Kleinite

(repeating unit)(Hg2N)(Cl,SO4) · nH2OStrunz classification3.DD.35Crystal systemHexagonalCrystal classDihexagonal dipyramidal 6/mmm (6/m 2/m 2/m)Unit cella = 6.762(2) Å, c = 11.068(3) Å, Z=4IdentificationColorLight to canary-yellow, orangeCrystal habitShort prismatic to equant crystals exhibiting prominent {1010}, {2021}, and {0001}CleavageUneven on {0001}, imperfect on {1010}TenacityBrittleMohs scale hardness3.5LusterAdamantine to greasyStreakSulfur yellowDiaphaneityTransparent to translucentSpecific gravity7.9-8.0Optical propertiesUniaxial (+) (Biaxial below 130 °C (biaxial negative) and uniaxial above 130 °C (uniaxial positive). Isotropic above ~ 190 °C)Refractive indexnω = 2.190 nε = 2.210Birefringenceδ = 0.020Other characteristicsColor deepens on exposure to daylight, original color returns in darknessReferences[1][2]

Kleinite is a rare mineral that has only been found in the United States and Germany that occurs in hydrothermal mercury deposits.[2] It occurs associated with calcite, gypsum and (rarely) barite or calomel.[3] Its color can range from pale yellow/canary yellow to orange, and it is transparent to translucent.[2] As a photosensitive mineral, its coloration darkens when exposed to light.[4]

It has been hypothesized that kleinite formed through a "reaction of cinnabar with oxidized meteoric water", with this reaction being the source of kleinite's nitrogen.[4]

Etymology

Kleinite is named after Carl Klein (1842–1907), who was a professor of mineralogy at the University of Berlin.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ Kleinite data on Mindat
  2. ^ a b c d "Kleinite" (PDF). Handbook of Mineralogy. 2005. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  3. ^ United States Geological Survey (1909). Bulletin. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 10. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  4. ^ a b Castor, S.B.; Ferdock, G.C. (2004). Minerals of Nevada. University of Nevada Press. p. 304. ISBN 978-0-87417-540-0. Retrieved August 3, 2017.[permanent dead link]

External links

  • Media related to Kleinite at Wikimedia Commons


  • v
  • t
  • e