Niningerite is a magnesium-iron-manganese sulfide mineral with the chemical formula MgS that is found in enstatite chondrite meteorites. Niningerite is the magnesium-dominant analog of keilite. This mineral is named after Harvey H. Nininger. The mineral was named after Harvey Harlow Nininger, of Sedona in Arizona, USA, for his contributions to meteoritics.
It was first discovered in 1966 from the Indarch, St. Marks, Qingzhen. It is a member of the galena group.
General Information
- Category: Sulfide minerals
- Formula: (repeating unit) MgS
- Crystal system: Cubic
- Crystal class: Hexoctahedral (m3m)
Properties
Niningerite is an opaque grayish mineral, having a metallic luster. It occurs as microscopic crystals, and it is generally found as inclusions in other minerals. The hardness range of niningerite is 3.5 to 4.
- Color: grey
- Mohs scale hardness: 3 ½ – 4
- Luster: metallic
- Diaphaneity: opaque
- Habit: Microscopic Crystals – Crystals visible only with microscopes.
Occurrence
Niningerite occurs in less extensively metamorphosed enstatite chondrite meteorites. The mineral is closely related to troilite and kamacite.
Niningerite is distributed in the following places:
- Indarch meteorite, Shusha, Naxcivan District, Azerbaijan
- Abee meteorite, Abee, Alberta, Canada
Information Source:
