Weissite

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search
Weissite
General
Category Telluride mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Cu2-xTe
Strunz classification 2.BA.30
Crystal symmetry Hexagonal - dihexagonal dipyramidal
H-M symbol (6/m 2/m 2/m)
Space group: P 6/mmm
Unit cell a = 12.54, c = 21.71 [Å]; Z = 15
Identification
Color Bluish black to black with tarnish
Crystal habit Lens shaped masses
Crystal system Hexagonal
Cleavage None
Fracture Uneven
Mohs scale hardness 3
Luster Metallic
Streak Black
Diaphaneity Opaque
Specific gravity 6
Birefringence Distinct
Pleochroism Distinct
References [1][2][3]

Weissite is a telluride mineral consisting of copper telluride (Cu2-xTe). Weissite has hexagonal crystal structure. Its specific gravity is 6 and its Mohs hardness is 3. Occurrence is in Gunnison County, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico in the United States. It is also reported from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia and Dalarna and Värmland, Sweden.[2]

Weissite occurs in hydrothermal deposits associated with pyrite, native tellurium, sylvanite, petzite, rickardite, native sulfur, native gold, calaverite and krennerite.[1]

It was first described in 1927 for an occurrence in the Good Hope Mine in the Vulcan District of Gunnison County, Colorado.[2] It was named for mine owner Louis Weiss.[3]

See also

References

  • D. M. Chizhikov and V. P. Shchastlivyi, 1966, Tellurium and Tellurides, Nauka Publishing, Moscow

<templatestyles src="Asbox/styles.css"></templatestyles>