Tetrahedrite

Tetrahedrite is both a mineral and a mineral group, the Tetrahedrite subgroup – consisting of similar minerals with differences in their chemistry.

Tetrahedrite itself is a copper antimony sulfosalt mineral; the antimony end-member of the group.

Information about Tetrahedrite

Tetrahedrite is a sulphosalt mineral most commonly found in metallic grey to black crystals with a distinct tetrahedral shape, hence its name. Crystals are typically sharp and form complex tetrahedra with well-defined faces. It often appears massive or granular, and tarnishes to iridescent hues of blue, purple, or red.

It is not strictly a mineral, and actually refers to a series or subgroup.

Members include:

  • Tetrahedrite-(Cd) – Cu6(Cu4Cd2)Sb4S12S
  • Tetrahedrite-(Cu) – Cu6(Cu4Cu2+2)Sb4S12S
  • Tetrahedrite-(Fe) – Cu6(Cu4Fe2+2)Sb4S12S
  • Tetrahedrite-(Hg) – Cu6(Cu4Hg2)Sb4S12S
  • Tetrahedrite-(Mn) – Cu6(Cu4Mn2)Sb4S12S
  • Tetrahedrite-(Ni) – Cu6(Cu4Ni2)Sb4S12S
  • Tetrahedrite-(Zn) – Cu6(Cu4Zn2)Sb4S12S

 

Uses and History

Tetrahedrite is a sulphosalt mineral most commonly found in metallic grey to black crystals with a distinct tetrahedral shape, hence its name.

Crystals are typically sharp, equant, and form complex tetrahedra with well-defined faces. It often appears massive or granular, and tarnishes to iridescent hues of blue, purple, or red.

The name Tetrahedrite derives from the Greek tetraedron (four-sided), due to its distinctive crystal habit. It was first described in 1845, though it was known and used as a copper ore in Europe much earlier.

 

Mineralogy

Chemistry
A copper antimony sulfosalt mineral with the formula Cu6(Cu4X)Sb4S12S, where X changes based on specific mineral.
Colours and Variations

Flint grey, iron black, dull black.

Streak
Black to brown.
Luster
Metallic
Transparency
Opaque
Fracture
Subconchoidal.
Crystal habit
Tetrahedral crystals, can also form as massive. Sometimes twinned.
Mohs hardness
3 – 4.5
Tenacity
Kind of brittle.
Fluorescence
Specific Gravity
4.97 – 4.99
Easiest testing method
Common occurences
Typically found in hydrothermal veins.

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

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English:

  • Tetrahedrite

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Russian:

  • Тетраэдрит

French:

  • Tétraédrite

Japanese:

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  • Tetraedrit

German:

  • Tetraedrit

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Mandarin Chinese:

  • 黝銅礦

Urdu:

Further Reading / External Links