platereita

Platereita is a rare and unique mineral discovered in 2010 within the Kola Peninsula in Russia. It is named after the Russian word "plata," meaning silver, and "reita," meaning network, reflecting its distinctive crystal structure. Platereita is a silver telluride mineral, with the chemical formula Ag5Te4. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and typically forms as small, prismatic crystals or granular aggregates. The mineral is known for its metallic luster and silver-gray color, which can sometimes exhibit a slight iridescence.

Platereita is primarily found in hydrothermal veins associated with granitic rocks. Its formation is closely linked to the alteration of silver-bearing minerals in the presence of tellurium. The mineral has a Mohs hardness of approximately 2.5 to 3, making it relatively soft. It is also known for its low specific gravity, around 7.5 to 8.0, which is characteristic of heavy metal tellurides.

Due to its rarity and the challenges associated with its extraction, platereita has limited industrial applications. However, it is of significant interest to mineralogists and collectors for its unique crystal structure and aesthetic properties. The discovery of platereita has contributed to the ongoing study of telluride minerals and their geological contexts.