Hibonite
Hibonite is a mineral with the chemical formula (Ca,Ce)(Al,Ti,Mg)12O19, occurring in various colours, with a hardness of 7.5–8.0 and a hexagonal crystal structure. It is rare, but is found in high-grade metamorphic rocks on Madagascar. Some presolar grains in primitive meteorites consist of hibonite. Hibonite also is a common mineral in the Ca-Al-rich inclusions found in some chondritic meteorites. Hibonite is closely related to hibonite-Fe (IMA 2009-027, (Fe,Mg)Al12O19)) an alteration mineral from the Allende meteorite. Hibonites were among the first minerals to form as the disk of gas and dust swirling around the young sun cooled.
| Hibonite | |
|---|---|
Hibonite, 1.6 cm (0.63 in) sharp and lustrous crystal from Esiva eluvials, Maromby Commune, Amboasary District, Anosy (Fort Dauphin) Region, Tuléar (Toliara) Province, Madagascar | |
| General | |
| Category | Oxide minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | (Ca,Ce)(Al,Ti,Mg)12O19 |
| IMA symbol | Hbn |
| Strunz classification | 4.CC.45 |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Crystal class |
|
| Space group | P63/mmc |
| Unit cell | a = 5.56, c = 21.89 [Å]; Z = 2 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Brownish black to black; reddish brown in thin fragments; blue in meteorite occurrence |
| Crystal habit | Prismatic platy to steep pyramidal crystals |
| Cleavage | {0001} good, {1010} parting |
| Fracture | Subconchoidal |
| Mohs scale hardness | 7+1⁄2–8 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | reddish brown |
| Diaphaneity | Semitransparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.84 |
| Optical properties | Uniaxial (-) |
| Refractive index | nω = 1.807(2), nε = 1.79(1) |
| Pleochroism | O = brownish gray; E = gray |
| References | |
A very rare gem, hibonite was discovered in 1953 in Madagascar by Paul Hibon, a French prospector.
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