Merekaartide

Merekaartide is a fictional mineral species used in educational contexts to illustrate mineral description, crystallography, and naming practices. It does not occur in nature and serves as a controlled example for teaching how new minerals might be classified and documented within a hypothetical framework.

Etymology and classification: The name blends the Indonesian term "mereka" with the common mineral suffix "-ite," signaling a mineral-like phase in a fictional taxonomy. The proposed composition is a ternary oxide with the general formula M2XY4, where M is a divalent metal and X a trivalent cation. Structurally, it is described as a layered framework related to perovskite- and garnet-type lattices.

Properties and structure: The hypothetical crystal system is hexagonal with a layered arrangement. In theory, merekaartide would show a vitreous luster, a conchoidal to uneven fracture, and a Mohs hardness around 6.5. Impure or synthetic samples might appear colorless to pale blue; refractive index is estimated near 1.70–1.75.

Formation and occurrence: As a hypothetical mineral, it is assumed to form only under laboratory high-pressure, high-temperature synthesis and has no documented natural locality. The concept is used to discuss how changes in composition or structure could influence physical properties.

Usage in education and research: The fictional mineral helps illustrate mineral naming, structure determination, and the effect of substitutions on properties. It is sometimes referenced in discussions of mineral databases and ontology, serving as a didactic stand-in for real minerals with similar crystal frameworks.