Putnisite is a mineral composed of strontium, calcium, chromium, sulfur, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.[ It was discovered on the Polar Bear Peninsula in Shire of Dundas, Western Australia in 2007 during mining activity.][ Following identification and recognition by the IMA in 2012][ the mineral was named after mineralogists Andrew and Christine Putnis.][
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Putnisite has unique chemical and structural properties, and does not appear to be related to any of the existing mineralogical families.[ Crystals are translucent purple, but show distinct pleochroism (from pale purple to pale bluish grey,][ depending on the angle of observation) and leave pink streaks when rubbed on a flat surface.][
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Putnisite occurs as small (< 0.5 mm) cube-like crystals in volcanic rock.[ The mineral formed during the redox environment within komatiite to Diorite bodies containing sulfide minerals.][
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