Stishovite is an extremely rare mineral forming only from the impact of a meteorite through the metamorphism of Quartz at extremely high temperatures. It is interesting to note that Stishovite is scientifically classified as an oxide and not as a silicate, even though it is polymorphous with Quartz. This is because its crystal structure is identical to some of the oxide minerals, such as Rutile. In fact, Stishovite is isomorphous with Rutile. Stishovite is named after Sergei Mikhailovich Stishov (b. 1937), a crystallographer in the Academy of Sciences, Moscow, who synthesized Stishovite prior to its discovery.
Crystal Forms & Aggregates
Occurs only in microscopic platygrains. Click here for a detailed explanation on the crystal structure of Stishovite and other forms of silica.
