Tripuhyite

Tripuhyite is an iron antimonate mineral, named after its type locality, the Tripuhy Mine, Brazil.

It forms excellent micro specimens, particularly of fibrous aggregates.

Information about Tripuhyite

Tripuhyite is a rare mineral that typically occurs as earthy to crystalline masses or thin coatings. It is most commonly yellowish-brown to dark brown.

The crystals are very small, usually microscopic, and rarely form distinct habits. Surfaces are dull to sub-metallic, with earthy or resinous aspects in massive forms.


Uses and History

Tripuhyite was first described in 1894 from Minas Gerais, Brazil, at the Tripuhy antimony mine, which gave the mineral its name.

It is usually associated with the oxidation zones of Sb-bearing deposits. Since its discovery, it has been identified at several other localities worldwide, though it remains an uncommon mineral.

Tripuhyite was first described in 1894 from Minas Gerais, Brazil, at the Tripuhy antimony mine, which gave the mineral its name. It is usually associated with the oxidation zones of Sb-bearing deposits.

Since its discovery, it has been identified at several other localities worldwide, though it remains an uncommon mineral.

 


Mineralogy

Chemistry
Iron antimonate mineral with the formula FeSbO4.
Colours and Variations

Yellow-brown, lemon yellow, brown, black, green

Streak
Canary-yellow to dark brown-green.
Luster
Waxy, dull, earthy
Transparency
Translucent
Fracture
Translucent
Crystal habit
Fibrous to fine grained aggregates.
Mohs hardness
6 – 7
Fluorescence
Specific Gravity
5.82
Easiest testing method

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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Russian:

  • Трипугиит

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Spanish:

  • Tripuhyit

German:

  • Tripuhyit

Korean:

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Gujurati:

Mandarin Chinese:

  • 锑铁矿

Urdu:


Further Reading / External Links