Weissite

Weissite
General
Category Telluride mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Cu2-xTe
Strunz classification 2.BA.30
Crystal system Hexagonal
Crystal class Dihexagonal dipyramidal (6mmm)
H-M symbol: (6/m 2/m 2/m)
Space group P6/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
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

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/30/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.