BixbyitStruktur

BixbyiteStruktur refers to the crystal structure of bixbyite, a mineral. Bixbyite has the chemical formula (Mn,Fe)2O3. Its crystal structure is cubic, belonging to the space group Ia-3. This structure is characterized by a body-centered cubic lattice with specific arrangements of manganese and iron cations and oxygen anions. The oxygen atoms form a distorted cubic close-packed arrangement. Within this framework, the metal cations occupy specific interstitial sites. The structure can be described as an arrangement of Mn2O6 and Fe2O6 octahedra linked by sharing corners and edges. The precise cation distribution between different sites can vary, influencing the physical properties of the bixbyite sample. This specific arrangement of atoms is responsible for bixbyite's relatively high density and its optical properties. The bixbyite structure is an example of a defect fluorite structure, where oxygen vacancies are present. Understanding the bixbyiteStruktur is crucial for mineralogists and materials scientists when studying the formation, properties, and potential applications of this manganese-iron oxide.