hudisite

Hudisite is a mineral first discovered in 1988 in the Kombat mine, Namibia. It is a member of the micas group, specifically classified as a trioctahedral mica. Its chemical formula is K2(Fe2+3Al2)(AlSi3O10)(OH)2. Hudisite is characterized by its dark brown to black color and its flaky or platy habit, typical of other micas. It forms in metamorphic rocks, often associated with iron-rich skarns or granulites.

The mineral is named in honor of the German mineralogist Michael Hudi, who contributed to its identification and characterization. Hudisite is relatively rare, and its occurrence is primarily limited to its type locality. Its physical properties include a Mohs hardness of around 3, a specific gravity of approximately 3.0, and a pearly to vitreous luster. Due to its mica structure, it exhibits perfect basal cleavage, allowing it to be easily split into thin sheets.

While not of significant economic importance, hudisite is of interest to mineralogists and geologists for its role in understanding metamorphic processes and the complex geochemistry of mineral formation in specific geological environments. Research on hudisite helps to refine the understanding of mica group mineralogy and the conditions under which these minerals crystallize.