desmosomite

Desmosomite is a rare mineral species discovered in 1999. It is named after the Greek word "desmos," meaning bond, and "omite," a suffix used in mineral names. Desmosomite is a phosphate mineral, specifically a calcium aluminum phosphate hydroxide with the chemical formula CaAl(PO4)(OH). It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and typically forms as small, colorless to white, prismatic crystals or granular masses. Desmosomite is often found in association with other phosphate minerals such as triphylite and variscite. It has a Mohs hardness of 4.5 and a specific gravity of approximately 2.9. Desmosomite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers due to its rarity and unique chemical composition. It has not been found in significant quantities and is not used in any industrial applications. The type locality for desmosomite is the Poudrette Quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, where it was first discovered.