<p>So I have this curiosity as to what the chemical formula on the Harvey Mudd acceptance formula folder is for. It’s really annoying to look at and the (mudd) at the bottom makes me want to think they’re joking, but I don’t seem to get it. </p>
<p>Is it mud? What kind of mud?</p>
<p>I’m not certain on the joke (if there is one) but as for the chemical formula, it’s a type of chlorite, which is a type of mineral.</p>
<p>[Chlorite</a> group - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorite_group]Chlorite”>Chlorite group - Wikipedia) or Google if you feel like finding out more.</p>
<p>Not sure if it’s a reference to something or if it’s just a way of presenting Mudd as an incredibly techy, science-focused school.</p>
<p>It has been several years since I have seen the formula, but I think it is a ligand hydrated metal oxide or something. I remember the first time I saw that…</p>
<p>In the wiki entry it notes: The great range in composition results in considerable variation in physical, optical, and X-ray properties. </p>
<p>Out of mud rock, it is very diverse, and special, and hard to find. Just like the Mudd students.</p>
<p>Is it specifically something called clinochlore? ie mud</p>
<p>Every year this discussions comes up</p>
<p>When my son googled it when he got his admission folder, the formula matched clinochlore. It isn’t mud, it is a mineral in the mudrock. It was quite pretty and sparkely. And had very diverse properties. I thought it was pretty cool that the admission folder had both a compliment and a research project built into the cover.</p>
<p>I think it’s a sick joke that the admissions people played on us. There’s nothing worse than offering a bunch of scientists a random formula and essentially saying “now find the joke!” when it apparently doesn’t exist :P</p>
<p>I <em>do</em> like the parallels between the crystal’s properties and Mudd’s student body though. It makes me feel special.</p>
<p>I think that was the point.</p>