Kremersite (/'kri:mərsait/) is a rare mineral discovered in the United States in 1899 by Professor J.W. Mallet. Its chemical formula is Mg2Si2O6(OH)2 and it is a member of the clinohumite group. The spelling of kremersite comes from the name of the chemist E. C. Kremers. Phonetic transcription shows that the pronunciation of kremersite is krēm-ər-sīt. Despite its rarity, kremersite has garnered interest among mineral collectors due to its unique crystal structure and beautiful coloration.
Kremersite is a mineral that belongs to the phosphates group. It is an extremely rare mineral and typically occurs as an accessory mineral in certain iron-nickel meteorites. The mineral was first discovered in 1886 and was named after George Krȩmer, a renowned German crystallographer.
Kremersite has a distinctive crystal structure and appears as slender prismatic crystals, often with striations. The crystals are usually colorless to light yellow, but can also have a pale green or brownish tint. The mineral has a vitreous to resinous luster and exhibits perfect cleavage, meaning it can easily split along certain planes.
Chemically, kremersite is composed of hydrated iron phosphate, with the formula Fe3+2(PO4)2(OH)2·3H2O. It forms in oxidized areas of iron meteorites, as a result of hydrothermal alteration, and often coexists with other phosphate minerals such as triphylite and beraunite.
Due to its rarity, kremersite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying meteorites and their formation history. Its distinctive crystal structure and composition provide valuable insights into the processes that occur within meteorites and their parent bodies.
In summary, kremersite is a rare mineral found in iron-nickel meteorites, characterized by slender prismatic crystals with perfect cleavage. Its chemical composition consists of hydrated iron phosphate, and it plays a significant role in understanding the geological history of meteorites.
The word "kremersite" is derived from the name of the German mineralogist, August Alexander Kremers (1825-1892). Kremers discovered this rare mineral in 1860 and it was later named in his honor. The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineral names to denote a mineral species. Therefore, "kremersite" refers to the mineral discovered by Kremers.