General Information:
Chemical Formula:
Si3N4
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 140.28 gm)
Silicon 60.06 % Si
Nitrogen 39.94 % N
Empirical Formula:
Si3N4
Environment:
The grains probably formed by exsolution of Si and N from kamacite, perryite and schreibersite during parent-body metamorphism.
IMA Status:
Approved IMA
Locality:
In perchloric acid-resistant residues of three ordinary chondrite meteorites and one enstatite meteorite.
Name Origin:
For A. O. Nier (1912-1994), who was responsible for the now accepted measurement of the atmospheric N-isotope composition.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
None
Color:
colorless, brown, or brownish red.
Density:
3.17 - 3.18, Average = 3.17
Diaphaniety:
Transparent
Habits:
Granular - Generally occurs as anhedral to subhedral crystals in matrix., Tabular - Form dimensions are thin in one direction.,
Hardness:
9 - Corundum
Luster:
Adamantine
Streak:
white
More details...