umonite

Umonite is a hypothetical mineral species discussed in mineralogical literature as a potential hydrated aluminosilicate with a zeolite-like framework. It is not currently recognized by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). The term is used in theoretical discussions to illustrate classification and crystal-chemistry concepts in silicate minerals.

In proposed models, umonite would consist mainly of aluminum, silicon and oxygen in a three-dimensional aluminosilicate framework, with water molecules occupying channel sites. Copper and calcium are posited as trace cations; the material would be stabilized by hydrogen bonding and interstitial water.

Imagined specimens are described as prismatic to acicular crystals with a vitreous to pearly luster. Color is speculative, ranging from pale blue to green; hardness around 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale.

Theoretical conditions involve low-temperature hydrothermal environments in silica-rich rocks, with fluid compositions favorable to zeolite-type frameworks, potentially within subduction-zone settings or pegmatitic systems.

The name umonite is used in teaching and speculative discourse; no verified natural specimens are confirmed.

See also: umontite and other zeolites.