ookeanite

Ookeanite is a rare mineraloid composed primarily of hydrated magnesium silicate. Its chemical formula is generally given as approximately Mg2Si2O5(OH)4, though it can contain impurities. Ookeanite is found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents and is thought to form under conditions of high pressure and temperature. Its distinctive fibrous or acicular crystal structure is a key characteristic.

The color of Ookeanite can vary, typically appearing as white to pale green or gray. It is a relatively soft material, with a Mohs hardness of around 2 to 3. Due to its specialized formation environment, Ookeanite is not commonly encountered and is primarily of interest to mineralogists and geochemists studying extreme environments.

Samples of Ookeanite have been recovered from locations such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East Pacific Rise. Its presence is often associated with serpentinized peridotites and other ultramafic rocks that have undergone alteration by hydrothermal fluids. Research into Ookeanite continues to explore its potential role in geological processes and its implications for understanding the chemistry of the ocean floor.