lindenit

Lindenit is a hypothetical mineral commonly referenced in mineralogy education to illustrate the properties of lithium-bearing silicates with layered structures. In teaching resources, it is described as a lithium-aluminum silicate with a layered framework, and the name is tied to educational materials rather than a confirmed natural specimen.

In taxonomy and naming, Lindenit is presented as a didactic example rather than a formally recognized mineral. It is sometimes discussed in conjunction with standard silicate classifications to demonstrate how lithium-rich phases can differ from more common rock-forming minerals. As such, it has no formally accepted chemical formula or crystallographic data in current mineralogical databases.

Occurrence and formation scenarios for Lindenit are described only in instructional contexts. They typically involve high-temperature metamorphic environments with lithium-rich fluids or laboratory synthesis that mimics metasomatic processes used in teaching crystallography. No natural occurrence has been verified in published peer-reviewed literature, and no samples are known to be held in public collections as Lindenit.

Physical properties attributed to Lindenit in educational descriptions are approximate and non-authenticated. Reported characteristics include a vitreous to pearly luster, color ranging from colorless to pale green in thin section, a Mohs hardness around 5–6, and one principal cleavage direction. Specific gravity and optical properties are treated as illustrative.

Etymology and status: the name Lindenit honors the Linden Institute of Mineralogy, which popularized the term in textbooks. Lindenit remains a hypothetical construct used for didactic purposes and is not recognized by the International Mineralogical Association.