Elaliite

Chemical formula: (Fe²⁺₈Fe³⁺)(PO₄)O₈

Elaliite is a newly discovered iron phosphate, identified in the El Ali meteorite found in Somalia, distinguished by its unique crystal structure.

## Characteristics Elaliite is a mineral from the phosphate group, whose existence was confirmed in 2022. It was discovered as microscopic grains within the 15-ton El Ali iron meteorite, found in Somalia. This mineral, like its accompanying elkinstantonite, has not yet been observed under terrestrial conditions. Its grains are too small to determine their macroscopic appearance without specialized equipment, but studies indicate its unique crystal structure, previously unobserved in nature. ## Physical Properties Due to the microscopic size of the grains, many physical properties, such as hardness, luster, or transparency, have not yet been fully characterized. Density has been calculated based on chemical composition and crystal structure and is approximately 4.62 g/cm³. ## History and Name The mineral's name comes from the El Ali meteorite, in which it was found. This meteorite had been known to the local community in Somalia for generations, but it was only scientifically examined after its official discovery for science. Elaliite was formally described and approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2022. The discovery was made by a team of scientists from the University of Alberta in Canada, analyzing the meteorite's chemical composition. ## Applications Currently, elaliite is of purely scientific and collector's interest, as one of the newest minerals discovered in extraterrestrial matter. Its potential synthetic properties and industrial applications are subjects of research, but at this moment they have no practical dimension.

Properties

Color: dark brown
Density: 5.15
Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of elaliite is impossible without advanced laboratory techniques. It requires the use of an electron microscope with energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS/WDS) for chemical composition analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) or electron diffraction to confirm its unique crystal structure. The mineral occurs as microscopic grains within the El Ali meteorite. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals Elaliite was found in association with another new phosphate, elkinstantonite, as well as troilite and other meteoritic minerals. Distinguishing it from co-occurring phosphates is only possible based on precise structural and chemical analysis. ## Crystal forms The mineral forms anhedral (irregular) grains on the order of micrometers.

Geological environment

## Genesis Elaliite is a mineral of extraterrestrial origin. It formed within the parent body (asteroid) of the El Ali iron meteorite (IAB group). It is believed to have formed as a result of metasomatic processes or crystallization from phosphide melts trapped in the metal during the late stages of cooling of the asteroid's core. Its occurrence in terrestrial rocks has not been confirmed. ## Mineral associations This mineral co-occurs with other minerals identified in the El Ali meteorite, mainly kamacite and taenite (forming the metallic matrix), as well as troilite, schreibersite, and the newly discovered elkinstantonite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of elaliite in the world is the El Ali meteorite, found in the Hiiraan region of Somalia. This is the type locality for this mineral.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality criteria The quality of a specimen is inextricably linked to the quality of the El Ali meteorite fragment in which the mineral is found. Since elaliite occurs as microscopic inclusions, the collector's value pertains to the entire meteorite specimen. The most valuable are fragments with analytically confirmed presence of elaliite, preferably accompanied by other rare mineral phases, such as elkinstantonite. ## Popular localities The only source of specimens is the El Ali meteorite from Somalia. Fragments of this meteorite that have been exported from the country for research and commercial purposes constitute all the material available on the market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity and occurrence as microscopic inclusions in the meteorite matrix, specimens are not intended for cleaning. Any attempts to clean a meteorite fragment should only be carried out by specialized laboratories. ## What to avoid Avoid all chemicals, ultrasonics, temperature changes, and moisture, which could damage both the mineral itself and the surrounding meteorite matrix. The specimen should be protected from atmospheric agents. ## Storage Meteorite fragments containing elaliite should be stored under stable conditions, preferably in a dry environment (in a desiccator or container with a moisture absorber) and at a constant temperature, to prevent oxidation and degradation of both the mineral and the metallic matrix.