Szeciokta

Szeciokta is a rare and unique mineral discovered in the late 20th century. It is named after the Polish word for "five," reflecting its crystal structure, which is composed of five intergrown crystals. The mineral was first identified in the Szklary mine in Lower Silesia, Poland, and its chemical formula is Ca2MgSi2O7. Szeciokta belongs to the pyroxene group of minerals, which are characterized by their single-chain silicate structure.

The crystal structure of szeciokta is hexagonal, with a distinctive five-fold symmetry. This symmetry is unusual in minerals, as most crystals exhibit three, four, or six-fold symmetry. The mineral typically forms as dark green to black prismatic crystals, often found in association with other minerals such as diopside and tremolite. Szeciokta is relatively rare and is primarily of interest to mineralogists and collectors.

The mineral's formation is thought to be related to the metamorphism of limestone, where the heat and pressure cause the recrystallization of the original minerals into szeciokta. Despite its rarity, szeciokta has been found in a few other locations around the world, including in the United States and Japan. Its unique crystal structure and optical properties make it a subject of ongoing study in the field of mineralogy.