Maghemite (Fe2O3, γ-Fe2O3) is a member of the family of iron oxides. It has the same structure as magnetite, that is, it is spinel ferrite and is also ferrimagnetic. Maghemite can be considered as an Fe(II)-deficient magnetite with formula ![(\mathrm{Fe}^\mathrm{III}_8)_A[\mathrm{Fe}^{\mathrm{III}}_{40/3}\square_{8/3}]_B\mathrm{O}_{32}](http://wpcontent.answers.com/math/7/7/0/77070285986e98a0f745fe0b1e7782e9.png)
where 
represents a vacancy, A indicates tetrahedral positioning and B octahedral.
Maghemite was named in 1927. The name alludes to somewhat intermediate character between MAGnetite and HEMatite. It is blue with a grey shade, white, or brown.[1] It has isometric crystals.[2] Maghemite is formed by the topotactic oxidation of magnetite.
See also
References
- ^ Richard V. Gaines, H. Catherine W. Skinner, Eugene E. Foord, Brian Mason, and Abraham Rosenzweig: "Dana's new mineralogy", pp. 229-230. John Wiley & Sons, 1997
- ^ Maghemite on Mindat
External links
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