Liimausten

Liimausten is a fictional mineral introduced in hypothetical mineralogical discussions and speculative literature. The name combines elements of “liima” (glue) and “austenite” to evoke adhesive properties and lithium associations. In the imagined framework, liimausten is described as a lithium-bearing aluminosilicate with a framework structure that may crystallize in monoclinic or orthorhombic systems.

Speculative properties include a vitreous to pearly luster, transparent to translucent grains, pale green to pale yellow color, Mohs hardness near 4, and a specific gravity around 3.0. A provisional chemical formula used in examples is Li2AlSi2O6 with minor substitutions by Fe and Mg.

Occurrence is described in fictional late-stage granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins of the Kallio region, where it is said to form from lithium-rich fluids during late crystallization and to occur with quartz, lepidolite, spodumene, and muscovite.

Formation and synthesis notes describe natural crystallization from lithium-rich fluids at temperatures between 300 and 450°C and pressures of a few kilobars, as well as laboratory routes via solid-state reactions of lithium aluminates and silica.

Because liimausten is not a real mineral, it has no official taxonomic status and is not listed in IMA lists. It is sometimes used in teaching or fiction to illustrate mineral classification, the influence of lithium on crystal chemistry, and the way hypothetical materials are discussed in literature.