Yeite

Chemical formula: TiSi

Yeite is a natural titanium silicide, identified as microscopic inclusions in corundum from Tibet.

## Characteristics Yeite is an extremely rare mineral with a chemical composition of titanium silicide (TiSi). It has been identified as microscopic, metallic inclusions with a hexagonal outline, reaching sizes up to 10 micrometers. It occurs within crystals of xenomorphic corundum. Due to the extremely small grain sizes, most of its physical properties have not been fully determined. ## Physical Properties As a metallic mineral, Yeite is characterized by a metallic luster and is opaque. Its hardness, density, and other physical characteristics have not been measured due to the microscopic size of natural crystals. ## History and Name The mineral is named in honor of Ye Danian (born 1934), a petrologist and mineralogist from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in recognition of his contributions to the study of high-pressure rocks and minerals. The mineral was officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2010 (IMA2010-041).

Properties

Color
black
Luster
Metallic
Density
4.24
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Orthorhombic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of Yeite is possible only using advanced analytical techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with chemical composition analysis (EDS) or electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Visual identification is impossible. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals Yeite coexists with other rare silicides, such as gupeiite (Fe₃Si) and xifengite (Fe₅Si₃). Distinguishing them from each other requires precise micro-scale chemical analysis. ## Crystal Forms It has been observed as subhedral, hexagonal platelets or grains not exceeding 10 µm in size.

Geological environment

## Genesis Yeite forms under strongly reducing conditions, in oxygen-poor environments. Its genesis is associated with processes occurring in the Earth's upper mantle. It has been found in peridotite xenoliths and chromitites contained within ophiolites. ## Mineral Associations This mineral occurs in paragenesis with corundum, osbornite, chromite, diopside, forsterite, enstatite, as well as other rare silicides like gupeiite and xifengite, and with diamond and moissanite. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence (type locality) is the chromitite deposits in the Luobusha ophiolite in Tibet, China.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria Yeite does not appear on the collector's market as a standalone mineral. Its value is purely scientific. The potential value of a specimen in which it is found (e.g., corundum) depends on the quality of the host mineral; however, the presence of such rare inclusions can increase its scientific value and uniqueness.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its occurrence as microscopic inclusions in other minerals (mainly corundum), Yeite is not cleaned as a separate specimen. Care applies to the host mineral. ## What to Avoid Specimens containing Yeite should be protected from aggressive chemicals that could damage the surrounding corundum. Ultrasonic cleaners and extreme temperature changes should be avoided. ## Storage Storage pertains to the host mineral. Corundum specimens with Yeite inclusions should be stored under stable conditions, away from dust and the risk of scratching by harder materials.

External references

Sources

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