Wodegongjieite

Chemical formula: KCa<sub>3</sub>(Al<sub>7</sub>Si<sub>9</sub>)O<sub>32</sub>

Wodegongjieite is an extremely rare tectosilicate mineral, discovered in a meteorite and characterized by a unique crystal structure.

## Characteristics Wodegongjieite is a tectosilicate mineral, approved by the IMA in 2022. It occurs as extremely small, anhedral (irregularly shaped) grains not exceeding 15 micrometers in size. These grains are too small to be seen with the naked eye and occur as inclusions in other minerals within the meteorite. Due to its microscopic size, its visual characteristics, such as luster or transparency on a macroscopic scale, have not been determined. ## Physical Properties Due to the microscopic size of the grains, most physical properties, such as hardness, density, cleavage, or fracture, could not be measured by traditional methods. The density was calculated based on the chemical formula and unit cell parameters and is 2.85 g/cm³. ## Colors and Varieties The observed grains are colorless. The mineral does not form varieties. ## History and Name The name Wodegongjieite honors Wodegongjie (Chinese: 卧德公姐), a guardian deity from the mythology of the Pumi people, who inhabit the area where the Suizhou meteorite was found. The mineral was discovered in the L6 Suizhou chondrite, which fell in 1986 in Hubei Province, China. It was described by a team of scientists led by Chi Ma and approved as a new mineral species in 2022 (IMA2022-091). ## Applications Wodegongjieite has no commercial or industrial applications. Its significance is purely scientific, as it provides information about the mineralogical processes occurring in the parent bodies of asteroids during the early stages of the Solar System's formation.

Properties

Density
2.85
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Tetragonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of wodegongjieite is impossible without advanced laboratory techniques. Identification requires the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for chemical composition analysis, as well as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to determine the crystal structure. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals At the microscopic level, distinguishing it from other tectosilicates found in meteorites, such as anorthite, albite, or other feldspars, relies solely on precise chemical composition analysis and crystallographic data. ## Crystal Forms This mineral has only been found in the form of anhedral, microscopic grains embedded in other minerals.

Geological environment

## Genesis Wodegongjieite formed as a result of shock metamorphism processes within the parent body of the asteroid from which the Suizhou meteorite (L6 chondrite) originated. It is believed to have formed in shock melt veins, which were created during the collision of the asteroid with another cosmic object. The high pressure and temperature accompanying this event led to the crystallization of this unique mineral. ## Mineral Associations It occurs in paragenesis with other minerals typical of chondritic meteorites, such as anorthite, tuite, xieite, ringwoodite, and lingunite. It coexists with them within shock melt veins. ## Localities The only known locality of wodegongjieite in the world is the Suizhou meteorite, which fell in Zengdu District, Hubei Province, China.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria As a microscopic mineral, wodegongjieite is not an object of collector trade in the form of isolated specimens. The only way to possess it in a collection is to acquire a fragment of the Suizhou meteorite in which it has been identified. The value of such a specimen is determined by its mass, provenance, and scientific significance, and not by the visual characteristics of wodegongjieite itself. ## Popular Localities The only source is the Suizhou meteorite from China.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens (meteorite fragments) containing wodegongjieite should not be cleaned with liquids, especially water, so as not to damage the delicate structure of the meteorite and its mineral composition. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with chemicals, moisture, and sudden temperature changes. As a component of a meteorite, it is sensitive to terrestrial atmospheric conditions, which can lead to its degradation. ## Storage Store in a dry environment, preferably in a specialized container with a moisture absorber (e.g., silica gel) or under controlled atmosphere conditions (e.g., nitrogen) to prevent oxidation and weathering.

Sources

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