bromellite

Bromellite is a rare and distinctive mineral that belongs to the silicate mineral group. It was first discovered in 1960 in the Bromellia mine, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The mineral is named after the mine where it was found. Bromellite is characterized by its unique crystal structure and its vibrant green color, which is due to the presence of chromium. The mineral typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments, often associated with other chromium-bearing minerals such as chromite and crocoite.

The chemical formula of bromellite is (Mg,Fe)2Cr2O5. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and has a hardness of approximately 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Bromellite crystals are usually prismatic or tabular in shape, and they can grow to significant sizes, sometimes reaching several centimeters in length. The mineral is relatively soft and can be easily scratched with a knife, making it less suitable for use in jewelry.

Bromellite is not commonly found in mineral collections due to its rarity and the difficulty in locating suitable specimens. However, it is of interest to mineralogists and collectors who appreciate its unique appearance and the geological context in which it forms. The Bromellia mine, where bromellite was first discovered, is now a significant site for the study of chromium-bearing minerals and their geological significance.