Lithosite

Chemical formula: K<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>2</sub>Si<sub>4</sub>O<sub>12</sub>(OH)

A historical term not recognized by IMA, referring to synthetic potassium aluminosilicates or being a synonym for kaliophilite.

## Characteristics Lithosite is not an officially recognized mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). It is a historical name that has been used in at least two different contexts. Firstly, it referred to a synthetic substance with the formula KAlSi₂O₆, which corresponds to the chemical composition of leucite. Secondly, this term was sometimes used as a synonym for kaliophilite (KAlSiO₄). The given formula K₃Al₂Si₄O₁₂(OH) does not correspond to any known, naturally occurring minerals. For this reason, it is not possible to describe typical specimens, their appearance, or visual characteristics, as they do not exist in nature in this form. ## Physical Properties Since lithosite is not a defined mineral, it does not possess specific and studied physical properties such as hardness, luster, transparency, or density. ## History and Name The name "lithosite" comes from the Greek word *líthos* (λίθος) meaning "stone". This term has fallen out of use in modern mineralogy and is treated as historical or referring to laboratory products.

Properties

rruff id
29d9312ac2acd906a1a5f226631d
ima number
IMA1982-049
ima status
approved
type locality
Russia
year approved
1982

Diagnostic features

## Identification It is not possible to identify lithosite in field or collection conditions, as it is not a recognized, naturally occurring mineral. Any attempt at identification should focus on determining the correct mineral, which could be, for example, kaliophilite or leucite, if the chemical composition is similar.

Geological environment

## Genesis As a term referring to a synthetic substance, lithosite is formed under laboratory or industrial conditions. It does not have a natural geological environment. ## Mineral associations Not applicable. ## Localities No natural localities.

Rarity

Not a recognized mineral

For collectors

## Quality criteria Since lithosite is not a collector's mineral, there are no quality assessment criteria for it. ## Popular localities None.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Not applicable - the substance is not a natural mineral. ## What to avoid Not applicable. ## Storage Not applicable.

Sources

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