Magnetic order near 270 K in mineral and synthetic Mn${}_2$FeSbO${}_6$ ilmenite

Abstract

The structural and magnetic properties of Mn${}_2$FeSbO${}_6$ single-crystalline mineral and ceramic samples synthesized under thermobaric treatment have been investigated, and compared to theoretical predictions based on first-principles electronic structure calculations. This ilmenite system displays a sharp magnetic transition just below the room temperature related to a ferrimagnetic ordering of the Mn${}^{2+}$ and Fe${}^{3+}$ cations, which makes Mn${}_2$FeSbO${}_6$ a promising candidate for designing functional magnetic materials.

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