Merenskyite
General
CategoryTelluride mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Pd,Pt)(Te,Bi)2
IMA symbolMrk[1]
Strunz classification2.EA.20
Crystal systemTrigonal
Crystal classHexagonal scalenohedral (3m)
H-M symbol: (3m)
Space groupP3m1
Unit cella = 3.978(1) Å,
c = 5.125(2) Å; Z = 1
Identification
ColorWhite, grayish white
Crystal habitMicroscopic inclusions, intergrowths with other Pd–Pt minerals
Mohs scale hardness3.5
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity8.547
PleochroismWeak, white to grayish white in air under reflected light
References[2][3][4][5]

Merenskyite is a rare telluride / bismuthinide mineral with the chemical formula (Pd,Pt)(Te,Bi)2.[3][4] It is an opaque white to light gray metallic mineral that occurs as inclusions within other minerals such as chalcopyrite. It crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system.[3]

Merenskyite was first described in 1966 for an occurrence in the Merensky Reef of the Western Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa, and named for South African geologist Hans Merensky (1871–1952).[5]

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. Mineralienatlas
  3. 1 2 3 Webmineral data
  4. 1 2 Handbook of Mineralogy
  5. 1 2 Mindat.org
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