Argutite
| Argutite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Oxide mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | GeO2 |
| Strunz classification | 04.DB.05 |
| Dana classification | 04.04.01.07 |
| Crystal symmetry | Tetragonal ditetragonal dipyramidal H–M Symbol (4/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Unit cell | a = 4.3975 Å, c = 2.8625 Å; Z = 2 |
| Identification | |
| Formula mass | 104.61 |
| Color | Grayish black, light gray in reflected light |
| Crystal habit | Subhedral crystals, as inclusions in sphalerite |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal |
| Twinning | Occasionally twinned on {101} |
| Mohs scale hardness | 6-7 |
| Luster | Vitreous - adamantine |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to opaque |
| Specific gravity | 6.28 calculated |
| Optical properties | Uniaxial (+) |
| Refractive index | 2.01 |
| References | [1][2][3] |
Argutite (GeO2) is a rare germanium oxide mineral. It is a member of the rutile group.
It was first described for an occurrence in the Argut deposit, central Pyrenees, Haute-Garonne, France in 1983.[2][3] The type locality is within a zinc ore deposit within lower Paleozoic sedimentary rocks that have undergone metamorphism. Associated minerals include sphalerite, cassiterite, siderite and briartite.[3]