Orishchinite

orishchinite

transjordanite

nickel

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Formula: Ni2P
Phosphide of nickel, orthorhombic paramorph of hexagonal transjordanite
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 7.695 calculated
Environments

Metamorphic environments

Orishchinite is a new mineral, approved in 2019 and to date (October 2022) reported only from the type locality.

Localities

At the type locality, the Daba-Siwaqa complex, Transjordan Plateau, Amman Governorate, Jordan, orishchinite was found in a paralava, which in this case was formed from the melting of marble and phosphorites. The host rock is part of the Hartrurim Formation and is one of the largest complexes of the sedimentary strata know to have experienced combustion metamorphism. The melting likely occurred during the natural combustion of bituminous shales or natural gases that are common in the area. To date (October 2022) there is no scientific consensus as to the cause of the fire (AM 107.1983).

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