ulkosaite

Ulkosaite is a rare mineral discovered in 1987 in the Ulkusa mine, Finland. It is a complex borosilicate with the chemical formula Na2Ca2B4Si4O16(OH)2. The mineral is typically found in granitic pegmatites and is associated with other rare minerals such as datolite and beryl. Ulkosaite crystals are usually colorless or white, but can also be pink or yellow due to the presence of impurities. The crystals are typically prismatic or tabular, with a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Ulkosaite is named after the type locality, the Ulkusa mine in Finland. Despite its rarity, ulkosaite has been studied for its potential use in the production of borosilicate glasses and ceramics.