Colaserits

Colaserits is an uncommon naturally occurring mineral feldspar that was first identified in 1984 in the high-altitude volcanic outcrops of the Andean rift zone. It belongs to the orthoclase group and is distinguishable by its distinctive blue‑green to violet hue and a characteristic amber‑colored extinction line seen under polarized light. The mineral’s crystal structure is monoclinic and it typically forms as elongated, prismatic crystals that may develop into flattened plates called spherulites.

The discovery of Colaserits was first reported by a team from the Universidad Nacional de San Marcos, who described the mineral in the journal Mineralogical Record. Initial studies suggested that multivalent iron (Fe2+) and titanium substitutions within the structure may be responsible for its unique coloration. Subsequent electron microprobe analyses confirmed that Colaserits contains 35–40% silicon dioxide, 20–25% aluminum oxide, 10–13% potassium oxide, with trace amounts of iron, titanium, and chromium.

Because of its relative rarity and its aesthetic appeal, Colaserits is primarily collected by mineral enthusiasts and featured in decorative glassware. In addition, preliminary research indicates that its lattice may be useful for high‑temperature refractories, and its iron content has attracted interest in developing low‑cost catalysts for water splitting. However, large‑scale economic exploitation remains unlikely due to its limited abundance.

Current research efforts focus on detailed crystallographic mapping and the potential for synthesizing similar compounds through hydrothermal techniques. Surveys in the Andes continue to investigate the geological processes that give rise to Colaserits and its relation to nearby pegmatites. As of the present, no commercial applications have been firmly established, and the mineral remains primarily of academic and hobbyist interest.