Steinhardtite
A cubic aluminium–nickel–iron alloy from the Khatyrka meteorite, named after a pioneer of quasicrystals.
Key facts
- Formula
- Al(Ni,Fe)
- Family
- Metals and alloys
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- First described
- the Khatyrka meteorite, 2014
Steinhardtite was described in 2014 from the Khatyrka meteorite. It is named after Paul Steinhardt, an American physicist who helped develop the theory of quasicrystals and led the search for natural ones.
What it is
Steinhardtite is an intermetallic alloy of aluminium with nickel and iron, in a body-centred cubic structure. It is related in composition to decagonite, the decagonal quasicrystal.
Where it is found
It occurs as small grains in the Khatyrka CV3 chondrite, together with quasicrystals and other aluminium alloys.
How it is recognised
It is identified by electron diffraction and microprobe analysis.
Did you know?
Steinhardt worked out the theory of quasicrystals in the 1980s, years before one was found in nature.
Khatyrka has given about eight new minerals, most of them alloys of aluminium.