moderaatorite

Moderaatorite is a fictional phosphate mineral described in speculative geology and science fiction lore. It is named after the imagined Modera region where it is reported to occur, with the conventional -ite suffix used for mineral species.

Description and properties: Moderaatorite crystallizes in the monoclinic system and forms prismatic to tabular crystals. The color ranges from olive-green to pale brown, and crystals are typically translucent. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6 and a vitreous to resinous luster. The streak is pale yellow to light green.

Chemistry and structure: The mineral is described as a calcium- and iron-magnesium phosphate, with phosphorus-oxygen tetrahedra linked in a framework. It shows limited solid-solution with related phosphates and may contain trace amounts of aluminum and rare-earth elements.

Occurrence and formation: In the fictional lore, moderaatorite forms by hydrothermal alteration of aluminous host rocks within pegmatitic settings. The type locality is the Modera pegmatite deposit. It is commonly associated with apatite, quartz, and montmorillonite.

Distribution and significance: As a fictional mineral, moderaatorite has a restricted distribution within the Modera region of the narrative world and is primarily of interest to collectors and researchers in that setting.

See also: List of phosphate minerals; mineral classification; speculative geology.