Reidite is a rare polymorph of ZrSiO4 created when zircon experiences high pressure and temperature.
[7] Reidite is named after Alan F. Reid, the scientist who first synthesized it during high-pressure experiments in the laboratory in 1969.
[10] Reidite has been found in lamellar, granular, and dendritic forms within host zircon, typically making up less than 10% of the grain.
Reidite from Rochechouart impact structure has also been reported as bladed, wedged, and massive.
[11] Libyan desert glass may show lattice deformation in zircon that is interpreted as evidence of this material having previously contained reidite, and as such constitutes strong evidence for its impact origin.