Chemistry:Algodonite

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Algodonite
Algodonit - Houghton County, Michigan, USA.jpg
Algodonite – Houghton County, Michigan, US
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
|re|er}}Metallic
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity8.38 (measured), 8.72 (calculated)
Other characteristicsNon-magnetic, non-fluorescent
References[1][2][3]

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.

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

References