Iverson Software: a mind gone haywire.

Alpha-hyblite is a porcelain-white, hydrous acidic sulfosilicate of thorium, with minor uranium, iron, and lead. It is an alteration product of thorite, first described from Hybla, Ontario, Canada. 🌍 Origins and Naming Name Origin: From Hybla, Ontario, Canada, where it was first identified. Discovery: Documented in the early 20th century during studies of thorite alteration.…

Alpha-celsian (α-BaAl₂Si₂O₈) is the high-temperature polymorph of the feldspar mineral celsian, a barium aluminosilicate. It is scientifically important because it represents one of the structural modifications of celsian, stable only under specific thermal conditions. 🌍 Origins and Naming Name Origin: From Celsus, a Roman philosopher, though the polymorph designation “alpha” refers to its crystallographic form.…

Alpha-alumina (α-Al₂O₃) is the most stable crystalline form of aluminum oxide. It is widely known as corundum in its natural mineral form and is a cornerstone material in both geology and industry. 🌍 Origins and Naming Mineral Equivalent: Corundum (includes gem varieties ruby and sapphire). Synthetic Form: Produced industrially from bauxite via the Bayer process…

Aloxite is a trade name rather than a formally recognized mineral species. It refers to synthetic or processed aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), commonly known as corundum when naturally occurring. In industry, “aloxite” is widely used to describe abrasive-grade alumina. 🔬 Chemical and Structural Properties Formula: Al₂O₃ Mineral Equivalent: Corundum (natural form). Crystal System: Trigonal (when crystalline).…

Alnoite is a rare igneous rock type belonging to the lamprophyre family, specifically a variety of mica-rich lamprophyre. It is scientifically notable for its mineralogy, chemistry, and occurrence in alkaline igneous provinces. 🌍 Origins and Naming Name Origin: Named after Alnö Island, Sweden, where it was first described. Discovery: Identified in the late 19th century…

Almandine is one of the most common garnet minerals, a deep-red iron aluminosilicate. It is widely recognized both in geology and gemology, prized for its rich color and durability. 🌍 Origins and Naming Name Origin: From Alabanda, a town in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), historically known for garnet deposits. Discovery: Known since antiquity; used as…

Alluaudite is a rare phosphate mineral, part of the triphylite–lithiophilite group, notable for its complex chemistry and occurrence in granitic pegmatites. 🌍 Origins and Naming Name Origin: Named after French naturalist François Alluaud (1778–1866). Discovery: First described in 1848. Type Locality: Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan (though early descriptions also reference French localities). 🔬 Chemical and Structural…

Allophane is an amorphous hydrous aluminosilicate mineraloid, often found in volcanic terrains and soils. It is not a true crystalline mineral but a mineraloid, meaning it has a definite chemical composition but lacks long-range atomic order. 🌍 Origins and Naming Name Origin: From Greek allos (“other”) and phaino (“to appear”), referring to its deceptive appearance…

Allopalladium is a rare natural alloy mineral composed primarily of palladium (Pd) with minor admixtures of other platinum-group elements. It belongs to the native element category and is scientifically notable as one of the few naturally occurring palladium-rich phases. 🌍 Origins and Naming Name Origin: From Greek allos (“other”) + palladium, referring to its distinction…

Alloclasite is a rare cobalt arsenic sulfide mineral, CoAsS. It is scientifically notable as a dimorph of cobaltite, meaning it has the same chemical composition but a different crystal structure. 🌍 Origins and Naming Name Origin: From Greek allos (“other”) and klasis (“fracture”), referring to its distinct cleavage compared to cobaltite. Discovery: First described in…