piketita

Piketita is a rare and unusual mineral that was first discovered in 1997 in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado, USA. It is named after the Pikes Peak area where it was found. Piketita is a member of the zeolite group of minerals, which are characterized by their open framework structures that can accommodate various cations and water molecules. The mineral is typically found in cavities within basaltic rocks, often associated with other zeolites such as chabazite and analcime.

Piketita has a chemical formula of Na2Ca2[Al12Si12O48]·16H2O, indicating its complex structure and composition. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and is known for its distinctive prismatic crystals, which can be colorless, white, or light gray. The mineral is translucent to transparent and has a vitreous luster. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is approximately 5, and it has a specific gravity of around 2.2.

Due to its rarity and the specific conditions under which it forms, piketita is not commonly used in industrial applications. However, it is of interest to mineralogists and collectors for its unique crystal structure and the geological context in which it is found. The Pikes Peak region, where piketita was first discovered, is known for its diverse mineralogy and continues to be a significant area for geological research and exploration.