Steel-gray metallic microspecimens of the extremely rare iron silicide luobusaite from a third known locality (Poltava Series, Zachativsk Station, Donets Region, Donetsk Oblast', Ukraine), intermixed with white and colorless quartz crystals. Analyzed specimen by SEM/EDS. Ex Vandenbroucke Museum collection from Waregem, Belgium. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Luobusaite
Luobusaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the native element class, with the chemical formula Fe₀.₈₄Si₂.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Cmca).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 7; specific gravity 4.55; Black streak; Metallic luster.
IMA symbol Luo, IMA status: approved, named in 2005.
Found in the heavy mineral fraction of a podiform chromitite deposit in the peridotite of an ophiolite.
It is found associated with Diamond, moissanite, coesite, wustite, CrC, PGEM, naquite, base metal alloys, silicates, and various native elements.
The name refers to the “Luobusa” mine, the site from which the first specimens were collected.