Nuwaite

Chemical formula: Ni₆GeS₂

Nuwaite is an extremely rare nickel-germanium sulfide, first identified in the Allende meteorite.

## Characteristics Nuwaite is a mineral with a metallic appearance, occurring as microscopic, irregular grains, usually not exceeding 10 micrometers in size. It was discovered as inclusions within other minerals in the meteorite. Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic size, a full visual characterization of macroscopic specimens is not possible. ## Physical Properties As an opaque mineral, nuwaite exhibits a metallic luster. Its density, calculated based on chemical composition and crystal structure, is 7.24 g/cm³. Other physical properties, such as hardness, have not yet been studied due to the grain size. ## History and Name The mineral's name comes from Northwestern University (NU) in Evanston, Illinois, USA, in recognition of the institution's contribution to meteorite research. Nuwaite was officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2018. Its discovery was made during the study of the Allende carbonaceous chondrite, which fell in Mexico in 1969.

Properties

Luster
Metallic
Density
7.24
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Tetragonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of nuwaite is possible only using advanced laboratory techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with chemical composition analysis (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Its characteristic chemical composition (high nickel and germanium content) is a key diagnostic feature. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals At the microscopic level, nuwaite can be confused with other metallic sulfides found in meteorites. Definitive differentiation requires precise chemical composition analysis. ## Crystal Forms Nuwaite forms very fine, irregular grains ranging from 1 to 10 micrometers in size.

Geological environment

## Genesis Nuwaite is an extraterrestrial mineral. It formed under conditions prevalent in the early Solar System, within the parent body of the Allende meteorite. Its presence in calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) suggests crystallization at high temperatures in a reducing environment. ## Mineral Associations This mineral occurs in association with other meteoritic minerals, such as hibonite, perovskite, grossular, as well as other sulfides, including oldhamite and troilite. It is found as inclusions in melilite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of nuwaite on Earth is the Allende meteorite, which fell in 1969 in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. This is the type locality for this mineral.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria Nuwaite does not occur as standalone collectible specimens. Its value is purely scientific. For meteorite collectors, the value lies in the fragment of the Allende meteorite itself, and the presence of such a rare mineral, confirmed by research, significantly enhances its uniqueness and scientific importance.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its microscopic size and occurrence as inclusions within the host rock (meteorite), individual nuwaite grains are not subject to cleaning. ## What to Avoid Specimens of the Allende meteorite containing nuwaite should be protected from moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures that could damage the entire sample. ## Storage Meteorite samples should be stored under stable conditions, preferably in a dry environment, in specialized containers or display cases that protect against dust and humidity changes.

External references

Sources

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