Switzerlandit

Switzerlandit is a fictional mineral species created for illustrative purposes in mineralogy. In the imagined taxonomy, it is a magnesium-iron silicate that crystallizes in the monoclinic system and forms in hydrothermal veins within alpine metamorphic rocks. The name honors Switzerland, the country of the imagined type locality.

In the fictional scenario, Switzerlandit occurs in the Swiss Alps near Davos as acicular to prismatic crystals embedded in quartz-muscovite–pyrite veins. Paragenetic conditions are described as moderate temperatures and low pressures typical of late-stage hydrothermal systems.

Switzerlandit crystals are typically pale emerald to sky-blue, with a vitreous luster. Mohs hardness 5.5–6.0. Relative density about 3.1–3.4 g/cm3. Optical properties described as biaxial with weak pleochroism and refractive indices in the mid-1.60s.

The mineral is presented as a silicate with variable Mg and Fe content and minor substitutions by Ca and Na. The idealized chemical formulation is given in pedagogical sources as (Mg,Fe)2SiO5 with trace fluorine and hydroxide.

In the fictional account, it was first described by mineralogist L. Zürcher in 1998, with type material deposited in a hypothetical Swiss National Mineral Collection. It was named for its supposed Swiss origin.

As a fictional mineral, there are no real-world deposits or applications. It is used in teaching to illustrate mineral nomenclature, crystal habits, and paragenesis. See also: List of mineral names, Silicate minerals, Mineral classification.