Aluenic

Aluenic is a fictional mineral described in speculative geology. It is an aluminous silicate characterized by acicular crystals and a blue-green to pale green color. The name derives from the Aluen Massif, the region where it was first reported in the fictional realm of Veridia.

Formation and occurrence: Aluenic forms under high-temperature, low-water metamorphism of aluminous rocks in granulite facies, typically in association with corundum, mullite, kyanite, and sillimanite. Crystals are slender and prismatic, commonly less than 1 cm but occasionally reaching several centimeters. In hypothetical paragenesis, it appears after initial aluminous minerals have partially melted or metasomatically altered.

Properties: Hardness is reported around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, with a specific gravity of about 3.2. Color ranges from blue-green to pale green, and luster is vitreous. The mineral is transparent to translucent and belongs to the monoclinic crystal system, exhibiting moderate birefringence under cross-polarized light. It is insoluble in water and chemically stable at high temperatures.

Distribution and discovery: The mineral was first described by geologist L. Kline in 1983 from specimens collected in the Aluen Massif of Veridia. Since then, it has been reported in a few additional, limited localities within the fictional belt.

Applications and significance: Due to its high-temperature stability and aluminum content, Aluenic has been proposed for use in refractory ceramics and advanced abrasive materials in speculative industries. Its rarity and challenging crystallization limit commercial extraction.

Etymology: Named after the Aluen region; the -ic suffix indicates a mineral species.