Luanheite

luanheite

amalgam

silver

mercury

Images

Formula: Ag3Hg
Alloy of silver and mercury, silver amalgam group
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Specific gravity: 12.5 measured, 12.6 calculated
Hardness: 2½
Streak: Black
Colour: White
Common impurities: Co,Cu,Te
Environments

Placer deposits

Localities

At the type locality, the Luanheite occurrence, Chengde, Hebei, China, luanheite occurs as irregular spherical aggregates, 0.l to 0.6 mm across, each having an uneven surface and a thin, black oxidised coating. The spheres consist of granular to tabular grains, up to 10 microns long, with a metallic lustre and a black streak, occurring in a gold placer. Associated minerals include native gold, native lead, native zinc and amalgam. Luanheite has been found intergrown with amalgam and with silicates (AM 73.189-199).

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