Meneghinite is a sulfosalt mineral with the chemical formula CuPb13 Sb7S24.[4]

Meneghinite
General
CategorySulfosalt mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
CuPb13 Sb7S24
IMA symbolMeg[1]
Strunz classification2.HB.05b
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPbnm
Identification
ColorBlackish lead-grey
Crystal habitPrismatic to acicular, massive
Cleavage{010} perfect
FractureConchoidal
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness2+12
LusterMetallic
StreakBlack shining
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity6.36
PleochroismWeak
References[2][3][4]

In the orthorhombic crystal system, meneghinite has a Mohs hardness of 2+12, one perfect cleavage and a conchoidal fracture. It is a blackish lead-grey in colour and gives a black shining streak. Its lustre is metallic.[4]

Discovered in the Italian Province of Lucca in 1852,[4] it is named after Giuseppe Meneghini (1811–1889) of the University of Pisa, who first observed the species.[5] The Bottino Mine in Lucca is the type locality.[4]

Sample of Meneghinite from the Harvard Museum of Natural History

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. ^ Mineralienatlas
  3. ^ http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/meneghinite.pdf Handbook of Mineralogy
  4. ^ a b c d e Mindat information page for Meneghinite
  5. ^ The Brown Reference Group plc, ed. (2007). "Meneghinite". Treasures of the Earth. De Agostini UK Ltd. ISBN 978-0-7489-7995-0.