Algodonite

Algodonite is a copper arsenide mineral with formula: Cu6As. It is a gray white metallic mineral crystallizing in the hexagonal system. It has a Mohs hardness of 4 and a specific gravity of 8.38 - 8.72.

Algodonite
Algodonite - Houghton County, Michigan, USA
General
CategorySulfide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Cu6As
Strunz classification2.AA.10a
Crystal systemHexagonal
Crystal classDihexagonal dipyramidal (6/mmm)
H-M symbol: (6/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupP63/mmc
Unit cella = 2.6, c = 4.228 [Å]; Z = 2
Identification
Formula mass456.2 g/mol
ColorGray, silver white, steel gray, tarnishes dull bronze
Crystal habitMassive, granular. Common texture observed in granite and other igneous rock
FractureSub-conchoidal
Mohs scale hardness4
LusterMetallic
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity8.38 (measured), 8.72 (calculated)
Other characteristicsNon-magnetic, non-fluorescent
References[1][2][3]
Mohawkite nugget, a mixture of domeykite, algodonite and copper

It was first described in 1857 from the Algodones silver mine, Coquimbo, Chile.

References

  1. Algodonite. Webmineral
  2. Algodonite. Mindat.org
  3. Williams, Sidney A. (1963). "Crystals of rammelsbergite and algodonite". American Mineralogist. 48: 421–422.
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