Naquite

(repeating unit)FeSiIMA symbolNaq^[1]Strunz classification1.BB.15Crystal systemCubicCrystal classIsometric – tetartoidal
H-M symbol (23)
Space group P2₁3Unit cella = 4.48 Å, Z = 4IdentificationColorSteel grey, tin whiteCleavageNoneFractureBrittle – conchoidalMohs scale hardness6.5LusterMetallicStreakgrayish blackDiaphaneityOpaqueSpecific gravity6.1–6.2 (calc.)References^[2][3]

Naquite is a mineral of iron monosilicide, FeSi. It was discovered in the 1960s in Donetsk Oblast in Soviet Union, and named fersilicite, but was not approved by the International Mineralogical Association. It was later rediscovered in the Nagqu area of Tibet and given the name naquite. Naquite occurs together with other rare iron silicide minerals, xifengite (Fe₅Si₃) and linzhiite (FeSi₂).^[3]

References