Niningerite
A magnesium sulphide found only in EH enstatite chondrites.
Key facts
- Formula
- (Mg,Fe)S
- Family
- Sulphides
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- First described
- EH enstatite chondrites, 1967
Niningerite was described in 1967 from EH enstatite chondrites. It is named after Harvey Nininger, the American meteorite hunter and collector. It is known only from meteorites.
What it is
Niningerite is a magnesium–iron sulphide with the same cubic structure as table salt. Magnesium almost never forms sulphides, so niningerite is a sign of an extremely oxygen-poor environment.
Where it is found
It occurs in EH chondrites, while the related manganese sulphide alabandite takes its place in EL chondrites. That difference is one of the ways the two enstatite chondrite groups are told apart.
How it is recognised
It is grey in polished section and identified by its chemistry with a microprobe.
Did you know?
Harvey Nininger helped turn meteorite hunting into a science in the twentieth century.
The iron content of niningerite changes with heating and can be used as a thermometer.