Haxonite, NiFe22C6, revisited: New crystal-chemical formulas and Fe-Ni ordering as a structure-stabilizing factor
Abstract
Abstract Haxonite is the second most common carbide in meteorites, following cohenite. However, unlike the latter, haxonite has no synthetic counterpart; its structure type and chemical formula were suggested based on the similarity of its X-ray powder diffraction pattern with that of a tau carbide (synthetic analog of isovite). During the mineralogical study of the Barbianello meteorite (iron ungrouped, Ni-rich ataxite), we identified both cohenite and haxonite within the 2 cm single-crystal host rod of taenite matrix. Both carbides form irregular-angular crystals associated with nickelphosphide but have never been found in one inclusion together. Cohenite and haxonite vary considerably in Ni content (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Astro and Planetary Science
High-pressure geophysics and materials
Geological and Geochemical Analysis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- American Mineralogist
- Volume
- 111
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 1308–1314
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN