meelest

Meelest is a rare and unique mineral that was first discovered in the late 19th century in the Melekeok district of Palau, an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean. It is named after the district where it was found. Meelest is a complex borate mineral with the chemical formula Na2B4O5(OH)4 * 3H2O. It typically forms as a white, waxy, or translucent material with a vitreous luster. Meelest crystals are often found in clusters or radiating groups, and they can be quite small, usually less than a millimeter in size.

The mineral is notable for its rarity and the specific conditions under which it forms. It is typically found in association with other borate minerals, such as ulexite and borax. Meelest is also known for its unique optical properties, including its ability to exhibit a phenomenon known as "meelest effect," where it can appear to change color when viewed from different angles.

Meelest has limited commercial value due to its rarity and the difficulty in extracting it from its host rock. However, it is of interest to mineral collectors and researchers due to its unique properties and the specific geological conditions under which it forms. The study of meelest and other borate minerals can provide valuable insights into the geological processes that shape the Earth's crust.