Chaoite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Native element mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | C |
IMA symbol | Ch[1] |
Strunz classification | 1.CB.05b |
Crystal system | Hexagonal |
Crystal class | Dihexagonal dipyramidal (6/mmm) H-M symbol: (6/m 2/m 2/m) |
Space group | P6/mmm |
Unit cell | a = 8.948 Å, c = 14.078 Å; Z = 168 |
Identification | |
Colour | Black |
Crystal habit | Thin 3-15 μm intergrowth lamallae with graphite |
Mohs scale hardness | 1 - 2 |
Lustre | Submetallic |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 3.43 (calculated) |
References | [2][3][4] |
Chaoite, or white carbon, is a mineral described as an allotrope of carbon whose existence is disputed. It was discovered in shock-fused graphite gneiss from the Ries crater in Bavaria. It has been described as slightly harder than graphite, with a reflection colour of grey to white.[5] From its electron diffraction pattern, the mineral has been considered to have a carbyne structure,[6] the linear acetylenic carbon allotrope of carbon. A later report has called this identification, and the very existence of carbyne phases, into question, arguing that the new reflections in the diffraction pattern are due to clay impurities.[7]