Abelsonite facts for kids

Abelsonite is a special kind of mineral that can be pink, purple, or reddish-brown in color. It's made from tiny crystals called porphyrins. This mineral is flat like tiny plates (a bit like the mineral mica) and can break easily, so it's quite fragile.

Porphyrins are natural chemicals that form rings. An example you might know is 'heme', which gives red blood cells their color.

You can find Abelsonite in a place called the Green River Formation in Utah, United States.

What is Abelsonite?

Abelsonite is a unique mineral that gets its name from Philip H. Abelson, a famous geochemist. It's known for its interesting colors, which can range from a soft pinkish-brown to a deep purple or even a reddish-brown. This mineral is quite rare and special because it's one of the few minerals that are made from organic (once-living) material.

How Does Abelsonite Form?

Abelsonite forms from porphyrins, which are complex organic molecules. These molecules are found in things like petroleum (crude oil) and shale rock. Over millions of years, as these organic materials are buried deep underground, they undergo changes due to heat and pressure. This process allows the porphyrins to crystalize and form the mineral Abelsonite. It often forms in layers, which is why it looks "platy" or like tiny plates.

Where is Abelsonite Found?

Abelsonite has only been found in one main location in the world: the Green River Formation in Utah, United States. This area is famous for its rich deposits of oil shale, which is rock that contains a lot of organic material. The specific conditions in the Green River Formation, including the type of rock and the way it formed, were just right for Abelsonite to grow.

The Green River Formation

The Green River Formation is a large geological area that covers parts of Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Millions of years ago, this area was covered by vast lakes. As plants and animals died, their remains settled at the bottom of these lakes, mixing with mud and silt. Over time, these layers turned into rock, creating the oil shale deposits where minerals like Abelsonite can be found. Studying these minerals helps scientists understand more about Earth's history and how organic materials change over time.

See also

In Spanish: Abelsonita para niños