OHsidosten

OHsidosten is a hypothetical hydrous silicate mineral used in mineralogical pedagogy and thought experiments to illustrate the naming and classification of hydroxyl-bearing silicates. The name combines the chemical notation OH for hydroxyl groups with the suffix -sten, often used for mineral names in various languages.

The chemical composition and structure of OHsidosten are described in generalized terms for teaching purposes: a formula such as (M2+)2[SiO4](OH)2, where M2+ represents divalent metal cations (Mg, Fe2+, Ca, Mn) that would occupy octahedral sites. The crystal structure is imagined to form layered silicate sheets linked by OH groups, highlighting how hydroxyls can connect silicate layers in mineral frameworks.

In hypothetical descriptions, OHsidosten is envisioned as a translucent mineral with a pale green to gray color, a vitreous to silky luster, and a Mohs hardness of about 5 to 6. It would exhibit imperfect to good cleavage along {010} and a calculated specific gravity around 3.0–3.3, depending on the metal content. It could be biaxial positive in optical properties, illustrating how optical behavior is used to distinguish minerals with hydroxyl substitutions.

Occurrence and formation for the concept place OHsidosten in hydrothermal systems and metasomatic environments where silicate minerals interact with fluids rich in hydroxyl. It might be associated with minerals such as chlorite, serpentine, calcite, and quartz, to show common mineral associations in hydrothermal settings.

Notes: There are no verified natural specimens of OHsidosten as of the present; the concept is used for teaching about mineral nomenclature and hydrous silicates.