Home > African Minerals – April 25 > MS0806 Hibonite

Hibonite - Sold


Hibonite is a complex oxide composed of primarily calcium and aluminum, with minor titanium and iron. The last two elements cause the black color by electronic charge transfer. Curien et al. (1956) named the mineral in honor of Paul Hibon, who discovered the mineral. Pure hibonite, like that found in certain carbonaceous chrondrite meteorites, is white. Hibonite here forms a section of a pyramidal crystal, with rough faces and evidence of parting on its two flat surfaces. This is an above average size for the mineral.

This specimen was part of the personal collection of Ralph Merrill, proprietor of the prolific mail order business Minerals Unlimited. Merrill's collection card and label ship with the specimen.