Algodonite Mineral Data

Algodonite Mineral Data +

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General Algodonite Information

Chemical Formula:

Cu6As

Composition:

Molecular Weight = 456.20 gm

Copper 83.58 % Cu

Arsenic 16.42 % As

______

100.00 %

Empirical Formula:

Cu₆As

Environment:

Hydrothermal deposits associated with other copper arsenides.

IMA Status:

Valid Species (Pre-IMA) 1857

Locality:

Chile, Algodones silver mn, Coquimbo Link to MinDat.org Location Data.

Name Origin:

Named for the locality.

Synonym:

Whitneyite

Algodonite Image

Images:

Algodonite

Comments: Massive specimen of dark algodonite with vuggy areas filled with minute crystals.
Location: Algodones Mines, Coqu?mbo Province, Chile. Scale: 4x3x3 cm.
© John Betts - Fine Minerals

Images:

Algodonite Koutekite

Comments: Silvery metallic koutekite with darker gray algodonite.
Location: Mohawk Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan, USA. Scale: See Photo.
© Jeff Weissman / Photographic Guide to Mineral Species

Algodonite Crystallography

Axial Ratios:

a:c = 1:1.62615

Cell Dimensions:

a = 2.6, c = 4.228, Z = 0.3; V = 24.75 Den(Calc)= 9.18

Crystal System:

Hexagonal - Dihexagonal DipyramidalH-M Symbol (6/m 2/m 2/m) Space Group: P 6₃/mmc

$Help on X Ray Diffraction:$ X Ray Diffraction:

By Intensity(I/I_o): 1.989(1), 2.11(0.4), 2.25(0.2),

Physical Properties of Algodonite

Cleavage:

None

Color:

Gray, Silver white, Steel gray, Tarnishes dull bronze.

Density:

8.38 - 8.72, Average = 8.55

Diaphaniety:

Opaque

Fracture:

Sub Conchoidal - Fractures developed in brittle materials characterized by semi-curving surfaces.

Habit:

Massive - Granular - Common texture observed in granite and other igneous rock.

Habit:

Tarnishes - Freshly fractured surfaces form a surface oxidation film

Hardness:

4 - Fluorite

Luminescence:

Non-fluorescent.

Luster:

Metallic

Magnetism:

Nonmagnetic

Optical Properties of Algodonite

Optical Data:

NCalc= 3.02 - from Gladstone-Dale relationship (KC = 0.2202) where Ncalc=Dcalc*KC+1
NCalc= 2.88 - from Gladstone-Dale relationship (KC = 0.2202) where Ncalc=Dmeas*KC+1

RL Anisotrophism:

Weak.

RL Color:

Bright cream white.

Reflectivity

**Standardized Intensity (100%) Reflection Spectra of Algodonite in Air**
λ	R	∑ R(λ)
400 nm	54.20
420 nm	55.50
440 nm	56.80
460 nm	58.20
480 nm	59.40
500 nm	60.60
520 nm	61.80
540 nm	62.80
560 nm	63.80
580 nm	64.70
600 nm	65.50
620 nm	66.20
640 nm	66.80
660 nm	67.30
680 nm	67.70
700 nm	68.00

**Calculated Relative Intensity Colors of Algodonite in Air**
Relative Intensity	0%	20%	40%	60%	80%	100%	120%	140%	160%
R

Calculated Properties of Algodonite

Electron Density:

r_electron=8.33 gm/cc
note: r_Algodonite=9.18 gm/cc.

Fermion Index

Fermion Index = 0
Boson Index = 1

Photoelectric:

PE_Algodonite= 50.32 barns/electron
U=PE_Algodonite x r_electron= 419.22 barns/cc.

Radioactivity:

GRapi = 0 (Gamma Ray American Petroleum Institute Units)

Algodonite is Not Radioactive

Algodonite Classification

Dana Class:

2.1.1.1 (2)Sulfides - Including Selenides and Tellurides

(2.1)where Am Xp, with m:p>3:1

(2.1.1)Dana Group

2.1.1.1 Algodonite Cu6As P 6₃/mmc 6/m 2/m 2/m

Strunz Class:

II/A.01-10 II - Sulfides and sulphosalts

II/A - Alloys and alloylike compounds, with Copper, Silver, Gold and Nickel

II/A.01 - Algodonite - Cuprostibite series

II/A.01-10 Algodonite Cu6As P 6₃/mmc 6/m 2/m 2/m

II/A.01-20 Domeykite Cu3As I 43d 4 3m

II/A.01-30 Horsfordite Cu5Sb Unk Cubic

II/A.01-40 Kutinaite Cu14Ag6As7 P m3m 4/m 3 2/m

II/A.01-50 Koutekite Cu5As2 P 6₃/mmc 6/m 2/m 2/m

II/A.01-60 Novakite (Cu,Ag)21As10 C 2/m ? 2/m

II/A.01-70 Cuprostibite Cu2(Sb,Tl) P 4/nmm 4/m 2/m 2/m

Other Algodonite Information

References:

NAME( Dana8) PHYS. PROP.(Enc. of Minerals,2nd ed.,1990) OPTIC PROP.(AntBidBlaNic1)

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Algodonite

Cu6As
Dana No: 2.1.1.1 Strunz No: II/A.01-10
Locality:

Notes: