Unveiling deep Earth's hidden potential: insights from a new high-pressure phase discovered in a shocked meteorite

In this study, we report the discovery of a novel high-pressure phase within the Suizhou shocked meteorite, shedding light on the extreme conditions encountered during meteorite impacts. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques including electron microprobe and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, we identified a previously unknown crystalline structure formed under high pressures and temperatures. The new mineral, ideally Mg₃(Si_0.5[]_0.5)Si₂O₈ (the symbol [] stands for structural vacancy), was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA 2024–012) and named ohtaniite in honour of Eiji Ohtani. The phase, a new mineral with the pyroxene chemistry but with wadsleyite structure, was characterized by its distinct crystal lattice and unique physical properties, suggesting a transformation induced by shock compression. This finding expands our understanding of shock-induced mineralogical transformations in extraterrestrial materials and offers insights into the dynamic processes shaping meteorite evolution. Further investigations into these high-pressure phases are crucial for unraveling the geological history of meteorites and their significance in planetary science.