Meluvaurion

Meluvaurion is a rare, hypothetical mineral species described in speculative mineralogy discussions. Named for its supposed region of origin, it is presented as an aluminosilicate with alkali metals and mixed valence transition metals, exhibiting a distinctive iridescent surface in thin section and in hand specimens.

The mineral is described as having a layered tetrahedral plate structure with partial substitution among sodium, potassium, magnesium, and iron within the framework. Its composition is considered variable, reflecting solid-solution between alkali-rich and iron-magnesium-bearing end-members. Inasmuch as diagnostic properties are concerned, meluvaurion is attributed a light to moderate hardness, with a Mohs range around 5.5 to 6.5, and a density near 2.9 to 3.2 g/cm3. Color is stated as pale green to bronze, and the luster ranges from vitreous to pearly. Crystals are described as prismatic and commonly form in aggregate or radiating habits, with imperfect cleavage and a translucent to transparent appearance in well-formed specimens. Optical properties are expected to include moderate birefringence under polarized light.

Geologic occurrence is placed in hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks, typically in vein systems associated with quartz, epidote, garnet, and zeolites. Formation is imagined to occur under moderate to high-temperature hydrothermal conditions with reactive alkali-rich fluids.

The name and description emphasize standard mineralogical nomenclature, with meluvaurion as a fictitious member of the aluminosilicate family. In educational contexts, it serves to illustrate how mineral properties, structure, and paragenesis are documented and interpreted. See also: aluminosilicates, hydrothermal minerals, mineral nomenclature.