Chemistry:Nichromite

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Nichromite
General
CategorySpinel group
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Ni,Co,Fe)(Cr,Fe,Al)
2
O
4
Strunz classification4.BB.05
Crystal systemIsometric
Crystal classHexoctahedral (m3m)
H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Space groupFd3m
Unit cella = 8.32 Å; V = 573.86 Å3; Z = 8
Identification
ColorDark green, black
Crystal habitGranular, anhedral to subhedral
FractureConchoidal
Mohs scale hardness6-​6 12
|re|er}}Metallic
StreakGreyish green
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity5.10
Optical propertiesIsotropic
References[1][2][3][4]

Nichromite (Ni,Co,Fe)(Cr,Fe,Al)
2
O
4
[1] is a black cubic metallic mineral and member of the spinel group.[5] Nichromite was originally reported from the Bon Accord nickel deposit in Barberton District, South Africa .[1] Occurring naturally in a nickel deposit, nichromite is named for chromite with dominant nickel.[2]

The atomic arrangement of the spinel group is a commonly studied structure and characteristically has four closely packed oxygen atoms. The nickel atoms are organized corresponding to a "normal" spinel arrangement.[6]

The mineral has only been found in the Bon Accord Nickel Deposit in South Africa where it is formed by replacing chromite and rimmed by trevorite.[4]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Nichromite on Mindat.org
  2. 2.0 2.1 Nichromite on Webmineral
  3. Sawaokaa,A.,Saitoa,S.,Inoueb,K. and Asadab,T. (1971)Effect of high pressure on the lattice constants of chromites having the spinel structure. Materials Research Bulletin, 6, 97-101.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Cabri, L. J., Chao G.Y., Pabst, Adolf, Fleischer, Michael. (1980) New Mineral Names. American Mineralogist, 65, 811.
  5. Glossary of Geology
  6. Wyckoff, R.W.G. (1965) Crystal Structures (Second Edition). 75-86 p. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.