Determining the absolute rarest mineral on Earth is a tricky task, as new discoveries are constantly being made, and some minerals might only exist in trace amounts. However, ringwoodite is widely considered to be one of the rarest minerals on Earth.
Ringwoodite is a high-pressure form of olivine, a common mineral found in the Earth's mantle. It forms under immense pressure and heat, typically found at depths of 410 to 660 kilometers (255 to 410 miles).
While ringwoodite is abundant in the Earth's mantle, it's incredibly rare to find on the surface. This is because it becomes unstable and transforms back into other minerals when it reaches the surface.
Only a handful of ringwoodite samples have been found on Earth, primarily within meteorites that have impacted our planet. These meteorites provide a glimpse into the Earth's deep interior and offer valuable insights into the composition and structure of our planet.
Why is ringwoodite so rare?
- Formation conditions: Ringwoodite forms under extreme pressure and temperature, which are only found deep within the Earth's mantle.
- Instability at the surface: When ringwoodite reaches the surface, it rapidly transforms into other minerals due to the change in pressure and temperature.
- Limited accessibility: Samples of ringwoodite are primarily found in meteorites, making it difficult to study and analyze.
Other rare minerals:
While ringwoodite is considered one of the rarest, there are other minerals that are incredibly rare, including:
- Red beryl: A rare and highly sought-after gemstone known for its vibrant red color, caused by manganese impurities.
- Benitoite: A blue fluorescent gemstone found only in California, prized for its vivid blue color and unique optical properties.
- Painite: One of the rarest minerals on Earth, initially discovered in 1951 and only a few hundred crystals have been found since.
Conclusion:
Ringwoodite, a high-pressure form of olivine, is widely considered to be one of the rarest minerals on Earth due to its specific formation conditions, instability at the surface, and limited accessibility. While other rare minerals exist, ringwoodite's unique characteristics make it a fascinating and elusive treasure of the Earth's mantle.
