Sapiteid

Sapiteid is a rare and unique mineral that was first discovered in the late 19th century in the Sapucaia mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is a complex borosilicate mineral with the chemical formula Na2Ca2B4Si8O24(OH)2. Sapiteid is typically found in granitic pegmatites and is often associated with other borate minerals such as datolite and tourmaline.

The mineral is known for its distinctive crystal habit, which consists of prismatic crystals that can grow to significant sizes. These crystals are usually colorless or white, but can also exhibit a pale yellow or pinkish tint due to the presence of impurities. Sapiteid has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of approximately 2.8.

Sapiteid is not commonly used in industry due to its rarity and the difficulty in extracting it from its host rocks. However, it is occasionally collected by mineral enthusiasts for its aesthetic appeal and the scientific interest it represents. The mineral's unique chemical composition and crystal structure make it a valuable subject for study in the fields of mineralogy and crystallography.