CaNaAlSi4O8

CaNaAlSi4O8 is a chemical formula representing a calcium-sodium aluminosilicate composition. It is not a widely recognized mineral name and is better described as a hypothetical or illustrative composition within the broader class of framework silicates, rather than a formally named mineral species.

Composition and structure

The formula indicates aluminum, silicon, and oxygen arranged in a three‑dimensional tetrahedral framework, typical of tectosilicates. Aluminum and silicon occupy tetrahedral sites (AlO4 and SiO4) that share corners to form a network. The presence of Ca2+ and Na+ cations in the interstitial voids balances the negative framework charge created by Al3+ substituting for Si4+. In practice, the notation CaNaAlSi4O8 would imply more tetrahedral sites than in common plagioclase end-members, and the precise cation distribution and structural ordering would influence the symmetry and unit-cell parameters. As stated, this composition does not correspond to a standard, stoichiometrically typical plagioclase formula.

Occurrence and context

CaNaAlSi4O8 is not reported as a named natural mineral in major databases or literature. In materials science and geology, similar compositions may arise in synthetic aluminosilicates, glass-ceramics, or zeolite-like frameworks prepared under controlled hydrothermal or high-temperature conditions. The exact properties would depend on cation ordering, framework topology, and synthesis conditions.

Relation to related minerals

Closest natural analogs are plagioclase feldspars such as albite (NaAlSi3O8) and anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8). CaNaAlSi4O8 can be considered a hypothetical or non-standard composition at the intersection of plagioclase-like frameworks and mixed-cation balancing, rather than a distinct, officially recognized mineral species.