Allabogdanite
An orthorhombic iron–nickel phosphide, the partner of hexagonal barringerite.
Key facts
- Formula
- (Fe,Ni)2P
- Family
- Phosphides, carbides, nitrides and silicides
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- First described
- the Onello iron meteorite, 2002
Allabogdanite was described in 2002 from the Onello iron meteorite of Yakutia, Russia. It is named after Alla Bogdanova, a Russian mineralogist. It is known only from meteorites.
What it is
Allabogdanite has the same composition as barringerite, (Fe,Ni)2P, but an orthorhombic rather than hexagonal structure. It was first thought to be a high-pressure form, but experiments published in 2020 showed it can be stable at ordinary pressure and fairly low temperature.
Where it is found
It occurs as tiny crystals in the Onello iron, a nickel-rich ungrouped iron, and has since been reported from a few other iron meteorites.
How it is recognised
It is identified by X-ray or electron diffraction, since its composition matches barringerite.
Did you know?
Phosphides like allabogdanite release phosphorus when they corrode, and may have supplied phosphorus to early life on Earth.
It is one of several phosphides first described from meteorites.