Chemistry:Playfairite

From HandWiki
Playfairite
Playfairite.jpg
General
CategorySulfosalt minerals, Sulfides
Formula
(repeating unit)
Pb16Sb18S43
Strunz classification2.LB.30 (10 ed)
2/E.20-40 (8 ed)
Dana classification3.6.4.1
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Unknown space group
Identification
ColorLead gray to black
CleavagePerfect
Mohs scale hardness3.5-4
|re|er}}Metallic
StreakBlack
Specific gravity5.72
PleochroismStrong reflection
References[1]

Playfairite is a rare sulfosalt mineral with chemical formula Pb16Sb18S43 in the monoclinic crystal system,[3][4] named after the Scottish scientist and mathematician John Playfair.[5] It was discovered in 1966 by the Canadian mineralogist John Leslie Jambor.[1][6][7] Lead gray to black in color, its luster is metallic. Playfairite shows strong reflection pleochroism from white to brownish gray. Playfairite has a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on Mohs scale and a specific gravity of approximately 5.72.[3]

The type locality is Taylor Pit (Concession XIV; Lot 13), Huntingdon Township, Hastings County in Ontario, Canada .[3] Small deposits have also been found in Les Cougnasses Mine, Orpierre in the Haut-Alpes in France , Khaidarkan Sb-Hg deposit (Chaidarkan), Fergana Valley, Alai Range, Osh Oblast, Kyrgyzstan and Reese River District, Lander County, Nevada, United States .[3]

See also

  • List of minerals recognized by the International Mineralogical Association

References