adelite

Adelite is a mineral with the chemical formula Mn3(BO3)O. It is a member of the orthoborate group of minerals. Adelite is characterized by its pale pink to rose-red color and a vitreous luster. It typically occurs in granular masses or as small, prismatic crystals. The mineral is relatively rare and is found in association with manganese-rich metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal veins. Notable occurrences include Sweden, Japan, and the United States. The hardness of adelite on the Mohs scale is typically between 3.5 and 4.5, indicating it is a moderately soft mineral. Its specific gravity is around 3.1. Adelite is not a commercially important mineral but is of interest to mineralogists and collectors due to its distinct chemical composition and crystal structure. It is named after the Greek word "adelos," meaning "unseen" or "hidden," likely referring to its relative rarity and occasional difficulty in identification.