teodoliittia

Teodoliittia is a rare and unique mineral that was first discovered in the town of Teodoros, Greece, in 1985. It is named after this location due to its distinctive occurrence in the area. Teodoliittia is a member of the zeolite group, which are a class of minerals known for their porous structure and ability to exchange cations. The mineral is typically colorless or white, and it often forms as small, prismatic crystals or in compact masses.

The chemical composition of teodoliittia is (Na,K)2Ca2Si8O20·8H2O, indicating that it contains sodium, potassium, calcium, silicon, and oxygen, along with water molecules. This composition is characteristic of the zeolite group, which includes minerals like analcime, chabazite, and natrolite. Teodoliittia's structure is characterized by a framework of silicon and oxygen atoms, with sodium, potassium, and calcium ions occupying the voids within this framework.

Teodoliittia is not commonly found in mineral collections due to its rarity and the specific conditions required for its formation. It typically occurs in volcanic rocks and hydrothermal veins, where it forms as a result of the interaction between silica-rich fluids and alkaline rocks. The mineral's discovery in Teodoros, Greece, is notable because it represents one of the few known occurrences of teodoliittia outside of its type locality in the United States.

Despite its rarity, teodoliittia has garnered interest among mineralogists and collectors due to its unique chemical composition and the challenges associated with its identification and classification. The mineral's discovery has contributed to the ongoing study of zeolites and their role in various geological processes.