Rhodostannite

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Rhodostannite Micro? and rare species collections.
Cu₂FeSn₃S₈
Normally a very fine grained massive material known mostly in polished sections or probe mounts of ore from tin mines. Known from less than a half dozen localities. "Although I am no expert on analytical methods, given the chemical similarity of Rhodostannite to Ferrokesterite, a very careful analysis should be necessary to tell them apart. Even if the sample has been analyzed by SEM and seem to have the right components and form for rhodostannite there can still be some doubts as to the precise ID of the mineral"¹
1.Lefteris Rantos, email communication 2009.


Rhodostannite
Bolivia
Oruro Department, Cercado Province, Oruro City, Itos/San José Mine.

The full caption of the above image reads: These tiny, 0.5mm rhodostannite crystals on andorite were analysed by SEM and seem to have the right components and form for rhodostannite. Field of view is about 20mm. Private collection.

As well formed sharp black octahedrons up to about .15 mm partially embedded in the faces of andorite crystals. These were brought back to the United States in 2002 by Alfredo Petrov and identified on the microprobe of Excalibur minerals.

Andorite crystals are quite common in Oruro, having been found in many veins and pockets over the course of several decades. Unfortunately, the rhodostannites seem to have come out only once or twice, many years ago. The pieces I brought to the USA in 2002, and others brought out by Jaroslav Hyrsl, all came from old collections in Bolivia, not contemporary production. The andorite matrix crystals were all similar enough that they may have come from a single find. The andorites are relatively flatter and less complex than more recent andorite finds. What I'm trying to say is that if you have some of the recent andorites from the early 1990s onwards, the presence of rhodostannite is very unlikely.
[Alfredo Petrov 2009]

Rock Currier
Crystals not pistols.



Edited 10 time(s). Last edit at 04/27/2009 08:14AM by Rock Currier.

Thanks so much. I'm off to check my andorite. Actually I would have expected tetrahedrons. Octos eh?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/03/2009 01:18AM by Rob Woodside.

Andorite crystals are quite common in Oruro, having been found in many veins and pockets over the course of several decades. Unfortunately, the rhodostannites seem to have come out only once or twice, many years ago. The pieces I brought to the USA in 2002, and others brought out by Jaroslav Hyrsl, all came from old collections in Bolivia, not contemporary production. The andorite matrix crystals were all similar enough that they may have come from a single find. The andorites are relatively flatter and less complex than more recent andorite finds. What I'm trying to say is that if you have some of the recent andorites from the early 1990s onwards, the presence of rhodostannite is very unlikely. ;-((

Right you are, My andorite was barren!!!

Hi,

I recall seeing these tiny xls on the faces of large, flat tabular Andorite xls identified as Ferrokesterite.
Given the chemical similarity of Rhodostannite to Ferrokesterite, a very careful analysis should be necessary to tell them apart.

Although I am no expert on analytical methods, the caption in the Rhodostannite photo (http://www.mindat.org/photo-81343.html) stating "analysed by SEM and seem to have the right components and form for rhodostannite" could leave some doubts as to the precise ID of the xls.

Anyone aware of more detailed analytical results on these?

Lefteris.