2025/07/14 by Luca Bindi, Dan Holtstam
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Geological and Geochemical Analysis #Planetary Science and Exploration
paper · pdf · doi:10.1180/mgm.2025.10119
crossref issued 2025/07/14 · crossref published 2025/07/14 · crossref published-online 2025/07/14 · openalex publication_date 2025/07/14 · crossref created 2025/07/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · crossref published-print 2026/02/01 · crossref deposited 2026/03/04 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28 · crossref indexed 2026/07/28
Abstract Here we present the first single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of zolenskyite, a chromium-bearing sulfide mineral (FeCr 2 S 4 ) and newly identified polymorph of daubréelite, discovered in the Muonionalusta meteorite, a well-characterized IVA iron meteorite. Zolenskyite occurs as rare micron-scale grains associated closely with daubréelite and stishovite, within a troilite matrix. Chemical analysis confirms a pure, homogeneous FeCr 2 S 4 composition. The crystal structure was refined in the monoclinic C 2/ m space group, revealing a framework of face-sharing octahedra, consistent with a cation-deficient NiAs-type structure, distinct from the spinel-type structure of daubréelite. Zolenskyite forms under high-pressure (>7 GPa) and high-temperature (>1000 K) conditions, probably through solid-state transformation from daubréelite during shock events. The serendipitous recognition of zolenskyite emphasizes the value of careful micron-scale mineralogical investigations in revealing transient or metastable phases that record otherwise inaccessible physicochemical conditions. These findings contribute to understanding the thermal and shock history of meteorite parent bodies and the stability of Fe–Cr sulfides in extraterrestrial environments.