Crookesite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Selenide mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) |
Cu 7( Tl, Ag) Se 4 |
IMA symbol | Crk [1] |
Strunz classification | 2.BD.50 |
Crystal system | Tetragonal |
Crystal class | Disphenoidal (4) H-M symbol: (4) |
Space group | I4 |
Identification | |
Color | Lead-gray |
Crystal habit | As finely divided, disseminated specks, and as small veinlets. |
Cleavage | Good, two at right angles |
Fracture | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 2.5–3 |
Luster | Metallic |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 6.90 |
References | [2] [3] |
Crookesite is a selenide mineral composed of copper and selenium with variable thallium and silver.
Its chemical formula is reported either as
Cu
7(
Tl,
Ag)
Se
4 or (
Cu,
Tl,
Ag)
2
Se.
[4] It is formed by precipitation from
hydrothermal fluids, and contains by mass: 16.3% Tl, 47.3% Cu, 2.9% Ag, and 33.6% Se.
[2]
Crookesite is an opaque, bluish grey to pink toned brown metallic mineral crystallizing in the tetragonal system. It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3 and a specific gravity of 6.9.
It was discovered in 1866 in Skrikerum, Sweden and named for Sir William Crookes (1832–1919), the discoverer of the element thallium. [2]