Diellit

Diellit is a rare and unique mineral discovered in 1994 by a team of researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles. It is named after the Greek word "diellon," which means "two times," reflecting its unique crystal structure. Diellit is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula (K,Na)2Ca2(Si8O20)(OH,F)2. It typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments, often associated with other minerals such as quartz, calcite, and fluorite.

Diellit crystals are known for their distinctive prismatic habit, with elongated, needle-like structures that can reach lengths of up to 10 centimeters. They are usually colorless or white, but can also exhibit shades of yellow, green, or blue due to impurities. The mineral's hardness on the Mohs scale is approximately 5.5, and its specific gravity is around 2.9.

Due to its rarity and unique properties, diellit is of significant interest to mineral collectors and researchers. Its crystal structure and formation processes provide valuable insights into the geological conditions under which it forms. However, diellit is not commonly used in industry or commerce due to its limited availability and the challenges associated with its extraction and processing.