nepetrité

Nepetrité is a fictional mineral species used in worldbuilding and speculative geology to illustrate a rare silicate phase found in certain metamorphic and hydrothermal environments.

Etymology: The name derives from Nepeta (catmint) and the suffix -ité, mirroring real mineral names and suggesting a mint-like association in some stories.

Occurrence and formation: In fictional accounts, nepétrité forms by metasomatic exchange between ultramafic rocks and silica-rich fluids under moderate temperatures (300–500 °C) and low to medium pressures, commonly in serpentinized zones.

Physical and chemical properties: It typically appears as pale green to olive crystals or nodules with a vitreous to resinous luster. Mohs hardness ranges from 4 to 6. The composition is variable, dominated by magnesium and iron silicates with silicon and oxygen; trace aluminum, chromium, nickel, and sodium may occur.

Uses and cultural context: In fiction, nepétrité is valued as an ornamental stone and is said to emit a mint-like aroma when heated or crushed. It may be depicted as influencing light or fluids in worldbuilding systems.

Taxonomy and status: Nepetrité is not recognized by real-world mineral nomenclature. It appears only in fictional lexicons and educational exercises to illustrate mineral classification and speculative synthesis.