Krotite
A calcium aluminium oxide found in an unusual refractory inclusion, until then known only from cement.
Key facts
- Formula
- CaAl2O4
- Family
- Oxides
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- First described
- the CV3 chondrite NWA 1934, 2011
Krotite was described in 2011 from a refractory inclusion in Northwest Africa 1934, a CV3 chondrite found in the Sahara. It is named after Alexander Krot, a cosmochemist who studies CAIs.
What it is
Krotite is the mineral form of calcium aluminate, a compound well known as a main ingredient of calcium aluminate cement. It is stable at very high temperatures and low pressure.
Where it is found
It is the main mineral of a refractory inclusion in NWA 1934, together with grossite and other calcium-aluminium oxides. Such inclusions record conditions close to the young Sun.
How it is recognised
It is identified by electron backscatter diffraction and microprobe analysis.
Did you know?
Krotite was a common industrial chemical long before it was found as a natural mineral.
The inclusion that contains it is only about a millimetre across.