Tuite
The high-pressure form of the meteorite phosphate merrillite, found in shock veins.
Key facts
- Formula
- Ca3(PO4)2
- Family
- High-pressure minerals
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- First described
- the Suizhou L6 chondrite, 2003
Tuite was described in 2003 from shock veins in the Suizhou meteorite. It is named after Tu Guangzhi, a Chinese geochemist.
What it is
Tuite is calcium phosphate with a dense structure. It forms from merrillite or apatite at pressures above about 12 gigapascals. Experiments suggest that it can hold rare earth elements and other trace elements that matter for deep-Earth chemistry.
Where it is found
It occurs in shock veins of strongly shocked ordinary chondrites such as Suizhou, replacing phosphate grains.
How it is recognised
It is identified by Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy.
Did you know?
Tuite may be an important home for phosphorus in Earth's deep mantle.
Shocked phosphates can lose their uranium–lead clocks, so tuite matters for dating impacts.