Rammelsbergite

(repeating unit)NiAs2IMA symbolRmb[1]Strunz classification2.EB.15aCrystal systemOrthorhombicCrystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)Space groupPnnmUnit cella = 4.759 Å, b = 5.797 Å
c = 3.539 Å; Z = 2IdentificationColorTin white with a faint pinkish hueCrystal habitRarely as prismatic crystals; commonly massive, granular, radial, fibrousTwinningOn {101}CleavageDistinct on {101}FractureIrregularTenacityBrittleMohs scale hardness5.5–6LusterMetallicStreakGrayish blackDiaphaneityOpaqueSpecific gravity7.0–7.1Optical propertiesStrongly anisotropicPleochroismWeak, yellow to pinkish hue and bluish whiteReferences[2][3][4]

Rammelsbergite is a nickel arsenide mineral with formula NiAs2. It forms metallic silvery to tin white to reddish orthorhombic prismatic crystals, and is usually massive in form. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 and a specific gravity of 7.1.

It was first described in 1854 from its type locality in the Schneeberg District in Saxony, Germany. It was named after the German chemist and mineralogist, Karl Friedrich August Rammelsberg (1813–1899).[3]

It occurs as a hydrothermal mineral in medium temperature veins association with skutterudite, safflorite, lollingite, nickeline, native bismuth, native silver, algodonite, domeykite and uraninite.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ a b Handbook of Mineralogy
  3. ^ a b Mindat.org
  4. ^ Webmineral data
  • Mineral Galleries
  • Schumann, Walter (1991). Mineralien aus aller Welt. BLV Bestimmungsbuch (2 ed.). p. 223. ISBN 978-3-405-14003-8.


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