Tüürite

Tüürite is a rare and distinctive mineral species, first discovered in 1991 in the Tüürimäe quarry in Estonia. It is named after the type locality, Tüürimäe. The mineral is characterized by its unique chemical composition, which includes sodium, calcium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen. Its crystal structure is monoclinic, and it typically forms as small, prismatic crystals or granular aggregates.

Tüürite is a member of the zeolite group, which are a class of minerals known for their porous structure and ability to exchange ions. This property makes tüürite useful in various industrial applications, including as a catalyst in chemical reactions and as a molecular sieve in filtration processes. Its rarity and distinctive properties make it a subject of interest for mineralogists and geologists.

The mineral is typically found in association with other zeolites and calcite in basaltic rocks. Its occurrence is limited to a few locations worldwide, including Estonia, Russia, and the United States. Despite its rarity, tüürite has gained attention in the mineral collecting community due to its aesthetic appeal and unique characteristics.