Aikinite

Aikinite
General
Category Sulfide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
PbCuBiS3
Strunz classification 2.HB.05a
Dana classification 3.4.5.1
Crystal system Orthorhombic
Crystal class Dipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space group Pnma
Unit cell a = 11.297, b = 11.654
c = 4.061 [Å], Z = 4
Identification
Formula mass 575.92 g/mol
Color Lead gray, grayish black, reddish brown
Crystal habit Acicular, massive
Cleavage {010} indistinct
Mohs scale hardness 2-2.5
Luster Metallic
Streak Grayish black
Diaphaneity Opaque
Specific gravity 6.1–6.8, Average = 6.44
Other characteristics Not radioactive
References [1][2]

Aikinite is a sulfide mineral of lead, copper and bismuth with formula PbCuBiS3. It forms black to grey or reddish brown acicular orthorhombic crystals with a Mohs hardness of 2 to 2.5 and a specific gravity of 6.1 to 6.8. It was originally found in 1843 in the Beryozovskoye deposit, Ural Mountains. It is named after Arthur Aikin (1773–1854), an English geologist.

References

  1. Aikinite. Webmineral
  2. Aikinite. Mindat.org
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