petaloita

Petaloita is a rare mineral discovered in 2017, found in the Capillitas mine in Argentina. It is named after the Greek word "petalon," meaning "petal," reflecting its distinctive flower-like crystal structure. Petaloita is a phosphate mineral, specifically a calcium aluminum phosphate hydroxide, with the chemical formula CaAl2(PO4)2(OH)2. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and typically forms small, prismatic crystals that are translucent to transparent, with a white to pale yellow color.

The mineral is notable for its unique crystal habit, which resembles a flower with six petals. Each petal is composed of a single crystal, and the entire structure is held together by a central axis. This distinctive morphology is a result of the mineral's growth conditions and the specific arrangement of its atoms.

Petaloita is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 4.5, and has a specific gravity of around 3.0. It is typically found in association with other phosphate minerals such as variscite and autunite. Due to its rarity and the specific conditions required for its formation, petaloita is of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying crystal growth and mineralogy.