Tetrahedrite-(Ni)

tetrahedrite-(Ni)

gersdorffite

vaesite

chalcostibite

Images

Formula: Cu₆(Cu₄Ni₂)Sb₄S₁₃
Sulphosalt, tetrahedrite subgroup, tetrahedrite group
Crystal System: Isometric
Specific gravity: 5.073 calculated
Hardness: 3 to 3½
Streak: Reddish black
Colour: Black
Environments

Igneous environments

Tetrahedrite-(Ni) is a new mineral, to date (October 2023) reported only grom the type locality.

Localities

At the type locality, the Luobusha ophiolite, Qusum County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet, China, tetrahedrite-(Ni) occurs as anhedral grains 2 to 20 μm in size, associated with gersdorffite, vaesite and chalcostibite, which are disseminated in a matrix of dolomite, magnesite, quartz, chromium-rich mica and chromium-bearing clinochlore.
Tetrahedrite-(Ni) is black in colour with a reddish-black streak; it may be the product of late serpentinisation at moderately high-temperature conditions around 350°C (AM 108.10.1984–1992).

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