Meneghinite

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Meneghinite
Category Sulfosalt minerals, Lead minerals
Chemical formula CuPb13 Sb7S24
Identification
Color Blackish lead-grey
Crystal system Orthorhombic
Cleavage one perfect
Fracture conchoidal
Tenacity Brittle
Mohs Scale hardness
Luster Metallic
Pleochroism Weak
Streak Black shining

Meneghinite is a sulphosalt mineral with the chemical formula CuPb13 Sb7S24.[1]

In the orthorhombic crystal system, meneghinite has a Mohs hardness of 2½, one perfect cleavage and a conchoidal fracture. It is a blackish lead-grey in colour and gives a black shining streak. Its lustre is metallic.[1]

Discovered in the Italian Province of Lucca in 1852[1], it is named after Giuseppe Meneghini (1811-1889) of the University of Pisa, who first observed the species.[2] The Bottino Mine in Lucca is the type locality.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Mindat information page for Meneghinite
  2. ^ (2007) "Meneghinite", in The Brown Reference Group plc: Treasures of the Earth. De Agostini UK Ltd. ISBN 0748979956.