Berzelianite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Selenide minerals |
Formula (repeating unit) | Cu2Se |
IMA symbol | Brz [1] |
Strunz classification | 2.BA.20 |
Dana classification | 2.4.10.1 |
Crystal system | Isometric |
Identification | |
Color | Silvery white, tarnishes easily |
Crystal habit | Dendritic crusts, fine-grained inclusions |
Cleavage | None |
Fracture | Uneven |
Tenacity | Slightly malleable |
Mohs scale hardness | 2.7 |
Luster | Metallic |
Streak | Shining |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Density | 6.71 (measured) 7.28 (calculated) |
Ultraviolet fluorescence | None |
Common impurities | Ag |
References | [1] [2] [3] |
Berzelianite is a rare copper selenide mineral with the formula Cu2 Se. [2] [3] [4] It occurs as thin dendritic crusts or as fine-grained inclusions. It crystallizes in the isometric system, [5] [6] [7] unlike its dimorph, bellidoite, which crystallizes in the tetragonal system. [8] The crystals are opaque and slightly malleable.
Berzelianite was first identified at the Skrikerum Mine (also spelled as Skrickerum Mine) in Valdemarsvik, Östergötland, Sweden in 1850. [6]
It was named by James Dwight Dana to honor Jöns Jakob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist who is seen as the father of analytical chemistry. He invented chemical symbol notation and discovered the elements cerium, selenium, silicon, and thorium. [6]
Berzelianite often occurs together with eucairite, clausthalite, tiemannite, umangite, klockmannite, aguilarite, crookesite, athabascaite, stromeyerite, polybasite, pearceite, gold, uraninite, pyrite, marcasite, calcite.