Icosahedrite

icosahedrite

stishovite

khatyrkite

cupalite

Images

Formula: Al₆₃Cu₂₄Fe₁₃
Alloy of aluminium, copper and iron. Icosahedrite is the first quasicrystal described as a mineral species. See Mindat.
Crystal System: Icosahedral
Streak: Grey
Colour: Dark grey-black
Environments

Meteorites

Localities

At the type locality, the Khatyrka meteorite, Iomrautvaam massif, Anadyrsky District, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia, icosahedrite occurs as dark grey-black anhedral to subhedral grains up to 100 µm across, closely associated with spinel, diopside, forsterite, nepheline, sodalite, corundum, stishovite, khatyrkite, cupalite and an unnamed phase of composition AlCuFe. Icosahedrite is opaque with a metallic lustre and a grey streak, and is brittle with an uneven fracture (AM 96.928-931).
It is likely formed by impact-induced shock in the carbonaceous chondrite meteorite (HOM).
Icosahedrite from the Khatyrka Meteorite - Image

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