Steedeite: A New Mineral.
Most avid mineral collectors would love to find a new mineral and have it named after them. While difficult, it can still be done. Tony Steede has done just that.
Steedeite is a rare and somewhat complex silicate, (Na2ZrSi3O9.2H2O). The type locality is the famous micro-mineral collecting area in Mont St.Hilaire,Quebec. It has a trigonal crystal structure and belongs to catapleite group of minerals.
Finding the mineral is just the first step in a very long process, starting with the scientific proof that it is a new mineral, which very few amateurs have the ability to perform. Tony is a long term member of the Gem and Mineral Club of Scarboroughand the Walker Mineralogical Club. If you would like to learn about the naming and identification of new minerals, come to our monthly meeting in February. Tony will discuss the steps required for having a new mineral and its name approved by the International Mineralogical Association, with the new mineral Steedeite and other minerals named after Canadian amateurs used as examples.
Many of the rare and newly identified minerals exist only as tiny micro-crysyals. Microminerals are often the most perfect crystals. Such minerals can only be viewed through a microscope. The February meeting of the Gem and Mineral Club of Club will take place on February1, beginning at 8:00 at the Knox United Church, 2569 Midland Ave. Guests and visitors are welcome.
photo: Steedeite ,courtesy of Tony Steede, In October of 2011, the IMA withdrew approval of steedeite, further investigation had shown it was identical to catapleite
