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Melonite

Formula:
NiTe
 
2
System:TrigonalHardness:1 - 1½
Name:After the type locality - the Melones Mine, Calaveras County, California.

Classification of Melonite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:2/D.28-30
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:2.EA.20

2 : SULFIDES and SULFOSALTS (sulfides, selenides, tellurides; arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides; sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites, etc.)
E : Metal Sulfides, M: S <= 1:2
A : M:S = 1:2 - With Cu, Ag, Au
Dana 8th edition ID:2.12.14.1

2 : SULFIDES
12 : AmBnXp, with (m+n):p = 1:2
Hey's CIM Ref.:3.11.22

3 : Sulphides, Selenides, Tellurides, Arsenides and Bismuthides (except the arsenides, antimonides and bismuthides of Cu, Ag and Au, which are included in Section 1)
11 : Sulphides etc. of Ni
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Type Occurrence of Melonite

Type Locality:Stanislaus Mine, Carson Hill, Angels Camp, Calaveras Co., California, USA
Year of Discovery:1868

Physical Properties of Melonite

Hardness (Mohs):1 - 1½

Crystallography of Melonite

Crystal System:Trigonal
Cell Parameters:a = 3.84Å, c = 5.26Å
Ratio:a:c = 1 : 1.37
Unit Cell Volume:V 67.17 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)

Chemical Properties of Melonite

Formula:
NiTe
 
2
Essential elements:Ni, Te
All elements listed in formula:Ni, Te
Common Impurities:Pd,Pt,Ag,Bi

Relationship of Melonite to other Species

Series:Forms a series with Merenskyite (see here)
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
2.EA.05Sylvanite
(Au,Ag)
 
2
Te
 
4
2.EA.10Calaverite
AuTe
 
2
2.EA.15Kostovite
CuAuTe
 
4
2.EA.15Krennerite
(Au,Ag)Te
 
2
2.EA.20Berndtite
SnS
 
2
2.EA.20Kitkaite
NiTeSe
2.EA.20Merenskyite
(Pd,Pt)(Te,Bi)
 
2
2.EA.20Moncheite
(Pt,Pd)(Te,Bi)
 
2
2.EA.20Shuangfengite
IrTe
 
2
2.EA.20Sudovikovite
PtSe
 
2
2.EA.25Verbeekite
PdSe
 
2
2.EA.30Drysdallite
Mo(Se,S)
 
2
2.EA.30Jordisite
MoS
 
2
2.EA.30Molybdenite
MoS
 
2
2.EA.30Tungstenite
WS
 
2
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
3.11.1Heazlewoodite
Ni
 
3
S
 
2
3.11.2Godlevskite
(Ni,Fe)
 
9
S
 
8
3.11.3Millerite
NiS
3.11.4Polydymite
Ni
2+
 
Ni
3+
2
S
 
4
3.11.5Vaesite
NiS
 
2
3.11.6Shandite
Ni
 
3
Pb
 
2
S
 
2
3.11.7Donharrisite
Ni
 
8
Hg
 
3
S
 
9
3.11.8Violarite
Fe
2+
 
Ni
3+
2
S
 
4
3.11.9Pentlandite
(Fe,Ni)
 
9
S
 
8
3.11.10Bravoite
(Fe,Ni)S
 
2
3.11.11Siegenite
from CoNi
 
2
S
 
4
to NiCo
 
2
S
 
4
3.11.12Fletcherite
Cu(Ni,Co)
 
2
S
 
4
3.11.13Villamanínite
(Cu,Ni,Co,Fe)S
 
2
3.11.14Mäkinenite
γ-NiSe
3.11.15Sederholmite
NiSe beta-NiSe
3.11.16Trüstedtite
Ni
 
3
Se
 
4
3.11.17Wilkmanite
Ni
 
3
Se
 
4
3.11.18Kullerudite
NiSe
 
2
3.11.19Penroseite
(Ni,Co,Cu)Se
 
2
3.11.20Tyrrellite
Cu(Co
3+
 
,Ni
3+
 
)
 
2
Se
 
4
3.11.21Imgreite
NiTe (?)
3.11.23Kitkaite
NiTeSe
3.11.24Dienerite
3.11.25Orcelite
Ni
 
5-x
As
 
2
3.11.26Maucherite
Ni
 
11
As
 
8
3.11.27Nickeline
NiAs
3.11.28Rammelsbergite
NiAs
 
2
3.11.29Pararammelsbergite
NiAs
 
2
3.11.30Nickelskutterudite
NiAs
 
2-3
3.11.31Oregonite
Ni
 
2
FeAs
 
2
3.11.32Westerveldite
(Fe,Ni,Co)As
3.11.33Langisite
(Co,Ni)As ratio Co:Ni = 5:1
3.11.34Gersdorffite
NiAsS
3.11.35Jolliffeite
NiAsSe
3.11.36Breithauptite
NiSb
3.11.38Ullmannite
NiSbS
3.11.39Willyamite
(Co,Ni)SbS

Other Names for Melonite

Other Languages:
German:Melonit
Russian:Мелонит
Spanish:Melonita
Varieties:
Palladian MelonitePalladoan Melonite

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 Melonite

Reference List:Genth (1868) American Journal of Science: 45: 313.

Hillebrand, William Francis (1899), Mineralogical notes: melonite (?), coloradoite, petzite, hessite American Journal of Science, 4th. series: 8: 295-298.

Ramdohr (1937) Zbl. Min.: A: 193.

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: 341.

Canadian Mineralogist (1969): 9: 626.

Internet Links for Melonite

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    Localities for Melonite

    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.
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    (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
     
    • Catamarca
      • Andalgalá
    Milka K. de Brodtkorb (2002) Las Especies Minerales de la Republica Argentina. Vol. 1 (elements, sulphides and sulphosalts). (Asociacion Mineralogica Argentina)
    • Salta
      • Organullo Mining District
    Milka K. de Brodtkorb (2002) Las Especies Minerales de la Republica Argentina. Vol. 1 (elements, sulphides and sulphosalts). (Asociacion Mineralogica Argentina)
    • San Luis
    Mineralogical Magazine 1997 61 : 861-877
    Armenia
     
    • Gelark'unik' (Geghark'unik') Province
      • Vardenis
    Australia
     
    • South Australia
      • Flinders Ranges
        • North Flinders Ranges
          • Wooltana homestead area
          • Worturpa
    • Western Australia
      • Coolgardie Shire
    J. F. Carpentier collection; Econ.Geol.: 83; 395-404
          • Kambalda Nickel deposit
    Econ Geol (1986) 81:1218-1225
    Econ Geol (1986) 81:1218-1225
            • Otter Juan mine
    Econ Geol (1986) 81:1218-1225
      • Kalgoorlie-Boulder City
        • Golden Boulder mine
    Econ Geol (1997) 92:468-484
      • Kalgoorlie
    Canadian Mineralogist (2003) 41, 1503-1524
      • West Musgrave Block
    Mineral. Deposita 42 (2007) 551-581.
      • Yilgarn Shire
    Sung, Y.-H., et al., "Tellurides from the Sunrise Dam gold deposit, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia: a new occurrence of nagyagite", Mineralogy & Petrology 91, 249-270(2007)
    Austria
     
    • Salzburg
      • Lungau
        • Murwinkel
          • Schellgaden
            • Gold mines
    C. Auer: Lapis 20(11):11-20 (1995)
            • Katschberg Mt.
    A. Strasser: Die Minerale Salzburgs (1989)
    Belgium
     
    • Luxembourg Province
      • Stavelot Massif
    No reference listed
    [var: Palladian Melonite] No reference listed
    Botswana
     
    • North-East District
      • Francistown
    Maier, W.D., Barnes, S.-J., Chinyepi, G., Barton, Jr., J.M., Eglington, B., and Setshedi, I. (2008): Mineralium Deposita 43, 37-60.
    Brazil
     
    • North Region
      • Pará
        • Carajás mineral province
          • Canaã dos Carajás
            • Sossego Mine
    Monteiro, L.V.S., Xavier, R.P., de Carvalho, E.R., Hitzman, M.W., Johnson, C.A., de Souza Filho, C.R., and Torresi, I. (2008): Mineralium Deposita 43, 129-159.
    Monteiro, L.V.S., Xavier, R.P., de Carvalho, E.R., Hitzman, M.W., Johnson, C.A., de Souza Filho, C.R., and Torresi, I. (2008): Mineralium Deposita 43, 129-159.
    • Southeast Region
      • Minas Gerais
        • Fortaleza de Minas
    Brenner et al (1990) Econ Geol 85:904-920
    Canada
     
    • Ontario
    Econ.Geol.: 83; 395-404
        • Wisner Township
    Econ. Geol. 103 (2008) 1005-1028.
      • Thunder Bay District
        • Marathon
          • Hemlo gold deposit
    Dana's New Mineralogy
      • Timiskaming District
        • Gauthier Township
          • Kirkland Lake area
    Geological Survey of Canada Paper 73-30
    Geological Survey of Canada Paper 73-30
    • Québec
      • Abitibi-Témiscamingue
        • Rouyn-Noranda
    Econ.Geol.: 83; 395-404; Am Min (1948) 31:515-526
      • Nunavik Territory
        • Ungava
    Econ Geol (1986) 81:1147-1158
    • Yukon Territory
      • Whitehorse Mining District
        • Kluane District
    [var: Palladoan Melonite] No reference listed
    China
     
    • Gansu (Ganzu) Province
      • Jinchang Prefecture
        • Jinchuan District
    Gang Chai, Naldrett, A.J., Rucklidge, J.C., and Kilius, L.R. (1993): Canadian Mineralogist 31, 19-30.; Econ Geol (1992) 87:1475-1495
    • Henan Province
      • Luoyang Prefecture
        • Luanchuan Co.
          • Xiaoqinling gold belt
    Jianong Zhao, Fugen Ren, Zenghui Li, and Shiying Ding (1997): Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica 16(1), 75-80.
        • Luoning Co.
          • Xiaoqinling gold belt
    Yanjing Chen, Pirajno, F., and Jinping Qi (2007): Journal of Asian Earth Sciences (in press).
    • Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
      • Baotou League
        • Baotou City
          • Wulashan Mining District
    Fengjun Nie, Sihong Jiang, Xinxu Su, and Xinliang Wang (2002): Ore Geology Reviews 20, 139-169.; Econ Geol (1994) 89:1289-1305
      • Hohhot (Huhehaote) League
        • Wuchuan Co.
    Fengjun Nie, Sihong Jiang, Xinxu Su, and Xinliang Wang (2002): Ore Geology Reviews 20, 139-169.
    • Shandong Province
      • Linyi Prefecture
        • Pingyi Co.
          • Tongshi complex
    Qiu Jiansheng, Wang Dezi, Ren Qijiang, and McInnes, B.I.A. (1999): Journal of China University of Geosciences 10(1).
    • Xinjiang (Xinjiang-Uygur) Autonomous Region
      • Yili Hasake (Ili Kazakh) Autonomous Prefecture
        • Aletai (Altay) Prefecture
          • Fuyun Co.
    Jingwen Mao, Pirajno, F., Zuoheng Zang, Fengmei Chai, Hua Wu, Shiping Chen, Linsong Cheng, Jianmin Yang, and Changqing Zhang (2007): Journal of Asian Earth Sciences (in press).
    Czech Republic
     
    • Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen)
      • Ústí Region
        • Šluknov (Schluckenau)
    Vavřín, I., Frýda, J.: Pt-Pd-As-Te mineralizace na ložiskách měďnato-niklových rud z Kunratic a Rožan na Šluknovsku. Bulletin of the Czech Geological Survey, 1998, 73, 2, p. 177-180.
    Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
     
    • Katanga (Shaba)
      • Katanga Copper Crescent
        • Central area
          • Shinkolobwe
    MinRec 20:287-288; Econ Geol (1997) 92:468-484
    Fiji
     
    • Viti Levu
      • Tavua Gold Field
        • Vatukoula
    Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols: "Handbook of Mineralogy", Vol. 1, 1990; Econ.Geol.: 83; 395-404; Econ Geol (1987) 82:345-370
    J.M. Boirat and J. Lum, Chron. Rech. Min., N° 486, 1987, pp 55-62, BRGM.
    Finland
     
    • Lapin (Lapland) Lääni
      • Koillismaa Complex
      • Sodankylä
    No reference listed
    • Oulun (Oulu) Lääni
    Econ Geol (1997) 92:468-484
    No reference listed
    Am Min 50:581-586
    France
     
    • Corsica
      • Haute-Corse
        • Corte
    P. Picot, Z. Johan : "Atlas of Ore Minerals", BRGM, Elsevier, 1982
          • Soveria
    F. Aye, J. Bouladon, P. Picot, G. Pouit : "Quelques exemples d'apport de la minéralogie à la connaissance et à la recherche des gîtes minéraux" , Bull. Mineral. , 1978, 101, 139-147
          • Vivario
    F. Aye, J. Bouladon, P. Picot, G. Pouit : "Quelques exemples d'apport de la minéralogie à la connaissance et à la recherche des gîtes minéraux" , Bull. Mineral. , 1978, 101, 139-147
    • Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
      • Hautes-Alpes
        • Lautaret pass area
    R. Pierrot, P. Picot, P.A. Poulain, "Inventaire Minéralogique de la France : Hautes-Alpes", BRGM, 1972
    Guyana
     
    • Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo
    www.mineralogicalassociation.ca/doc/abstracts/cm3_Vol37_Jun99.pdf.
    Hungary
     
    • Heves Co.
      • Mátra Mts.
        • Recsk
    No reference listed
    India
     
    • Bihar
      • Singhbhum District
    Econ.Geol.: 83; 395-404
    • Orissa
      • Keonjhar District
    Mineralogical Magazine 1997 61 : 902-906
    Italy
     
    • Piedmont
      • Biella Province
        • Séssera Valley
          • Trivero
    Piccoli, G. C., Maletto, G., Bosio, P., & Lombardo, B. (2007). Minerali del Piemonte e della Valle d'Aosta. Associazione Amici del Museo F. Eusebio - Alba, 607 pag.
      • Vercelli Province
        • Mastallone Valley
          • Rimella
    Piccoli, G.C., Maletto, G., Bosio, P., Lombardo, B. (2007). Minerali del Piemonte e della Valle d'Aosta. Associazione Amici del Museo "F. Eusebio" Alba, Ed., Alba (Cuneo) 607 pp.
        • Sesia Valley
          • Quarona
    Piccoli, G.C., Maletto, G., Bosio, P., Lombardo, B. (2007). Minerali del Piemonte e della Valle d'Aosta. Associazione Amici del Museo "F. Eusebio" Alba, Ed., Alba (Cuneo) 607 pp.
          • Scopello
    Piccoli, G.C., Maletto, G., Bosio, P., Lombardo, B. (2007). Minerali del Piemonte e della Valle d'Aosta. Associazione Amici del Museo "F. Eusebio" Alba, Ed., Alba (Cuneo) 607 pp.; Econ Geol (1986) 81:113-1217
          • Varallo Sesia
    Piccoli, G.C., Maletto, G., Bosio, P., Lombardo, B. (2007). Minerali del Piemonte e della Valle d\'Aosta. Associazione Amici del Museo \"F. Eusebio\" Alba, Ed., Alba (Cuneo) 607 pp.
    Piccoli, G.C., Maletto, G., Bosio, P., Lombardo, B. (2007). Minerali del Piemonte e della Valle d'Aosta. Associazione Amici del Museo "F. Eusebio" Alba, Ed., Alba (Cuneo) 607 pp.
    Japan
     
    • Honshu Island
      • Chugoku Region
        • Okayama Prefecture
    • Kyushu Island
      • Fukuoka prefecture
        • Sannotake mine
    Econ.Geol.: 83; 395-404
    Kyrgyzstan
     
    • Issyk-Kul'skaya Oblast
    http://homepage.usask.ca/~smi454/project/articles/gold2000_ext_abs.htm
    Norway
     
    • Finnmark
      • Kautokeino
    R. Hagen (1980, pers. com.); Neumann (1985, p. 43).
    • Troms
      • Kvenangen (Kvænangen)
        • Burfjorddalen
    Strand (1975, p. 299 and 300); Neumann (1985, pp. 31 and 43).
      • Nordreisa (Nord-Reisa)
        • Reisadalen (Ráisávzi; Reisa) Valley
    Gjelsvik (1956, p. 661); Neumann (1985, p. 43).
    Russia
     
    • Eastern-Siberian Region
      • Tuva Republic
        • Sayan Mts
          • Eastern Sayan
    Alexander V. Dedeev et al (2002) The PGE-Bearing Sulphide Ores of the Kingash Mafic-Ultramafic Differentiated Intrusion and Ore Processing Characteristics, East Sajan, Russia. 9th annual platinum symposium
    • Northern Region
      • Murmanskaja Oblast'
        • Kola Peninsula
          • Monche-Tundra
            • Monchegorsk
    Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols: "Handbook of Mineralogy", Vol. 1, 1990
    South Africa
     
    • Northern Cape Province
      • Namaqualand
    Min Rec 35:4 pp289-317
    Sweden
     
    • Jämtland
      • Berg
        • Storsjö
    • Lappland
      • Vittangi
    No reference listed
    • Värmland
      • Årjäng
    No reference listed
    • Västerbotten
      • Norsjö
    No reference listed
    USA
     
    • Arizona
      • Cochise Co.
        • Mule Mts
          • Warren District
    [MinRec 24:421]
    Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 269, 293; Graeme, R. (1993), Bisbee revisited, Min.Rec.: 24: 421-436.
    • California
      • Calaveras Co.
        • Angels Camp
    www.mineralsocal.org
    AM 34 (1949), 342; HB1 (1990); Genth F A (1868) Contributions to mineralogy - No. VII, The American Journal of Science and Arts, 95, 305-321
      • Mariposa Co.
    Econ Geol (1987) 82:328-344
      • Tuolumne Co.
        • Jamestown District
          • Jamestown
    Native gold from the Jamestown Mine, Tuolumne County, California, Mineralogical Record, Jan 1994 by Nelson, Genne Myers, Leicht, Wayne
        • Moccasin
    Econ Geol (1987) 82:328-344
    • Colorado
      • Boulder Co.
        • Boulder Co. Tungsten District
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
        • Caribou District
          • Grand Island
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Dana 6:76.
        • Gold Hill District
          • Gold Hill
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
        • Magnolia District
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckel, E. B.
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
        • Sugarloaf District
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
      • Hinsdale Co.
        • Lake City District (Lake District)
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
          • Lake City
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
      • Teller Co.
        • Cripple Creek District
          • Eclipse Gulch
    Min Rec 36:2 pp143-185
    Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
    • Missouri
      • Washington Co.
        • Meramec State Park
    R&M 73:2 pp 98-117
    • Montana
      • Jefferson Co.
        • Whitehall District (Cardwell District)
    Spry, P.G., Foster, F., Truckle, J.S., and Chadwick, T.H. (1997): Mineralogy and Petrology 59, 143-164.
    Zimbabwe
     
    • Mashonaland West
      • Kadoma District
    Econ.Geol.: 83; 395-404
    • Masvingo District
      • Chiredzi Mining District (Hartley Mining District)
        • Chiredzi
    Economic Geology (1990) 85:556-584
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