Unit cell of the Xifengite. — Photo: Hoa112008 · Public domain
Xifengite
A rare hexagonal iron silicide — steel-gray inclusions in meteoritic iron-nickel.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Xifengite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the native element class, with the chemical formula Fe₅Si₃.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P6_3/mcm). It is a member of the Xifengite structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 6.43; Black streak; Metallic luster.
IMA symbol Xif, IMA status: approved, named in 1983.
Innermost in spheres, surrounded by nickel-iron minerals and their oxidation products, apparently of extraterrestrial origin, found in placers.
It is found associated with Gupeiite, kamacite, taenite, magnetite, wüstite, maghemite.
The name refers to an eastern passageway, Xifengkou, of the Great Wall of China.