anemomeetrite

Anemomeetrite is a rare silicate mineral described from granitic pegmatites in the Windcrest district. The name derives from the Greek anemos meaning wind, combined with the common mineral suffix -rite.

Composition and structure: It is dominated by sodium and aluminum in a silicate framework, with minor magnesium and iron. Crystals are typically monoclinic and prismatic, transparent to translucent, and range in color from colorless to pale blue or pale yellow.

Physical properties: Anemomeetrite has a Mohs hardness near 5 and a specific gravity around 3.3. It exhibits weak pleochroism and typically shows a single direction of good cleavage.

Occurrence and associations: The mineral occurs in late-stage granitic pegmatites, often occupying vug fillings and microcrystalline pockets. It is commonly associated with quartz, albite, and chlorite. Formation is interpreted as arising from low-temperature hydrothermal or metamorphic pegmatitic conditions.

Nomenclature and significance: Anemomeetrite is of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying silicate framework minerals. It has no known significant industrial uses. Type material is deposited in regional mineral repositories and reference collections.