Rhönite
A titanium-bearing chain silicate found in some CAIs and in the oldest basalts from asteroids.
Key facts
- Formula
- Ca2(Mg,Fe,Ti)6(Si,Al)6O20
- Family
- Silicates
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
What it is
Rhönite is a complex silicate rich in calcium, magnesium, titanium and aluminium. It is named after the Rhön mountains in Germany, where it was found in volcanic rocks.
Where it is found
In meteorites it occurs in some type B CAIs of CV chondrites, where it crystallised from droplets of melt, and in angrites, ancient basalts from an early asteroid.
How it is recognised
It is dark brown to black and identified by its chemistry with a microprobe.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Rhönite is one of the few minerals found both in CAIs and in angrites.
Did you know?
On Earth it grows in alkaline basalts that cooled near the surface.