Silvery metallic nugget of the extremely rare silicon-iron intermetallic linzhiite (FeSi2). An analyzed specimen from Zachativsk Station, Donetsk Oblast', Ukraine. Linzhiite is a mineral from Group I .Elements, and is very rarely seen in the mineral market, much less in analyzed specimens. It is a very sought after mineral species from Group I collectors. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Linzhiite
An iron silicide found in the 1960s in Donetsk — earlier proposed as 'ferdisilicite'.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Linzhiite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the native element class, with the chemical formula FeSi₂.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group P4/mmm).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 6.5; specific gravity 4.972; Grayish black streak; Metallic luster.
IMA symbol Lzh, IMA status: approved, named in 2010.
Found in the heavy mineral fraction of a podiform chromitite deposit in the peridotite of an ophiolitic harzburgite. Likely the product of a strongly reducing environment and possibly are xenocrysts derived from a mantle source.
It is found associated with Zangboite, native silicon.
The name refers to Linzhi Prefecture, near the locality that produced the first samples.