Spinalt
Spinalt is a mineral species characterized by an elongated, spine-like crystal habit observed in hydrothermal vein assemblages. The name derives from the Latin spina, meaning spine, reflected in its distinctive prisms and needle-like projections.
Occurrence and discovery: first described in 2021 by researchers from the Oceanic Mineral Research Institute after
Crystal structure and properties: Spinalt crystals are typically elongated prisms with flattened faces that converge to
Formation: Spinalt is believed to form through high-temperature alteration of ultramafic rocks in silica-enriched hydrothermal fluids,
Uses and research: In research contexts, Spinalt is studied as a model for anisotropic crystal growth and
See also: list of minerals, crystal habit, monoclinic crystals.