Manhattanile

Manhattanite is a naturally occurring, crystalline form of magnesium oxide, MgO. It is a mineral that typically forms under high pressure and temperature conditions, often found in metamorphic rocks such as marbles and granulites. Its chemical composition is simple, consisting of magnesium and oxygen atoms arranged in a cubic crystal structure. Manhattanite is known for its hardness, ranking around 5.5 on the Mohs scale, and its typically colorless to white appearance. It can also exhibit shades of gray or yellow due to impurities. The mineral is relatively rare and is primarily of scientific interest to mineralogists and geologists studying metamorphic processes and the Earth's mantle. While it is not commercially mined or used for industrial purposes, its presence can provide valuable insights into the geological history and conditions of the rocks in which it is found. The name "Manhattanite" derives from its initial discovery location.