Merenskyite
Merenskyite is a rare telluride / bismuthinide mineral with formula: (Pd,Pt)(Te,Bi)2.[2][3] It is an opaque white to light gray metallic mineral that occurs as inclusions within other minerals such as chalcopyrite. It crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system.[2]
Merenskyite | |
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General | |
Category | Telluride mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | (Pd,Pt)(Te,Bi)2 |
Strunz classification | 2.EA.20 |
Crystal system | Trigonal |
Crystal class | Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m) H-M symbol: (3m) |
Space group | P3m1 |
Unit cell | a = 3.978(1) Å, c = 5.125(2) Å; Z = 1 |
Identification | |
Color | White, grayish white |
Crystal habit | Microscopic inclusions, intergrowths with other Pd–Pt minerals |
Mohs scale hardness | 3.5 |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 8.547 |
Pleochroism | Weak, white to grayish white in air under reflected light |
References | [1][2][3][4] |
Merenskyite was first described in 1966 for an occurrence in the Merensky Reef of the Western Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa, and named for South African geologist Hans Merensky (1871–1952).[4]
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