erisustele

Erisustele is a hypothetical mineral described in speculative mineralogy. It is proposed as a rare silicate mineral that forms under ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic conditions and is noted for its hardness and distinctive optical properties.

Etymology and naming. The name erisustele derives from the mythological figure Eris and the common mineral suffix -ite, adapted to suggest a mineral with complex structural features. The term is used primarily in fictional or hypothetical contexts rather than in formal mineral databases.

Occurrence and context. In the speculative literature, erisustele is reported from ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks produced in deep crustal subduction zones, often described in fictional or hypothetical regional settings. It is typically associated with other high-pressure minerals such as coesite-bearing assemblages and glaucophane-bearing metasomes.

Physical and chemical properties. Erisustele is described as a moderately to highly hard, colorless to pale green mineral with a vitreous to pearly luster. Reported crystal system is monoclinic, with a pointed habit in fine interdendritic crystals. The theoretical formula is described as a silicate with magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, with trace rare-earth elements, leading to variable substitution and minor luminescence under specific lighting.

Research status and significance. As a fictional construct, erisustele has no verified mineralogical data or peer-reviewed description in formal databases. It is sometimes used in illustrative discussions of how ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism might produce complex silicate phases and to exemplify mineral identification challenges.

Note. This article describes a fictional mineral created for the purpose of demonstration and does not reflect an actual, recognized mineral.