A colorless or white amorphous mineral containing hydrated aluminum silicates, found in weathered volcanic rocks and soils.
From Greek 'allo-' (other, different) and possibly 'phan-' (appearing, showing), suggesting 'different appearance'; named because it shows variable properties unlike most minerals.
Allophane is a geochemist's puzzle—it's one of nature's most amorphous (shapeless) minerals, and its weird ability to hold onto water makes it surprisingly important in soil science and climate studies.
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