Aurostibite

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Aurostibite
Aurostibite found in the Czech Republic
General
CategorySulfide minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
AuSb2
Strunz classification2.EB.05a
Crystal systemIsometric
Crystal classDiploidal (m3)
H-M Symbol: (2/m 3)
Space groupPa3
Identification
Formula mass440.47 g/mol
ColorWhite to grey with bornite-like tarnish
CleavageIndistinct
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness3
Lustermetallic
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity9.98
References[1][2][3]

Aurostibite is an isometric gold antimonide mineral which is a member of the pyrite group. Aurostibite was discovered in 1952 and can be found in hydrothermal gold-quartz veins, in sulfur-deficient environments that contain other antimony minerals. The mineral can be found in Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada, and the Timiskaming District in Ontario, Canada. Antimonides are rare and are normally placed in the sulfide class by mineralogists.

See also

References