Uretrite

Uretrite is a rare and unusual mineral that was first discovered in 1968 in the Ural Mountains of Russia. It is named after the Ural Mountains, where it was found, and the Greek word "tretos," meaning "third," reflecting its rarity. Uretrite is a complex borate mineral with the chemical formula Na2CaB5O9(OH)3. It typically forms as a secondary mineral in boron-rich hydrothermal veins, often associated with other borate minerals such as datolite and szaibelyite.

Uretrite crystals are usually small and prismatic, often forming clusters or radiating groups. They are typically colorless or white, but can also exhibit a pale yellow or greenish tint due to impurities. The mineral has a hardness of approximately 5.5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of around 2.9. It is translucent to transparent, with a vitreous to pearly luster.

Uretrite is of limited interest to collectors and mineral enthusiasts due to its rarity and the fact that it is often found in small, poorly formed crystals. However, it is an important mineral for understanding the geochemistry of boron-rich environments. Its discovery and study have contributed to the broader understanding of mineral formation processes in hydrothermal systems.