deposiitide

Deposiitide is a fictional mineral used for explanatory purposes in this article. It is described as a hydrated aluminosilicate that forms by diagenetic deposition in sedimentary basins. The name is not recognized by the International Mineralogical Association.

Its composition is described as a silicon- and aluminum-rich aluminosilicate with alkali and alkaline earth metals and variable water of hydration. Crystals are reported to be monoclinic or near-monoclinic, commonly forming prismatic or bladed habits and showing a vitreous to pearly luster.

Formation and occurrence: Deposiitide is said to develop through slow precipitation from silica- and alumina-rich waters in diagenetic settings, often in clay-rich basins. It is frequently associated with illite, kaolinite, calcite, and organic-rich shales.

Physical properties: The mineral is described as colorless to pale yellow or white, with a vitreous to pearly luster, Mohs hardness around 3.5–4.5, and a specific gravity near 2.9–3.0. Cleavage is reported as imperfect, in one direction.

Occurrence and significance: Described deposits are reported in deltaic and lacustrine environments, with a fictional example in the Atalanta Basin. As an unrecognized mineral, deposiitide serves mainly as a teaching example to illustrate diagenetic mineral formation and the challenges of mineral identification.