veredoonorite

veredoonorite is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the nesosilicate group. It is most often found in oxidized zones of iron‑rich metamorphic terranes, where it crystallizes within quartz veinlets. The mineral typically displays a pale green to yellow‑green colour and a sub‑transparent to opaque luster.

Its chemical formula is commonly given as CaAl₂(SiO₄)(SiO₃O)O₂, though variations containing minor Fe²⁺ or Mg may occur. The crystal structure consists of isolated silicate tetrahedra linked by interconnected sheets of calcium and aluminium octahedra. veredoonorite often forms in fibrous or fibronematous aggregates, giving it a distinctive brush‑like appearance.

The first documented occurrence of veredoonorite was reported in the 1870s from a quarry in the Harz Mountains, where it was noted for its unique surface fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Subsequent surveys have recorded the mineral in the Canadian Shield, the Scottish Highlands, and in a few localities in South America. Although it is not considered a major resource, veredoonorite has attracted mineral collectors due to its aesthetic qualities and rarity.

In scientific research, veredoonorite has been studied as a model system for understanding the stability of nesosilicate frameworks in oxidized ore deposits. Its uranium enrichment in some samples has also made it a subject of interest for geochemical tracing of uranium migration in sedimentary basins. Current literature suggests that the mineral’s formation is closely linked to hydrothermal fluids interacting with pre‑existing carbonate and feldspar matrices.

The mineral is typically identified by a combination of optical microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, and electron microprobe analysis. Its distinctive fibrous habit, greenish hue, and specific hardness (approximately 5.5 on the Mohs scale) aid in differentiating it from similar silicate minerals such as vesuvianite and morganite.