atoomite

Atoomite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral that was first discovered in 1962 in the Atoka County, Oklahoma, United States. It is named after the county where it was found. Atoomite is a complex phosphate mineral with the chemical formula (NH4)2Ca(PO4)2·H2O. It is typically found in association with other phosphate minerals such as apatite and variscite.

Atoomite crystals are usually small, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in size. They are often found in clusters or crusts on the surfaces of other minerals. The mineral has a white to pale yellow color and a waxy to vitreous luster. It is transparent to translucent and has a hardness of approximately 3.5 on the Mohs scale.

Atoomite is of limited interest to collectors due to its rarity and small size. However, it is sometimes used in scientific research to study the behavior of ammonium ions in phosphate minerals. The mineral is also of interest to geologists studying the formation of phosphate deposits.

Atoomite is a relatively rare mineral, and specimens are not commonly found in mineral collections. However, it is an important mineral for understanding the geochemistry of phosphate deposits and the behavior of ammonium ions in minerals.