Xieite
A dense, high-pressure form of chromite found in a shocked Chinese chondrite.
Key facts
- Formula
- FeCr2O4
- Family
- High-pressure minerals
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- First described
- the Suizhou L6 chondrite, 2008
Xieite was described in 2008 from the Suizhou meteorite, an L6 chondrite that fell in China in 1986. It is named after Xie Xiande, a Chinese mineralogist who studied shocked meteorites.
What it is
Xieite has the chemistry of chromite but a denser structure. It forms from chromite at pressures above about 18 to 20 gigapascals at high temperature.
Where it is found
It occurs in and around shock veins of the Suizhou chondrite, as grains converted from chromite.
How it is recognised
It is identified with electron diffraction, X-ray methods and Raman spectroscopy.
Did you know?
Suizhou contains several high-pressure minerals that were first described from it.
High-pressure forms of common minerals are named after the scientists who study them, much as elements once were.