Stolperite
A cubic aluminium–copper alloy from the Khatyrka meteorite.
Key facts
- Formula
- AlCu
- Family
- Metals and alloys
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- First described
- the Khatyrka meteorite, 2016
Stolperite was approved as a new mineral in 2016 from the Khatyrka meteorite. It is named after Edward Stolper, an American petrologist and cosmochemist.
What it is
Stolperite has the same composition as cupalite, equal parts of aluminium and copper, but a simpler cubic structure in which the two metals share the same sites at random. Alloys of this kind are stable at high temperature, so stolperite probably cooled very quickly.
Where it is found
It occurs as tiny grains with other aluminium alloys and quasicrystals in the Khatyrka CV3 chondrite.
How it is recognised
It is identified by electron diffraction and microprobe analysis.
Did you know?
Stolperite, hollisterite and kryachkoite were all approved in 2016, from the same meteorite grains.
Natural metallic aluminium alloys are known almost only from Khatyrka.