Nuwaite
Nuwaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfide class, with the chemical formula Ni₆GeS₂.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group I4/mmm). It is a member of the Nuwaite structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 7.24.
IMA symbol Nuw, IMA status: approved, named in 2013.
Very late-stage, vapor-deposited, alteration product in veins and as mono-mineralic crack-filling material in igneous diopside in the Type B1 Ca-Al-rich inclusion (CAI) ACM-2 from the Allende CV3 carbonaceous chondrite.
It is found associated with Grossular, Na-bearing melilite, heazlewoodite, Ge-bearing Ni-Fe alloys.
The name refers to “Nu Wa”, the goddess who patched the fractured wall of Heaven to save the early World after Pan Gu’s creation.