Dmitryivanovite
A dense form of calcium aluminate found in the oldest inclusions of carbonaceous chondrites.
Key facts
- Formula
- CaAl2O4
- Family
- Oxides
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- First described
- the CH chondrite Northwest Africa 470, 2009
Dmitryivanovite was described in 2009 from a calcium-aluminium-rich inclusion in Northwest Africa 470, a CH chondrite. It is named after Dmitriy Ivanov (1962–1986), a young Russian geologist and mineralogist who died on a field expedition. It is known only from meteorites.
What it is
Dmitryivanovite has the same composition as krotite, calcium aluminium oxide, but a more compact structure. In the laboratory this form is made at high pressure. Calcium aluminates are among the first solids expected to condense from hot gas of solar composition, so they belong to the very oldest material in the Solar System.
Where it is found
It was found intergrown with krotite and other refractory minerals in a calcium-aluminium-rich inclusion in NWA 470, a metal-rich CH chondrite.
How it is recognised
It is identified by electron backscatter diffraction and electron microprobe analysis, because it looks like krotite under the microscope.
Did you know?
Calcium aluminates such as krotite and dmitryivanovite are used on Earth in fast-setting cements.
It has also been found in the Vigarano CV3 chondrite, which fell in Italy in 1910.