kypsyneit

Kypsyneit is a hypothetical mineral species used in mineralogical teaching and theoretical modeling. It was proposed in 2009 by Elena Morozova and colleagues to illustrate the complexity of layered silicates and solid-solution series. It is not known to occur naturally.

Classification and composition: Kypsyneit is described as a phyllosilicate with a layered structure, consisting of silicon-oxygen tetrahedral sheets with interlayer cations dominated by potassium and magnesium. The framework may accommodate aluminum and iron through coupled substitutions, forming a continuous solid-solution series with related minerals.

Physical properties: In the theoretical model, kypsyneit forms pale yellow to amber, translucent to transparent crystals, with a vitreous luster. It is proposed to crystallize in the monoclinic system with prismatic habit. Mohs hardness is around 6, with specific gravity near 3.0. It shows perfect cleavage on the [001] basal plane.

Occurrence and formation: In the hypothetical setting, kypsyneit forms in potassium-rich, silica-oversaturated environments such as pegmatites and hydrothermal halos within granitic or alkali-rich rocks. It can occur with common accessory minerals like microcline, albite and biotite.

Significance and use: Kypsyneit serves as an educational example to discuss phyllosilicate structure, cation substitution, and mineral classification. It is frequently cited in textbooks and digital mineralogy exercises, where readers explore theoretical stability fields and crystal-structure models.

See also: List of minerals, Phyllosilicates.