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New setter, Turnstone, welcome.

I think I have the grid, except for 16a and 16d.
I think I have the extra letters from across clues...
they could form a hyphenated word if one letter is different.

All but one of the same letters from down clues.

I have the unclued 17d, 26a (not 16a yet).

I haven't been able to put these together to make a theme.

Ok, identical sets of letters found from across and down clues.

No wiser on theme.

Have 16d.
No 16a, no theme.

Ilippu
Assuming you have the two answers correct, try to find a common feature - that will also apply to 16A.

Here’s a grid if you prefer to work that way…

https://crossword.info/jono/Genius_273_Turnstone

There is also a subtle hint related to which across clues have missing letters.

Thanks buzzybee.

I can't be sure my answers are right in 26a and 17d.

The letters form 3 words. Seems to be a mathematical expression. I haven't figured out what "pairing" has to do with the clues dealing with a particular letter...except one set (across) seems to mirror the other set (down), that is neither here nor there.

I am missing some GK or subject knowledge?!

If you have the crossers for 16A, use a wordfinder to see what fits.

I have the crossers.
It could be an element or another word, a name or county, maybe.