pearceite

Pearceite is a rare mineral with the chemical formula (Ca,Na)2(Fe,Mn)3+Al2(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH). It was first discovered in 1977 in the Pearce mine, near the town of Pearce, Western Australia. Pearceite is a member of the epidote group of minerals, which are characterized by their complex silicate structures and the presence of various cations in their crystal lattice.

The mineral typically forms as a secondary mineral in altered igneous rocks, particularly in granitic pegmatites. It is often found in association with other minerals such as quartz, muscovite, and tourmaline. Pearceite crystals are usually small, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in size, and they can exhibit a variety of colors, including green, brown, and black.

Due to its rarity and the specific conditions required for its formation, pearceite is not commonly used in industry or jewelry. However, it is of interest to mineralogists and collectors who appreciate its unique composition and the geological context in which it forms. The mineral's name honors the Pearce mine, where it was first discovered, reflecting the importance of mining in the region's history and the ongoing exploration of its geological resources.