# Extinct Minerals with Place of Discovery
Mineral evolution is a recent hypothesis that provides historical context to mineralogy. It postulates that mineralogy on planets and moons becomes increasingly complex as a result of changes in the physical, chemical, and biological environment. In the Solar System, the number of mineral species has grown from about a dozen to over 5400 as a result of three processes: separation and concentration of elements; greater ranges of temperature and pressure coupled with the action of volatiles; and new reaction pathways driven by living organisms.
According to the mineral evolution hypothesis, some minerals that were once abundant in the past may no longer exist today, while new minerals continue to form. Mineral extinction is a natural process that occurs when a mineral is no longer formed or is transformed into a new mineral. Here are some examples of minerals that are currently perceived to be extinct on Earth:
| Mineral Species | Chemical Formula | Year of Discovery | Place of Discovery |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Edoylerite | Cu₃PbCl₂(OH)₆ | 1978 | Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, Tiger, Arizona, USA |
| Parsettensite | Fe₂Al₄Si₄O₁₈(OH)₄ | 1962 | Parsettens, Switzerland |
| Tazheranite | CuPb₁₈Ag₅Sb₁₃S₃₅ | 1983 | Tazheran deposit, South Urals, Russia |
| Xocomecatlite | Cu₃(AsO₄)₂•8H₂O | 1981 | Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Durango, Mexico |
| Ziesite | Fe₂MgSiO₄ | 1963 | Zies, Bavaria, Germany |
It is important to note that mineral extinction is not truly irreversible, and a lost mineral could emerge again if suitable environmental conditions were re-established. The study of mineral evolution provides a unique perspective on the history of our planet and the processes that have shaped it. Minerals reveal the nature of the co-evolving geosphere and biosphere through billions of years of Earth history.
## Mineral Collecting and Mineral Evolution
Mineral collectors are often interested in rare and unique specimens, and mineral evolution provides insight into the processes that have shaped the mineralogy of our planet over billions of years of Earth history. The rarity, historical significance, and scientific interest of minerals make them a fascinating subject for collectors.
Mineral evolution is a relatively new area of research, and there is much to learn about the changing diversity and distribution of minerals over time. Collectors can contribute to scientific research by providing specimens for analysis and study. Mineral evolution postulates that new minerals continue to form, and collectors can be on the lookout for new mineral discoveries that could contribute to the understanding of mineral evolution.
In addition, mineral evolution provides a unique perspective on the history of our planet and the processes that have shaped it. By studying the mineralogy of our planet, collectors can appreciate the co-evolving geosphere and biosphere through billions of years of Earth history.
In summary, mineral evolution impacts mineral collecting by providing collectors with a unique perspective on the history of our planet and the processes that have shaped it. Collectors can appreciate the rarity, historical significance, and scientific interest of minerals, as well as contribute to future discoveries. The study of mineral evolution is an exciting area of research that has the potential to reveal new insights into the co-evolving geosphere and biosphere.
Sources
[1] Mineral evolution heralds a new era for mineralogy - De Gruyter https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.2138/am-2022-8414/html?lang=en
[2] Evolution of Minerals - Scientific American https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/evolution-of-minerals/
[3] Evolutionary System of Mineralogy | ROBERT M. HAZEN https://hazen.carnegiescience.edu/research/evolutionary-system-mineralogy
[4] Mineral Evolution | ROBERT M. HAZEN https://hazen.carnegiescience.edu/research/mineral-evolution
[5] [PDF] Needs and opportunities in mineral evolution research - Geosciences | https://www.geo.arizona.edu/xtal/group/pdf/AM96_953.pdf
By Perplexity at https://www.perplexity.ai/?s=m&uuid=e3517e0e-71ea-42c8-bbf0-acaab07e4a1f
