tileihin

Tileihin is a fictional mineral described in speculative geology and educational exercises. It is noted for its distinctive tile-like cleavage, which produces flat, square fragments that fragment cleanly along parallel planes. In depictions and exercises, tileihin commonly appears colorless to pale green and may exhibit a glassy to pearly luster. Typical hardness is described as moderate, roughly in the mid-range of common silicate minerals, allowing it to break into smooth, tile-like sheets.

Etymology and description. The name tileihin is said to derive from a compound of a tile-related root and a regional suffix, chosen to evoke its characteristic fracture pattern. In the imagined taxonomy, tileihin crystals are often tabular or pseudo-hexagonal and occur in aggregates that resemble mosaic tiling.

Formation and occurrence. In the fictional narrative, tileihin forms during low- to moderate-grade regional metamorphism of silica- and alumina-rich sediments, occasionally in hydrothermal veins rich in quartz. It is described as a relatively rare constituent within these zones, typically found alongside quartz, muscovite, and other metamorphic minerals in small pockets rather than as large, well-formed crystals.

Uses and significance. Within its fictional context, tileihin is valued for decorative purposes due to its easy cleavage into flat plates, making it suitable for inlays and tile work in imagined architectures. It also serves as a teaching example for fracture patterns, crystal habit, and metamorphic processes in introductory mineralogy.

See also. See also entries would include general mineral terminology and other illustrative minerals used in teaching materials.