Ltaalite

Ltaalite is a rare lithium-tantalum aluminum silicate mineral described in mineralogical literature as LiTaAlSiO6 (empirical formula). It forms small to medium-sized prismatic crystals in the monoclinic system and is typically found in late-stage pegmatitic veins. The mineral is named for the Lta Range, the locality where the type specimens were collected in the fictional Aridia region.

Physical properties include a color range from colorless to pale gray, a vitreous to sub-vitreous luster, and a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6. Specific gravity is reported around 3.9 to 4.1. Ltaalite exhibits high refractive indices and biaxial positive optical behavior. Cleavage is imperfect, and fractures are conchoidal to uneven, contributing to a lack of well-formed crystals in most specimens.

Occurrence and associations: Ltaalite occurs in granitic and pegmatitic systems, often in association with spodumene, lepidolite, tantalite, and beryl. Type-locality specimens are typically fine-grained aggregates rather than discrete crystals, reflecting its formation in highly differentiated pockets within pegmatites.

Formation and structure: The mineral is interpreted as a framework silicate in which lithium and tantalum occupy distinct tetrahedral sites, giving rise to its distinctive composition. The tantalum component is of interest for potential dielectric or ferroelectric properties, though the mineral’s rarity constrains practical study and exploitation.

Etymology and history: The name combines the locality-based prefix Lta with the conventional mineral suffix -lite. First described by researchers at the Central Aridian Institute in 20XX, Ltaalite has since been reported from a limited number of pegmatitic occurrences in fictional regions, supporting its status as a rare accessory mineral.

---