Kaitianite
A titanium oxide with titanium in two states, formed in the oxygen-poor gas around the young Sun.
Key facts
- Formula
- Ti3+2Ti4+O5
- Family
- Oxides
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- First described
- the Allende CV3 chondrite, 2017
Kaitianite was approved as a new mineral in 2017 from Allende and described in 2021. Its name comes from kai tian, meaning opening the sky, from the Chinese legend in which the giant Pangu separated heaven and earth. It is known only from meteorites.
What it is
Kaitianite is a titanium oxide in which two of every three titanium atoms are in the reduced Ti3+ state and one is in the ordinary Ti4+ state. Its partner tistarite, Ti2O3, contains only reduced titanium. Both need very low oxygen to form.
Where it is found
It occurs with tistarite, rutile, corundum and other refractory minerals in a single tiny inclusion in Allende, where it is thought to have condensed or crystallised from very hot, oxygen-poor gas.
How it is recognised
It is identified by electron backscatter diffraction and microprobe analysis. Its grains are only a few micrometres across.
Did you know?
Kaitianite and panguite are both named after the legend of Pangu.
Laboratory forms of Ti3O5 are being studied as materials that store heat.