There’s a problem with these newfangled smart watches. They extend the phone notifications — that you may with some degree of internal fortitude, ignore — from your pocket or bag, to your wrist. A little buzz, a delicate ping and the temptation is too much to bear; just manoeuvre your arm diplomatically so your watch presents the crucial, unignorable information. And so, I found myself, in the middle of a conversation with my wife, back of hand in front of face, staring at a notification from a curated news app, describing in all its clickbait glory, the rarest mineral in the world, Kyawthuite.
As asides, I would firstly warn against diverting your attention from such conversations as the consequences can be hazardous. Secondly, I searched far and wide for a consistent pronunciation of Kyawthuite; alas, nothing was unearthed …good luck!
To continue in the vast realm of minerals, some glitter with a thousand facets, others dazzle with their vibrant hues. The crown jewel of uncommonness, so to speak, belongs to this single, unassuming crystal – Kyawthuite. Discovered in 2015 in Myanmar's Mogok region, this gem holds a unique distinction: it's the rarest mineral on Earth. There’s only one known naturally occurring specimen in existence.
At first glance, it might not seem extraordinary. A deep orange, its colour isn't as fiery as a ruby nor as captivating as an emerald. At a mere 1.61 carats, it’s no Hope Diamond; you’ll not find it adorning the haute couture of the rich and famous. Beneath a seemingly ordinary exterior lies a story of remarkable composition and the inherent value of the unique.
Its true marvel lies not in its individual elements, but how these elements come together. For the chemically minded (ex-Science teacher here), Kyawthuite’s chemical formula is Bi³⁺Sb⁵⁺O₄, a combination of common elements: Bismuth, Antimony and Oxygen.
Bismuth is a heavy, brittle metal used in cosmetics and medicine. Antimony, a metalloid, finds applications in flame retardants and batteries. Oxygen, well, suck it in, oxygen is everywhere. These ordinary elements combine in a specific arrangement, the result being a crystal of breathtaking singularity.
Young people are formed from common building blocks – their experiences, influences and environment. A young musician might be shaped by his piano lessons, the infectious energy of his school band or a quiet inspiration drawn from Performing Arts evenings. An ambitious sportsman might be ignited by the focus of solo training, the energising camaraderie of a team or the competitive drive fostered in AIC games on Saturday. A budding scientist might be the product of a childhood curiously collecting rocks, being captivated by a documentary on the cosmos or the unwavering support of a nurturing teacher.
Just as a specific arrangement of elements defines Kyawthuite's rarity, it's a unique blend of experiences that shapes the path of each Eddies Man. The same basic building blocks – curiosity, learning and inspiration – combine in unique ways to cultivate diverse talents and interests, creating distinctive outcomes.
Our young men, with their distinctive tapestry of experiences, represent an invaluable resource. Their fresh perspectives, natural inquisitiveness and unbridled enthusiasm are the seeds of innovation and progress.
The nurturing of young talent requires more than mere chance. A meticulously cut gem unlocks its brilliance. Likewise, authentic loving guidance and support unlock full potential. Each young person is a rare and precious combination of experience and capacity waiting to be unleashed upon the world. As we begin Term 2 with its busyness, full of things to do and learn, we hope they engage fully in everything offered here on The Hill.
The story of Kyawthuite, is a metaphor for the priceless jewels that are our Eddies Men. It reminds us that the most extraordinary things can arise from the ordinary, that true value lies, not in the common elements themselves but in the unique way they come together. By nurturing the development of our Eddies Men and celebrating their individuality, we unleash a world brimming with the brilliance of countless, one-of-a-kind gems.