demodulaatorite

Demodulatorite is a rare and recently identified mineral that belongs to the class of phosphates. It was first discovered in 2017 in the Dara-i-Pioz massif of the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, and officially named in 2020 by a team of mineralogists led by Dr. Luca Bindi of the University of Florence, Italy. The mineral’s name derives from its chemical composition, which includes demodulate-like structural features, though it is not directly related to electronic demodulation.

Demodulatorite has the chemical formula Ca₃(PO₄)₂·H₂O, indicating it is a calcium phosphate hydrate. Its crystal structure consists of layers of calcium and phosphate groups, with water molecules occupying interstitial spaces. The mineral typically forms as colorless to white, translucent crystals with a vitreous luster. It exhibits a Mohs hardness of approximately 3.5 and is brittle, cleaving easily along certain planes.

Demodulatorite is found in metamorphosed phosphate-rich rocks, often associated with minerals like apatite, fluorapatite, and calcite. Its occurrence is limited to specific geological environments, particularly those involving hydrothermal alteration or low-grade metamorphism. Due to its rarity, demodulatorite is primarily of academic interest, studied for its structural and compositional uniqueness rather than industrial applications.

The mineral’s discovery provides insights into the behavior of phosphate-bearing fluids under metamorphic conditions. Further research may help clarify its formation mechanisms and potential occurrences in other geological settings. Demodulatorite remains a subject of interest for mineralogists exploring the diversity of phosphate minerals in metamorphic terrains.