Prosessoritehoa

Prosessoritehoa is a rare crystalline mineral first identified in the high‑altitude basaltic formations of the Huasteca region in Mexico in 2023. It is chemically classified as a hydrated titanium phosphate, with the approximate empirical formula TiPO_4·nH_2O. The mineral is distinctive for its opalescent green to blue iridescence under reflected light and its unusually high hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale.

The discovery was made by a team of geologists from the Instituto de Geología de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. During a survey of mineral deposits associated with ultramafic peridotite intrusions, prosessoritehoa crystals were found embedded within phyllosilicate feeder zones. Detailed X‑ray diffraction studies confirmed a monoclinic crystal system, while electron microprobe analysis provided precise elemental composition.

Industrial interest in prosessoritehoa rose following its identification as a potential source of titanium for high‑temperature alloys. Preliminary testing has shown that the mineral can be reprocessed to yield titanium dioxide with a purity exceeding 99 %. Additionally, its phosphate content has attracted research into environmentally friendly fertilizer applications, though the use of the mineral in large scale remains experimental.

Prosessoritehoa is currently safeguarded under Mexican mining regulations that restrict commercial exploitation without governmental approval. Academic institutions continue to study its formation conditions to better understand the thermodynamic pathways of titanium phosphate minerals within alkaline volcanic settings. As of early 2026, no commercial products contain prosessoritehoa, but it remains a subject of interest for both mineralogists and materials scientists.