AEDlaite

AEDlaite is a fictional mineral described in speculative mineralogy and science fiction as a rare hydrated aluminosilicate. It is presented as forming in high-temperature, high-pressure environments within ultramafic rocks and metamorphic complexes. In its imagined chemistry, AEDlaite features a tetrahedral silicon-oxygen framework with aluminum substituting for silicon and hydroxyl groups balancing charge, with traces of iron and titanium that influence color and electronic properties.

Crystallography and physical properties: In the fictional account, AEDlaite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and displays a vitreous to pearly luster. It typically appears as pale blue to pale green crystals, with a Mohs hardness of about 6 to 7 and a specific gravity near 3.2. Cleavage is reported as indistinct, and transparency ranges from transparent to translucent. Its refractive indices are described as nα ≈ 1.70–1.75, nβ ≈ 1.72–1.77, nγ ≈ 1.73–1.78.

Occurrence and associations: AEDlaite is described from fictional xenoliths in mantle-derived rocks from the fictional Helian region, where it is reported to occur alongside garnet, pyroxene, and magnetite. It is sometimes linked with trace copper or chromium impurities that contribute to its color.

Etymology and classification: The name AEDlaite derives from the initials of researchers A, E, and D who first described it in speculative literature, with the -laite suffix common to mineral names. In encyclopedia contexts it is presented as a teaching example of mineral nomenclature and crystal-chemistry rather than a real mineral with geological occurrence.

In real-world science, AEDlaite is not recognized as a mineral; the description here reflects its use as a hypothetical example in mineralogical writing.