Majindeite
A magnesium molybdenum oxide formed when tiny metal nuggets in Allende were oxidised.
Key facts
- Formula
- Mg2Mo3O8
- Family
- Oxides
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- First described
- the Allende CV3 chondrite, 2012
Majindeite was approved as a new mineral in 2012 from the Allende CV3 chondrite, which fell in Mexico in 1969. It is known only from meteorites.
What it is
Majindeite is a magnesium molybdenum oxide with the structure of kamiokite, a terrestrial iron molybdenum oxide. Molybdenum is a refractory metal that condenses at high temperature; here it has been combined with oxygen after the fact.
Where it is found
It occurs in Allende as minute grains where refractory metal nuggets of molybdenum and other metals inside chondrules or calcium-aluminium-rich inclusions were later oxidised, probably on the parent asteroid.
How it is recognised
It is identified with the scanning electron microscope, electron backscatter diffraction and microprobe analysis.
Did you know?
Allende is the type meteorite for more than 15 minerals.
Many of Allende's new minerals were found with a field-emission scanning electron microscope, which can image grains smaller than a micrometre.