LiAl3Si4O12OH2

LiAl3Si4O12OH2, also known as LiAlSiO4, is a mineral belonging to the group of tectosilicates. It is a lithium aluminum silicate hydroxide with the chemical formula LiAl3Si4O12OH2. The mineral is typically found in granitic pegmatites and is often associated with other lithium-bearing minerals such as spodumene and petalite. LiAlSiO4 is characterized by its white to grayish color and its perfect cleavage in one direction. It has a Mohs hardness of approximately 6.5 and a specific gravity of around 2.6. The mineral is of interest to geologists and mineralogists due to its lithium content, which has potential applications in the production of lithium-ion batteries and other lithium-based technologies. Despite its potential economic value, LiAlSiO4 is not commonly mined due to its relatively low lithium content compared to other lithium-bearing minerals. The mineral's crystal structure is complex, with a framework of interconnected SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahedra, and lithium ions occupying specific sites within this framework.