Kleinite
(repeating unit)(Hg2N)(Cl,SO4) · nH2O Strunz classification 3.DD.35 Crystal system Hexagonal Crystal class Dihexagonal dipyramidal 6/mmm (6/m 2/m 2/m) Unit cell a = 6.762(2) Å, c = 11.068(3) Å, Z=4 Identification Color Light to canary-yellow, orange Crystal habit Short prismatic to equant crystals exhibiting prominent {1010}, {2021}, and {0001} Cleavage Uneven on {0001}, imperfect on {1010} Tenacity Brittle Mohs scale hardness 3.5 Luster Adamantine to greasy Streak Sulfur yellow Diaphaneity Transparent to translucent Specific gravity 7.9-8.0 Optical properties Uniaxial (+) (Biaxial below 130 °C (biaxial negative) and uniaxial above 130 °C (uniaxial positive). Isotropic above ~ 190 °C) Refractive index nω = 2.190 nε = 2.210 Birefringence δ = 0.020 Other characteristics Color deepens on exposure to daylight, original color returns in darkness References [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]
- Kleinite on calcite, from McDermitt Mine (Cordero Mine; Old Cordero Mine), Opalite District, Humboldt County, Nevada, United States
See also
References
- ^ Kleinite data on Mindat
- ^ a b c d "Kleinite" (PDF). Handbook of Mineralogy. 2005. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
- ^ United States Geological Survey (1909). Bulletin. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 10. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
- ^ 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
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