absene

Absene is a rare, naturally occurring mineral with the chemical formula Na2Ca(Al2Si7O18)2(H2O)2. It is a member of the zeolite group of minerals, which are characterized by their porous structure and ability to exchange cations. Absene was first discovered in 1845 in the Absaroka Mountains of Wyoming, USA, and is named after this location. It typically forms in volcanic rocks and is often associated with other zeolite minerals such as natrolite and mesolite.

The mineral has a white to colorless appearance and is translucent to transparent. It exhibits a vitreous luster and has a hardness of approximately 5 on the Mohs scale. Absene crystals are usually prismatic or tabular in shape and can be found in various sizes, ranging from microscopic to several centimeters in length. The mineral is not commonly used in industry or jewelry due to its rarity and the fact that it is often found in small, imperfect crystals.

Absene is of interest to mineral collectors and geologists due to its unique chemical composition and the specific geological conditions under which it forms. It is also studied for its potential applications in ion exchange processes and as a catalyst in chemical reactions. Despite its rarity, absene remains an important mineral in the field of mineralogy and geology, contributing to our understanding of the complex processes that occur within the Earth's crust.