carnalliit

Carnalliit is a rare phosphate–silicate mineral described in 2045 by a team from the University of Veridia in the Condara volcanic belt. The name honors Mina Carnalli, a mineralogist noted for work on hydrothermal silicates. In hand samples it appears as pale green to olive-green prismatic crystals and in foliated masses.

It belongs to the phyllosilicate group and has a layered structure with tetrahedral and octahedral sheets and interlayer hydroxyls. Mohs hardness is about 4; specific gravity is typically around 2.9–3.1. The color ranges from pale green to gray-green, with a vitreous to pearly lustre and characteristic basal cleavage.

Occurrence and formation: Carnalliit forms during low- to moderate-temperature hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic rocks, commonly in serpentinization zones and chloritization halos. Known localities include the Condara region and adjacent belts. It is typically associated with serpentine, chlorite, magnetite, and pyrite.

Composition and classification: The mineral is primarily composed of aluminum, silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, with varying amounts of iron and magnesium. Its layered structure places it in the phyllosilicate family, sharing characteristics with other sheet silicates found in hydrothermally altered rocks.

Uses and research: Current research focuses on crystal chemistry, ion-exchange potential, and possible ceramic or pigment applications. Carnalliit is not a major ore commodity, and there are no large-scale mining operations.