Buchwaldite
A sodium calcium phosphate found in the troilite nodules of the Cape York iron.
Key facts
- Formula
- NaCaPO4
- Family
- Phosphates
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- First described
- the Cape York iron meteorite, 1977
First found in a rock from space
Buchwaldite was described in 1977 from troilite nodules in the Cape York iron meteorite of Greenland. It is named after Vagn Buchwald, the Danish expert on iron meteorites.
What it is
Buchwaldite is a simple phosphate of sodium and calcium.
Where it is found
It occurs in troilite–graphite nodules of Cape York and some other iron meteorites, with other phosphates and chromite.
How it is recognised
It is colourless and identified by microprobe analysis.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Cape York is a group of large irons used by the Inughuit people for centuries as a source of metal for tools.
Did you know?
The largest Cape York mass, Ahnighito, weighs about 31 tonnes.