1 Answer
Nickel-iron (NiFe) is not considered a mineral in the traditional sense. It refers to a natural alloy of the metals nickel and iron, which can be found in some meteorites, particularly in iron meteorites.
While meteorites containing nickel-iron alloys are often called "nickel-iron meteorites," the alloy itself is not classified as a mineral. Minerals are defined as naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. Nickel and iron, when combined, don't form a specific, ordered crystal structure in the way that true minerals do, which is why they are not considered minerals.
So, while nickel-iron is a naturally occurring material, it doesn't meet the criteria to be classified as a mineral.
While meteorites containing nickel-iron alloys are often called "nickel-iron meteorites," the alloy itself is not classified as a mineral. Minerals are defined as naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. Nickel and iron, when combined, don't form a specific, ordered crystal structure in the way that true minerals do, which is why they are not considered minerals.
So, while nickel-iron is a naturally occurring material, it doesn't meet the criteria to be classified as a mineral.