Information about Berthierite

Berthierite is a metallic, steel-gray to dark grey mineral that often occurs in fibrous, radiating, or massive aggregates.

It exhibits a submetallic to silky luster on fresh surfaces, which can tarnish to iridescent hues over time.

Berthierite is opaque and typically associated with sulfide-rich hydrothermal veins and skarn deposits. It is occasionally found intergrown with other sulphide minerals such as stibnite or pyrite.

Uses and History

Berthierite is not a commercially significant mineral but is of interest to mineral collectors due to its distinctive fibrous appearance and association with rare mineral assemblages.

It also serves as a minor source of antimony.

Berthierite was first described in 1827 and was named in honor of the French chemist Pierre Berthier, who made significant contributions to the study of mineralogy and metallurgy.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berthierite
• https://www.mindat.org/min-640.html
• http://webmineral.com/data/Berthierite.shtml
• https://handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/berthierite.pdf