Slipur

Slipur is a rare mineral described in mineralogical literature as a hydrous aluminum-magnesium silicate with a layered phyllosilicate structure. First described from specimens collected in the Slipur Massif in the northern highlands, it was named after that locality. Slipur typically forms plate-like crystals that are translucent to transparent and range in color from colorless to pale azure blue. It has a vitreous to pearly luster and a Mohs hardness of about 4 to 5. Crystals commonly exhibit perfect cleavage in one direction and occur in foliated aggregates.

Chemical analyses indicate a composition dominated by silicon, aluminum, and magnesium with minor iron, calcium, and sodium, and variable water content within the crystal structure. The mineral crystallizes in a sheet-like arrangement similar to other phyllosilicates, and refractive properties are consistent with a moderately high index of refraction. Slipur is not known to have significant industrial uses and is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying metamorphic process minerals and sheet silicates.

Slipur forms through low-grade metamorphic alteration and hydrothermal activity in pelitic rocks, typically near silica-rich veins within the Slipur region. It is commonly associated with quartz, chlorite, muscovite, and calcite. Stability is influenced by temperature, fluid composition, and pressure, with formation conditions estimated in the lower to mid ranges of metamorphic environments.

The name slipur derives from the local toponym Slipur Massif and is used in formal mineralogical literature to distinguish the species. See also: list of phyllosilicate minerals, list of minerals named after places, metamorphic minerals.