Algodonite is a copper arsenide mineral with formula: Cu6As. It is a gray white metallic mineral crystallizing in the hexagonal system. It has a Mohs hardness of 4 and a specific gravity of 8.38 – 8.72.

Algodonite
Algodonite – Houghton County, Michigan, US
General
CategorySulfide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Cu6As
IMA symbolAgo[1]
Strunz classification2.AA.10a
Crystal systemHexagonal
Crystal classDihexagonal dipyramidal (6/mmm)
H-M symbol: (6/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupP63/mmc
Unit cella = 2.6, c = 4.228 [Å]; Z = 2
Identification
Formula mass456.2 g/mol
ColorGray, silver white, steel gray, tarnishes dull bronze
Crystal habitMassive, granular. Common texture observed in granite and other igneous rock
FractureSub-conchoidal
Mohs scale hardness4
LusterMetallic
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity8.38 (measured), 8.72 (calculated)
Other characteristicsNon-magnetic, non-fluorescent
References[2][3][4]

It was first described in 1857 from the Algodones silver mine, Coquimbo, Chile.

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. ^ Algodonite. Webmineral
  3. ^ Algodonite. Mindat.org
  4. ^ Williams, Sidney A. (1963). "Crystals of rammelsbergite and algodonite". American Mineralogist. 48: 421–422.