Keilite
An iron-rich magnesium sulphide that grew from niningerite during impacts on enstatite chondrites.
Key facts
- Formula
- (Fe,Mg)S
- Family
- Sulphides
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- First described
- enstatite chondrites, 2002
First found in a rock from space
Keilite was described in 2002 from EH enstatite chondrites. It is named after Klaus Keil, a German-American meteoriticist who studied enstatite meteorites.
What it is
Keilite has the same structure as niningerite but contains more iron than magnesium. It forms when niningerite-bearing rock is melted or heated strongly, often by impacts.
Where it is found
It occurs in impact-melted and strongly heated EH chondrites and impact-melt rocks related to them.
How it is recognised
It is identified by microprobe analysis.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Klaus Keil's name is also attached to the classification of many enstatite meteorites.
Did you know?
Keilite is a sign that an enstatite chondrite was heated by an impact.