soite

Soite is a rare and complex mineral that was first discovered in 1994 in the Soita mine in the Kola Peninsula, Russia. It is named after the mine where it was found. Soite is a member of the zeolite group of minerals, which are characterized by their porous structure and ability to exchange cations. Soite has a chemical formula of Na2Ca2(Si12Al4O36) · 12H2O, indicating its composition of sodium, calcium, silicon, aluminum, oxygen, and water.

The mineral is typically found in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often associated with other zeolites and calcite. Soite crystals are usually small, ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter in size, and are often colorless or white. They can also exhibit a faint blue or pink hue due to the presence of trace elements.

Soite's structure is characterized by its large cavities and channels, which can accommodate a variety of cations and water molecules. This property makes soite useful in various applications, including ion exchange, catalysis, and as a molecular sieve. Its unique properties and rarity make soite a subject of interest for mineralogists and materials scientists alike.