Weissite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Telluride mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | Cu 2−xTe |
IMA symbol | Wst [1] |
Strunz classification | 2.BA.30 |
Crystal system | Hexagonal |
Crystal class | Dihexagonal dipyramidal (6mmm) H-M symbol: (6/m 2/m 2/m) |
Space group | P6/mmm |
Unit cell | a = 12.54, c = 21.71 [Å]; Z = 15 |
Identification | |
Color | Bluish black to black with tarnish |
Crystal habit | Lens shaped masses |
Cleavage | None |
Fracture | Uneven |
Mohs scale hardness | 3 |
Luster | Metallic |
Streak | Black |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 6 |
Birefringence | Distinct |
Pleochroism | Distinct |
References | [2] [3] [4] |
Weissite is a
telluride mineral, a copper telluride. Its chemical formula is Cu
2−x
Te. Weissite has hexagonal
crystal structure. Its
specific gravity is 6 and its
Mohs hardness is 3. Occurrence is in
Gunnison County, Colorado,
Arizona and
New Mexico in the
United States. It is also reported from
Kalgoorlie,
Western Australia and Dalarna and
Värmland,
Sweden.
[3]
Weissite occurs in hydrothermal deposits associated with pyrite, native tellurium, sylvanite, petzite, rickardite, native sulfur, native gold, calaverite and krennerite. [2]
It was first described in 1927 for an occurrence in the Good Hope Mine in the Vulcan District of Gunnison County, Colorado. [3] It was named for mine owner Louis Weiss. [4]