Linzhiite Explained

Linzhiite
Formula:FeSi2
Imasymbol:Lzh[1]
Strunz:1.BB.20
System:Tetragonal – ditetragonal dipyramidal
Class:H-M symbol (4/m 2/m 2/m)
Space group P4/mmm
Unit Cell:a = 2.69 Å, c = 5.08 Å, Z = 1
Color:Steel grey
Cleavage:None
Fracture:Brittle – conchoidal
Mohs:6.5
Luster:Metallic
Streak:Grayish black
Gravity:5.05
Diaphaneity:Opaque
References:[2] [3]

Linzhiite is an iron silicide mineral with the formula FeSi2. It was discovered in the 1960s in Donetsk Oblast in Soviet Union, and named ferdisilicite, but was not approved by the International Mineralogical Association. It was later rediscovered near Linzhi in Tibet. Linzhiite occurs together with other rare iron silicide minerals, xifengite (Fe5Si3) and naquite (FeSi).[3]

Notes and References

  1. Warr. L.N.. 2021. IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine. 85. 3 . 291–320. 10.1180/mgm.2021.43 . 2021MinM...85..291W . 235729616 . free.
  2. https://www.mindat.org/min-40150.html Linzhiite
  3. http://www.webmineral.com/data/Fersilicite.shtml Ferdisilicite