Chemistry:Magnesioferrite

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Magnesioferrite
Magnesioferrite - Ochtendung, Eifel, Germany.jpg
Magnesioferrite from Ochtendung, Eifel, Germany
General
CategoryOxide minerals
Spinel group
Spinel structural group
Formula
(repeating unit)
Mg(Fe3+)2O4
Strunz classification4.BB.05
Crystal systemCubic
Crystal classHexoctahedral (m3m)
H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Space groupFd3m
Unit cella = 8.3866 Å; Z = 8
Identification
ColorBlack to brownish black
Crystal habitAs octahedral crystals, massive granular
TwinningTwin plane {111}, contact twins
CleavageOn {111}
FractureUneven
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness6 - 6.5
|re|er}}Metallic, semimetallic, dull
StreakDark red
DiaphaneityOpaque, transparent in thin fragments
Specific gravity4.55 – 4.65 measured
Optical propertiesIsotropic
Refractive indexn = 2.38
Other characteristicsMagnetic
References[1][2][3]

Magnesioferrite is a magnesium iron oxide mineral, a member of the magnetite series of spinels. Magnesioferrite crystallizes as black metallic octahedral crystals. It is named after its chemical composition of magnesium and ferric iron. The density is 4.6 - 4.7 (average = 4.65), and the diaphaniety is opaque. Occurs as well-formed fine sized crystals or massive and granular. Its hardness is 6-6.5. It has a metallic luster and a dark red streak.

Occurrence

It occurs in fumaroles, as a result of combustion metamorphism and coal seam fires, in glass spherules related to meteorite impacts, and as accessory phase in kimberlites and carbonatites.[1]

It has been reported from Vesuvius and Stromboli, Italy.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Handbook of Mineralogy
  2. Magnesioferrite on Mindat.org
  3. Magnesioferrite on Webmineral
  4. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine 85 (3): 291–320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. Bibcode2021MinM...85..291W.