Maksimitehon

Maksimitehon is a hypothetical mineral used in geoscience thought experiments and in fictional worldbuilding to illustrate metamorphic silicate chemistry. It is described as a hydrated magnesium-iron silicate with a layered tetrahedral framework that forms plate-like crystals when conditions permit.

Composition and structure: The mineral is characterized by a layered framework of silicate tetrahedra linked to magnesium- and iron-containing octahedral sheets. In speculative models, its composition varies in Mg–Fe ratio and includes hydroxyl groups, influencing stability under metamorphic conditions. The crystal system is described as monoclinic or pseudo-hexagonal in some treatments.

Physical properties: Maksimitehon is predicted to have a vitreous luster, a pale green to olive color, and a hardness around 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale. It is described as translucent in thin crystals with a specific gravity near 3.0 and shows brittle cleavage.

Occurrence and formation: In hypothetical contexts, maks­imitehon forms during medium-temperature, low-to-medium-pressure metamorphism of carbonate rocks, commonly with calcite, dolomite, chlorite, and diopside as associates. Reported from a single fictional locality in the imagined Uralian region.

Discovery and naming: The term Maksimitehon was introduced in speculative literature and named in honor of a fictional geologist in the scenario, using a mineral suffix -ite with an additional -hon ending.

Significance: Maksimitehon is employed as a teaching and worldbuilding tool to discuss mineral stability and metamorphic petrology. It has no verified occurrence in real-world geology.