Algodonite

Algodonit is a rare mineral from the mineral class of sulfides and sulfosalts, more precisely of the alloys and alloy- like compounds. It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system with the chemical formula Cu 1 - xASX. It occurs in massive, coarse aggregates of graumetallischer color. Polished off the mineral a silver- white color.

Etymology and history

Algodonit was discovered in 1857 described in a Chilean mine, and F. Field. After the type locality, the Los Algodones Mine, a silver mine near Coquimbo in northern Chile, the mineral was named.

Classification

In the classification by Strunz Algodonit is counted among the alloys and alloy- like compounds, a subset of the sulfides and sulfosalts. After the 8th edition forms a group together with Cuprostibit, Domeykite, Koutekit, Kutinait and Novakit. In the 9th edition, it forms its own sub-group of compounds of semi-metals with copper, silver and gold.

In the classification by Dana, it forms a separate subgroup of sulfides - tellurides and selenides, including - with the composition AmBnXp, with a ratio of (m n) p of> 3:1.

Modifications and varieties

Algodonit forms with Argentoalgodonit a variety that contains copper and silver The chemical formula of Argentoalgodonit (Cu, Ag ) .6.

Another Algodonit the associated variety is the Whitneyit, a mixture of Algodonit and arsenic, native copper.

As Mohawkit a mineral mixture of Algodonit, Domeykite and arsenic- rich copper is called.

Education and Locations

Algodonit be hydrothermally together with other Kupferarseniden. It is associated with elemental copper, silver, as well as Kupferarseniden Domeykite or Koutekit.

Localities lie next to the type locality in Chile, the United States (U.S. states of Colorado and Michigan), various European countries ( Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain, Sweden, France, Czech Republic), Namibia, New Zealand, Bolivia, Argentina and in Iran.

Crystal structure

Algodonit crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system with space group P63/mmc with lattice parameters a = 2.60 Å and c = 4.29 Å and two formula units per unit cell.