxic element.

The mineral was first identified by a team of Italian and German researchers who analyzed samples from the Capo di Bove mine. The discovery was significant because it expanded the known range of tellurium-bearing minerals and provided insights into the geological processes that can concentrate this element in certain environments.

Amfiboleita crystallizes in the monoclinic system and typically forms prismatic crystals. It is usually found in association with other amphibole minerals and other tellurium-bearing minerals such as tellurobismuthite and altaite. The mineral's color ranges from dark green to black, and it has a hardness of approximately 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.

Despite its rarity and the toxic nature of tellurium, amfiboleita has not been found to have any significant economic value. Its primary interest lies in its scientific significance as a new mineral species and a contributor to our understanding of tellurium mineralization processes. The discovery of amfiboleita underscores the ongoing importance of mineral exploration and the potential for new mineral discoveries in even the most well-studied geological settings.