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Formula: CuAu
Alloy of copper and gold
Crystal System: Tetragonal
Specific gravity: 14.67 calculated
Hardness: 4½
Streak: Yellow
Colour: Golden yellow
Solubility: insoluble in hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acids
Environments
Tetra-auricupride occurs in mafic to
ultramafic rocks that also contain
platinum group elements. Associated minerals include
pyrrhotite, pyrite,
chalcopyrite, gold,
silver, platinum group minerals,
magnetite, chromite,
tremolite, diopside,
serpentine, chlorite,
epidote, apatite and
zircon
(HOM).
Localities
At the type locality, Sardala, Manasi, Manasi county, Changji Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China,
tetra-auricupride occurs as irregular microscopic grains in
platinum group-bearing basic to ultrabasic stock. Associated minerals include
tremolite, diopside,
serpentine, chlorite,
epidote, apatite,
zircon, magnetite,
chromite, pyrrhotite,
pyrite, chalcopyrite,
gold, silver and
platinum group minerals
(AM 68.1250).
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