Muonionalustaite

muonionalustaite

taenite

maghemite

goethite

Images

Formula: Ni₃(OH)₄Cl₂.4H₂O
Hydroxychloride, nickel-bearing mineral
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 2.67 calculated
Colour: Green
Environments

Meteorites

Muonionalustaite is a new mineral, approved in 2020 and to date (April 2023) reported only from the type locality.

Localities

At the type locality, the Muonionalusta meteorite, Kitkiöjärvi, Pajala, Norrbotten County, Sweden, the muonionalustaite crystals are not authigenic, and are thought to have formed from weathering in soils with high chlorine content.
The Muonionalusta Meteorite was discovered in 1906 and is one of the oldest iron meteorites found. The meteorite is composed mainly of iron-nickel alloy, with relatively large amounts of nickel (5–7%); iron comprises 92–94%. Small amounts of other trace elements, such as cobalt, phosphorus and sulphur, also occur (AM 108.4.784).
The muonionalustaite ocurs as lath-like crystals, up to ~5 μm, intergrown into aggregates and thin crusts in cavities of corrosion crust of the meteorite. Associated minerals include taenite, maghemite and goethite (Mindat).

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