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Algodonite

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Big Photo

Los Algodones Mine, Los Algodones district, El Arrayan, La Serena, Elqui Province, Coquimbo Region, Chile
© 2001 John H. Betts

Show Algodonite Photos (17)



Formula:
(Cu
 
1-x
As
 
x
)
(x ≈ 0.15)
System:HexagonalColour:Steel-gray to ...
Lustre:MetallicHardness:4
Name:Named after its discovery locality in Chile.
This page provides mineralogical data about Algodonite.

Classification of Algodonite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered" 1857
Strunz 8th edition ID:2/A.01-10
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:2.AA.10a

2 : SULFIDES and SULFOSALTS (sulfides, selenides, tellurides; arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides; sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites, etc.)
A : Alloys
A : Alloys of metalloids with Cu, Ag, Au
Dana 8th edition ID:2.1.1.1

2 : SULFIDES
1 : AmXp, with m:p > 3:1
Hey's CIM Ref.:1.38

1 : Elements and Alloys (including the arsenides, antimonides and bismuthides of Cu, Ag and Au)
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Type Occurrence of Algodonite

Type Locality:Los Algodones Mine, Los Algodones district, El Arrayan, La Serena, Elqui Province, Coquimbo Region, Chile
Year of Discovery:1857

Occurrences of Algodonite

Geological Setting:Uncommon in hydrothermal deposits, intimately associated with other copper arsenides.

Physical Properties of Algodonite

Lustre:Metallic
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Opaque
Comment:Bright metallic
Colour:Steel-gray to silver-white, tarnishes dull on exposure
Comment:in polished section, bright cream-white
Hardness (Mohs):4
Hardness (Vickers):VHN100=245 - 302 kg/mm2
Fracture:Sub-Conchoidal
Density (measured):8.38 g/cm3
Density (calculated):8.72 g/cm3

Crystallography of Algodonite

Crystal System:Hexagonal
Class (H-M):6/mmm (6/m 2/m 2/m) - Dihexagonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:P63/mmc {P63/m 2/m 2/c}
Space Group Setting:P63/mmc
Cell Parameters:a = 2.600Å, c = 4.228Å
Ratio:a:c = 1 : 1.626
Unit Cell Volume:V 24.75 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:2
Morphology:As incrustations of minute highly distorted crystals; commonly massive and granular.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
d-spacingIntensity
2.25 (20)
2.11 (40)
1.989 (100)
1.299 (20)
1.194 (20)
1.110 (20)
0.837 (20)
0.823 (20)
Comments:Mohawk mine, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA (ICDD 9-429).

Optical Data of Algodonite

Type:Anisotropic
Anisotropism:Weak
Reflectivity:
400nmR1=51.5%R2= 49.3%
420nmR1=52.3%R2= 50.5%
440nmR1=52.8%R2= 52.4%
460nmR1=53.4%R2= 54.6%
480nmR1=54.2%R2= 56.4%
500nmR1=55.7%R2= 58.4%
520nmR1=57.5%R2= 60.5%
540nmR1=58.9%R2= 62.3%
560nmR1=60.0%R2= 63.8%
580nmR1=60.8%R2= 64.8%
600nmR1=61.1%R2= 65.5%
620nmR1=61.6%R2= 66.1%
640nmR1=61.9%R2= 66.5%
660nmR1=62.3%R2= 66.7%
680nmR1=62.8%R2= 66.9%
700nmR1=63.4%R2= 67.1%


Graph shows reflectance levels at different wavelengths (in nm). Peak reflectance is 67.1%.
R1 shown in black, R2 shown in red
Colour in reflected light:Bright cream-white

Chemical Properties of Algodonite

Formula:
(Cu
 
1-x
As
 
x
)


(x ≈ 0.15)
Essential elements:As, Cu
All elements listed in formula:As, Cu
Common Impurities:Ag

Relationship of Algodonite to other Species

Common Associates:
SilverKoutekiteDomeykiteCopper
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
2.AA.10bDomeykite
Cu
 
3
As
2.AA.10dKoutekite
Cu
 
5
As
 
2
2.AA.15Novakite
Cu
 
20
AgAs
 
10
2.AA.20Cuprostibite
Cu
 
2
(Sb,Tl)
2.AA.25Kutinaite
Cu
 
2
AgAs
2.AA.30Allargentum
(Ag
 
1-x
Sb
 
x
)
2.AA.35Dyscrasite
Ag
 
3
Sb
2.AA.40Maldonite
Au
 
2
Bi
2.AA.45Stistaite
SnSb
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
1.1Copper
Cu
1.2Silver
Ag
1.5Gold
Au
1.6Auricupride
Cu
 
3
Au
1.7Tetra-auricupride
AuCu
1.8Zinc
Zn
1.9Cadmium
Cd
1.10Danbaite
CuZn
 
2
1.11Zhanghengite
CuZn
1.12Mercury
Hg
1.13Kolymite
Cu
 
7
Hg
 
6
1.14Moschellandsbergite
Ag
 
2
Hg
 
3
1.15Eugenite
Ag
 
11
Hg
 
2
1.16Schachnerite
Ag
 
1.1
Hg
 
0.9
1.17Paraschachnerite
Ag
 
3
Hg
 
2
1.18Luanheite
Ag
 
3
Hg
1.19Weishanite
(Au,Ag)
 
3
Hg
 
2
1.20Indium
In
1.21Aluminium
Al
1.22Khatyrkite
(Cu,Zn)Al
 
2
1.23Cupalite
(Cu,Zn)Al
1.24Diamond
C
1.25Graphite
C
1.26Chaoite
C
1.27Lonsdaleite
C
1.28Silicon
Si
1.29Tin
Sn
1.30Lead
Pb
1.31Anyuiite
Au(Pb,Sb)
 
2
1.31Novodneprite
AuPb
 
3
1.32Leadamalgam
Pb
 
0.7
Hg
 
0.3
1.33Arsenic
As
1.34Arsenolamprite
As
1.35Paxite
CuAs
 
2
1.36Koutekite
Cu
 
5
As
 
2
1.37Domeykite
Cu
 
3
As
1.39Novakite
Cu
 
20
AgAs
 
10
1.40Kutinaite
Cu
 
2
AgAs
1.41Antimony
Sb
1.42Stibarsen
AsSb
1.43Paradocrasite
Sb
 
3
As
1.44Horsfordite
Cu, Sb
1.45Cuprostibite
Cu
 
2
(Sb,Tl)
1.46Allargentum
(Ag
 
1-x
Sb
 
x
)
1.47Aurostibite
AuSb
 
2
1.48Dyscrasite
Ag
 
3
Sb
1.49Bismuth
Bi
1.50Maldonite
Au
 
2
Bi
1.51Sulphur
S
 
8
1.52Rosickýite
S
1.53Selenium
Se
1.54Tellurium
Te
1.55Chromium
Cr
1.56Rhenium
Re
1.57Iron
Fe
1.58Chromferide
Fe
 
3
Cr
 
1-x
 (x=0.6)
1.59Ferchromide
Cr
 
1.5
Fe
 
0.5-x
1.60Wairauite
CoFe
1.61Nickel
Ni
1.62Kamacite
(Fe,Ni)
1.63Taenite
(Fe,Ni)
1.64Tetrataenite
FeNi
1.65Awaruite
Ni
 
3
Fe
1.66Palladium
(Pd,Pt)
1.67Potarite
PdHg
1.68Paolovite
Pd
 
2
Sn
1.69Stannopalladinite
(Pd,Cu)
 
3
Sn
 
2
1.70Cabriite
Pd
 
2
CuSn
1.71Taimyrite-I
(Pd,Cu,Pt)
 
3
Sn
1.72Atokite
(Pd,Pt)
 
3
Sn
1.73Rustenburgite
(Pt,Pd)
 
3
Sn
1.74Zvyagintsevite
(Pd,Pt,Au)
 
3
(Pb,Sn)
1.75Plumbopalladinite
Pd
 
3
Pb
 
2
1.76Osmium
(Os,Ir,Ru)
1.77Iridium
(Ir,Os,Ru)
1.82Platinum
Pt
1.83Hongshiite
PtCu
1.84Niggliite
PtSn
1.85Isoferroplatinum
Pt
 
3
Fe
1.86Tetraferroplatinum
PtFe
1.87Tulameenite
Pt
 
2
CuFe
1.88Ferronickelplatinum
Pt
 
2
FeNi
1.89Rhodium
(Rh,Pt)

Other Names for Algodonite

Synonyms:
Algadonite
Other Languages:
German:Algadonit
Algodonit
Russian:Альгодонит
Simplified Chinese:微晶砷铜矿
Spanish:Algadonita
Algodonita
Varieties:
Argentoalgodonite

Other Information

Health Warning:No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

References for Algodonite

Reference List:

- +
Palache, Charles, Harry Berman & Clifford Frondel (1944), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana Yale University 1837-1892, Volume I: Elements, Sulfides, Sulfosalts, Oxides. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York. 7th edition, revised and enlarged, 834pp.: 171.

Geological Society of America Memoir 85 (1962), 14.

Economic Geology 66 (1971), 133.

Materials Research Bulletin 7 (1972), 782.

Anthony, J.W., Bideaux, R.A., Bladh, K.W. and Nichols, M.C. (1990) Handbook of Mineralogy, Volume I. Elements, Sulfides, Sulfosalts. Mineral Data Publishing, Tucson, AZ, 588pp.: 8.

Internet Links for Algodonite

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  • Algodonite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    • Localities for Algodonite

    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
    Hide Locality List
    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Argentina
     
    • Neuquén
    		Las Especies Minerales de la Republica Argentina, Milka K. de Brodtkorb, Asociacion Mineralogica Argentina 2002
    Austria
     
    • Styria
      • Knittelfeld
        • Flatschach
          • Cu deposit (Schönberg)
    		Paar, W. H. & Meixner, H. (1979): Neues aus den Kupfererzgängen des Flatschacher Bergbau-Reviers in Knittelfeld, Steiermark. - Karinthin 81, 148-150.
    Paar, W.H. & Meixner, H. (1979): Neues aus den Kupfererz-Gängen des Flatschacher Bergbau-Reviers bei Knittelfeld, Steiermark. Karinthin, 81: 148-150.
    Bolivia
     
    • La Paz Department
      • Pacajes Province
    		[MinRec 32:469]
    Chile
     
    • Coquimbo Region
      • Elqui Province
        • La Serena
          • El Arrayan
            • Los Algodones district
    		[Economic Geology 66 (1971), 133]
    • Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Region
    		AA. VV., 1996. Collezionare minerali. Hobby & Work.
    Czech Republic
     
    • Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen)
      • Hradec Králové Region
        • Náchod (Nachod)
    		Černý, P., Doubek, Z., Veselovský, F.: Nerosty z Bělovsi u Náchoda – Jiráskova lomu. Minerál, roč. 11, č. 6, s. 406-418.
    France
     
    • Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
      • Alpes-Maritimes
        • Guillaumes
          • Daluis
    		R. Pierrot, P. Picot, J. Feraud, J. Vernet : "Inventaire Minéralogique de la France, N° 4, Alpes Maritimes", BRGM, 1974; [MinRec 32:312]; Riviéra Scientifique:85:3-12, 2001 (15 Oct 2001), Sarp, et al; Sarp, H. and Cerny R., 2001, Theoparacelsite, Cu3(OH)2As2O7, a new mineral: its description and crystal structure: Archs Sci. Geneve, 54:7-14.
        • Puget-Théniers
          • La-Croix-sur-Roudoule
    		R. Pierrot, P. Picot, J. Féraud, J. Vernet : "Inventaire Minéralogique de la France N° 4 : Alpes-Maritimes", BRGM, 1974
    Germany
     
    • Bavaria
      • Franconia
        • Spessart
          • Aschaffenburg
            • Dörrmorsbach
    		A. Wittern: "Mineralfundorte in Deutschland", Schweizerbart (Stuttgart), 2001
    Iran
     
    • Esfahan Province (Isfahan Province; Aspadana Province)
      • Nain County (Nayin County)
        • Anarak District
    		AA. VV., 1996. Collezionare minerali. Hobby & Work.
    Kazakhstan
     
    • Karagandy Province (Qaragandy Oblysy; Karaganda Oblast')
      • Dzhezkazgan (Zhezqazghan)
    		Evseev, A. A. (1995) Kazaknstan and Middle Asia. A brief Mineralogical Guide. World of Stone 8:24-30
    Namibia
     
    • Otjikoto Region (Oshikoto)
    		AA. VV., 1996. Collezionare minerali. Hobby & Work.
    New Zealand
     
    • North Island
      • Northland
        • Kaipara
    		Railton, G.L. & Watters, W.A., Minerals of New Zealand, New Zealand Geological Survey Bull. #104 (1990).
    Sweden
     
    • Värmland
      • Filipstad
    		Nysten, P., Holtstam, D. and Jonsson, E. (1999) The Långban minerals. In Långban - The mines,their minerals, geology and explorers (D. Holtstam and J. Langhof, eds.), Swedish Museum of Natural History and Raster Förlag, Stockholm & Chr. Weise Verlag, Munich, pp. 89-183.
        • Persberg district
          • Pajsberg
    		Nysten, P. (2004): Harstigen ett mineralogisk eldorado i Bergslagen. Norsk Bergverksmuseum Skrift 28: 5-13
    Switzerland
     
    • Aargau
      • Rheinfelden
    		Stalder, H. A., Wagner, A., Graeser, S. and Stuker, P. (1998): "Mineralienlexikon der Schweiz", Verlag Wepf & Co. (Basel), p. 29
    • Vaud (Waadt)
      • Leysin
    		Stalder, H. A., Wagner, A., Graeser, S. und Stuker, P. (1998): Mineralienlexikon der Schweiz. Wepf Verlag, Basel, 579 pp.
    • Wallis (Valais)
      • Turtmann Valley
        • Pipjitälli
    		The Canadian Mineralogist Vol. 44, pp. 000 (2006) page 205; Ansermet, S. (2012): Mines et minéraux du Valais - II. Anniviers et Tourtemagne. With contributions by N. Meisser, Ed. Porte-plumes (Ayer)
    UK
     
    • England
      • Devon
        • East Devon
          • Budleigh Salterton
    		from XRD and EPMA results - B. Smith
      • Leicestershire
        • Stanton under Bardon
    		UKJMM 26:43-51
    USA
     
    • Colorado
      • Montrose Co.
        • La Sal District (Paradox Valley District)
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
    • Michigan
    		www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-glm-rcim-geology-Minerals_Found_In_Michigan.Pdf.
      • Houghton Co.
        • Houghton
        • Painesdale
    		[Min. Rec.:23(2); Rocks & Min.:58:109.
        • Pewabic
    		Dana 6:A2:2; Am.Jour.Sci.: 10:447 (1900).
    Mineralogy of Michigan (2004) Heinrich & Robinson
      • Keweenaw Co.
        • Ahmeek
    		Rocks & Min.:58:111.
    Mineralogy of Michigan (2004) Heinrich & Robinson
    Mineralogy of Michigan (2004) Heinrich & Robinson
    Mineralogy of Michigan (2004) Heinrich & Robinson
        • Mohawk
    		Mineralogical Record - Vol 23 No. 2; Rocks & Min.: 21:664.
    Rocks & Min.: 58:111.
    Mineralogy of Michigan (2004) Heinrich & Robinson
    Norman King Collection
      • Ontonagon Co.
        • Mass City
        • White Pine
    		Mineralogy of Michigan (2004) Heinrich & Robinson
    Mineral and/or Locality
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