Asetellut

Asetellut is a rare and unique mineral that was first discovered in the late 19th century. It is named after its chemical composition, which includes arsenic, selenium, tellurium, and lutetium. Asetellut is classified as a telluride mineral, meaning it contains tellurium as a significant component. It is typically found in low-temperature hydrothermal veins and is associated with other telluride minerals such as calaverite and sylvanite.

The mineral has a metallic luster and a dark gray to black color. It is brittle and has a Mohs hardness of approximately 2.5 to 3. Asetellut is not commonly found in large quantities and is often difficult to identify due to its rarity and the fact that it can be easily confused with other minerals. Despite its rarity, asetellut has garnered interest among mineral collectors and researchers due to its unique chemical composition and the scientific insights it provides into the formation of hydrothermal veins.

Asetellut's chemical formula is (As,Se,Te)2(Lu, Yb). It is notable for the presence of lutetium, a rare earth element, in its structure. This makes asetellut one of the few minerals known to contain lutetium. The mineral's discovery has contributed to the understanding of the geological processes that lead to the formation of rare and valuable minerals.