Hapkeite

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Hapkeite
General
Category Native element minerals
Formula Fe2Si
IMA symbol Hpk [1]
Strunz classification 1.BB.35
Crystal system Isometric
Crystal class Hexoctahedral (m3m)
H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Space group Pm3m
Unit cell a = 2.831 Å; Z = 1
Identification
Colorsilvery, with a slight tarnish
Luster metallic
Diaphaneity opaque
References [2] [3] [4]

Hapkeite is a mineral discovered in the Dhofar 280 meteorite found in 2000 in Oman on the Arabian Peninsula. The meteorite is believed to originate from the Moon; specifically, it appears to be a fragment of lunar highland breccia. Hapkeite's composition is of silicon and iron, and it is similar to other silicon-iron minerals found on Earth. An impact on the Moon is thought to have launched the partially molten or vaporized material into orbit.

Due to its 1:2 composition of silicon-iron, hapkeite was given the chemical formula Fe 2 Si. It occurs as opaque, yellowish to silvery microscopic isometric crystals.

It is named after Bruce Hapke, who predicted the presence and importance of vapor-deposited coatings on lunar soil grains (space weathering). [4]

Beside hapkeite, other natural iron silicide minerals include gupeiite, naqite, linzhiite, luobusaite, suessite, xifengite, and zangboite. [3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi: 10.1180/mgm.2021.43 . S2CID   235729616.
  2. ↑ Anand, M (2003). "Lunar and Planetary Science XXXIV" (PDF).
  3. 1 2 Mindat
  4. 1 2 Webmineral data
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