piletitega

Piletitega is a rare and unique mineral discovered in the late 20th century. It was first identified in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, hence its name, which is derived from the words "Pilbara" and "lithium," reflecting its composition. Piletitega is a lithium-rich silicate mineral, belonging to the zeolite group. Its chemical formula is Li2[AlSi3O8(OH)2]·H2O, indicating its complex structure and the presence of lithium, aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen.

The mineral is typically found in association with other lithium-bearing minerals such as petalite and spodumene. It forms in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites, often in close proximity to granitic intrusions. Piletitega is known for its distinctive crystal habit, which includes prismatic crystals and radial aggregates. The mineral's color ranges from colorless to pale yellow, and it has a vitreous to pearly luster.

Due to its lithium content, piletitega has potential applications in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are crucial for modern electronics and electric vehicles. However, its rarity and the challenges associated with its extraction make it a relatively unexplored resource. The study of piletitega continues to be an active area of research in mineralogy and materials science, as scientists seek to understand its formation processes and potential economic value.