Briartite

Briartite
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Cu2(Fe,Zn)GeS4
IMA symbolBtt[1]
Strunz classification02.KA.10(02)
Dana classification2.9.2.3.(02)
Crystal systemTetragonal
Space group07;10
Unit cell297.46 ų
Identification
ColourGray to gray blue; Iron-grey
TwinningPolysynthetic
Mohs scale hardness3.5–4.5
LusterMetallic; Unpolished
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity4.337 (Calculated)
Density4.337 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Common impuritiesGa, Sn

Briartite is an opaque iron-grey metallic sulfide mineral, Cu2(Zn,Fe)GeS4 with traces of Ga and Sn, found as inclusions in other germanium-gallium-bearing sulfides.[2]

It was discovered at the Prince Léopold Mine, Kipushi, Shaba, Congo (Léopoldville) in 1965 by Francotte and others, and named for Gaston Briart who had studied formations at Kipushi.[3]

Briartite is also found in Namibia, Greece, and Spain.[4]

See also

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References

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  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. ^ "Briartite". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2021-02-09.
  3. ^ "New Mineral Names" (PDF). Mineral Society of America. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-07-23. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  4. ^ "Briartite" (PDF). Handbook of Mineralogy. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2011-07-09. Retrieved 9 February 2021.