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Mellite

Introduction
 

	Mellite (also spelled Melinite or Mellilite), is a mellitate of Alumina and is also known as the “Honey Gemstone”. It is a rare mineral that is favored by both collector’s and gem-lovers alike. Its name (and nick name) is directly due to its appearance, which has often been compared to the color of honey.
	Mellite was discovered in 1793 in the town of Arten, Thuringe, in Allemagne, France. The name Mellite was derived from the Latin word for honey, which is “Mellitus”.

White specimens of Mellite are occasionally discovered, but it is usually found in a honey to waxy yellow color, hence its name. Specimens of Mellite have also been discovered in reddish brown, brown, brownish-white, colorless, yellow or golden brown.
 

One of the most interesting aspects of Mellite is its history. It is found in deposits of brown coal, and its formation is partly the result of vegetable decomposition, a highly unusual situation amongst gemstones!
 

Mellite has been found in several locations including France (in the region of the Seine), Germany (Thüringen & Arten), Hungary (Csordakut, Tatabanya & Sordakuit Banya) and Russia (Malevka, Malowka & Tula).
 

Mellite was featured in the award winning display of minerals from Russia and the Republics of the former USSR at the Tuscon Gem Show, 2001.