maficinen

Maficinen is a proposed mineral in geology and mineralogy. The name is derived from mafic, referring to magnesium- and iron-rich compositions typical of basaltic rocks, with the common mineral-name suffix -en. In speculative accounts, maficinen is described as a magnesium-iron silicate that crystallizes in a dark, prismatic habit and occurs as small crystals within mafic igneous rocks such as basalt and peridotite, as well as in associated metamorphic veneers.

Formation and occurrence: In hypothetical models, maficinen forms during fractional crystallization of mafic magmas at high temperatures, or during low-grade metamorphism of ultramafic rocks when fluids promote silicate crystallization. It is sometimes proposed to appear in vesicles or along grain boundaries where magmatic fluids concentrate.

Crystal chemistry and properties: The mineral is described as a silicate with a magnesium-iron framework, potentially with chain or sheet silicate characteristics that would distinguish it from isolated silicates. In the speculative literature, it is assigned a mid-range hardness and a dark color, with a vitreous to sub-metallic luster, and a conchoidal to uneven fracture. Specific optical properties have not been reported in widely accepted sources.

Status and significance: As of now, maficinen is not widely recognized as a distinct mineral species in major mineral catalogs. It is generally treated as a provisional or hypothetical mineral name used in discussions of possible crystallization pathways in mafic rocks. If confirmed, it could aid in understanding phase relations in basaltic systems and metamorphic exchanges.

See also: Mafic minerals, silicate minerals, basalt, ultramafic rocks, mineral classification.