Mellite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY 4.0)
Mineral NameMellite
Chemical FormulaAl2[C6(COO)6]·16H2O
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemtetragonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagepoor/indistinct
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity1.6
Colorshoney-yellow, yellow, reddish-brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityCsordakúti Mine, Bicske-Csordakút, Bicske-Zsámbéki Basin, Fejér Co., Hungary
Mineral GroupOrganic minerals
Usescollector's mineral, gemstone (rarely)
Associated Mineralslignite, clay minerals
Rarityrare
Description
A faceted, honey-yellow Mellite gemstone, cut into an emerald-like shape, displaying good transparency and some dark internal inclusions.
Geological Context
Mellite is a rare organic mineral found in lignite or coal beds, forming as a secondary mineral from the reaction of aluminum-rich clays with organic matter.
