kaadrite

Kaadrite is a rare silicate mineral described in mineralogical literature as a member of the aluminosilicate group. It was named after the Kaad region, where the first recognized specimens were collected in the late 20th century by field geologists working in the metavolcanic belt of the region.

These specimens crystallize as tabular to prismatic crystals, typically forming in granular masses. Kaadrite has a vitreous luster, a white streak, and a color range from pale emerald to blue-green. It commonly shows transparency from transparent to translucent. On the Mohs scale, Kaadrite hardness is around 6, and its calculated gravity is approximately 3.2–3.6. The mineral is monoclinic in crystal system and exhibits weak pleochroism.

Kaadrite occurs in high-grade regional metamorphic rocks and in granitic pegmatites, often in association with muscovite, garnet, kyanite, and quartz. It is interpreted as forming during metamorphic dehydration reactions in aluminum-rich rocks under medium-grade conditions, with fluids facilitating aluminosilicate crystallization.

Because it is rare and sometimes of gem-quality, kaadrite specimens are sought by collectors and specialized jewelers, though it has limited commercial use. Synthetic analogs have not been widely reported, and the mineral remains primarily of interest to researchers studying metamorphic mineral assemblages.

Etymology and discovery: The name Kaadrite honors the place of its initial description in the Kaad region and the geologist who first documented it. The mineral has been cataloged in minor mineral databases and is mentioned in regional geologic surveys, though it remains uncommon in the broader minerals literature.