quetzapite

Quetzapite is a fictional mineral species introduced for educational purposes in mineralogy. The name draws on the quetzal bird’s iridescent colors and uses the conventional -ite suffix common to mineral names. In the teaching model, quetzapite is described as a copper- and aluminum-rich silicate with layered sheets balanced by hydroxide groups, illustrating how real minerals are classified.

Crystallography and chemistry: The model assigns quetzapite to an orthorhombic system with prismatic habit. The simplified formula emphasizes Cu2+ and Al3+ in framework positions, with minor Fe substitution. Optical properties are varied; refractive index around 1.60–1.75 and strong pleochroism in some samples are shown in illustrative materials.

Occurrence: In the fictional dataset, quetzapite forms in hydrothermal veins within low-grade metamorphic rocks and is commonly associated with quartz, calcite, and epidote. It is described as rare in natural settings.

Physical properties and uses: It is depicted as vitreous to resinous, with a pale green to blue-green color, pale green streak, Mohs hardness 5–6, and distinct cleavage. Uses are educational, for specimen illustrations and classroom demonstrations, not industrial.

Status: Quetzapite is not a recognized mineral in official databases; it serves as a didactic example to demonstrate mineral description conventions and the process of validating new mineral species.