Hollisterite
An aluminium–iron alloy from the Khatyrka meteorite.
Key facts
- Formula
- Al3Fe
- Family
- Metals and alloys
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- First described
- the Khatyrka meteorite, 2016
Hollisterite was approved as a new mineral in 2016 from the Khatyrka meteorite. It is named after Lincoln Hollister, an American geologist who helped with the study of the Khatyrka quasicrystals.
What it is
Hollisterite is an intermetallic compound with three aluminium atoms for every iron atom. Like the other Khatyrka alloys, it contains aluminium in its metallic form, which is almost unknown in natural rocks.
Where it is found
It was found as tiny grains in the Khatyrka CV3 chondrite, with stolperite, kryachkoite and the quasicrystal minerals.
How it is recognised
It is identified by electron diffraction and microprobe analysis.
Did you know?
Al3Fe is a common phase in aluminium alloys made by industry.
Hollister is a geologist at Princeton University, where much of the work on the Khatyrka grains was led.