sadanagaite

Sadanagaite is a rare mineral discovered in 2002 in the Sadanaga mine, located in the town of Sadanaga, Japan. It is named after the mine where it was first found. Sadanagaite is a member of the zeolite group, which are a class of minerals with a three-dimensional framework structure. The mineral is typically colorless or white, but can also appear in shades of gray or yellow due to impurities. Its chemical formula is Na2Ca2(Si12Al4O36)•12H2O, indicating it contains sodium, calcium, silicon, aluminum, oxygen, and water.

Sadanagaite forms in low-temperature hydrothermal environments, often associated with other zeolite minerals such as chabazite and phillipsite. It typically occurs as small, prismatic crystals or as fibrous masses. The mineral has a Mohs hardness of 4 to 5 and a specific gravity of approximately 2.2. It is translucent to transparent with a vitreous luster.

Due to its rarity and the specific conditions under which it forms, sadanagaite is not commonly used in industry or jewelry. However, it is of interest to mineralogists and collectors for its unique crystal structure and the geological context in which it is found. The Sadanaga mine, where sadanagaite was first discovered, is now closed, but the mineral continues to be studied and appreciated by those in the field of mineralogy.