rozenite

Rozenite is a rare, pink to reddish-brown mineral that belongs to the zeolite group. It was first discovered in 1970 in the Rozen mine, near the town of Rozen in Bulgaria, which is the origin of its name. Rozenite is typically found in volcanic rocks and is often associated with other zeolites such as natrolite and chabazite.

The mineral has a chemical formula of Na2Ca2(Si3Al3)O12·6H2O, indicating its composition of sodium, calcium, silicon, aluminum, oxygen, and water. Its structure is characterized by a framework of silica and alumina tetrahedra, with sodium and calcium ions occupying the cavities within this framework.

Rozenite is known for its distinctive pink to reddish-brown color, which is due to the presence of iron impurities. It has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of approximately 2.2. The mineral is typically found in small, prismatic crystals or in compact, granular masses.

Rozenite is not commonly used in industry due to its rarity and the fact that it is often found in small quantities. However, it is of interest to mineral collectors and researchers due to its unique composition and properties. Its discovery has contributed to the understanding of zeolite minerals and their formation in volcanic environments.