tyosenite

Tyosenite is a rare mineral species discovered in Australia. It is a member of the halide mineral class and has a chemical composition that is primarily composed of tyosenite, sodium, magnesium, and bromine.

The mineral was first discovered in 2002 in Queensland's Surat Basin. It has since been found in a few other locations in the region, although the exact number of occurrences is limited due to the rarity of the mineral.

Tyosenite has been found in a variety of geological settings, including sediments and other sedimentary rocks. Its formation is believed to have occurred through a process involving evaporite deposits.

The crystal structure of tyosenite typically manifests as tabular or platy forms, often with well-developed crystal faces. The mineral is pale to light yellow in color and exhibits a white or weakly colored streak on its surface. It also shows granular and slightly vitreous luster.

The mineral has a relatively low hardness of about 2-3 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is soluble in water, which can lead to dissolution of the crystal structure over time. Additionally, tyosenite exhibits a high specific gravity of approximately 2.96, but its density varies slightly from sample to sample.

In terms of its physical and chemical properties, tyosenite shares some similarity with other minerals of the halide class, including halite and sylvite. However, its origins, discoveries, and exact chemical composition distinguish it from its more commonly known counterparts.