SEM BSE images showing kaitianite (Ktn) with tistarite (Tta), Ti,Al,Zr-oxide (TAZ), MgTi3+2Al4SiO12 phase (MTAS), spinel (Spl), sapphirine (Spr), and Ti-sulfide (Ti-S) in corundum Grain 1125C2. The upper rectangular area in (b) are enlarged in (c). The image is published in an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ). — Photo: Ma, C.; Cámara, F.; Bindi, L.; Toledo, V.; Griffin, W.L. · CC BY 4.0
Kaitianite
Kaitianite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula Ti³⁺₂Ti⁴⁺O₅.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/c). It is a member of the Berdesinskiite structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 4.29.
IMA symbol Ktn, IMA status: approved, named in 2018.
Found in a CV3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorite.
It is found associated with Tistarite, rutile, Ti3+-bearing corundum oxide (Ti3+, Al, Zr, Si, Mg)1.95O3, Ti-xifengite.
The name commemorates the Chinese words “kai tian, ” meaning creating the heaven (sky). Chinese mythology says Pan Gu, the giant.