Auricupride

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Auricupride
Auricupride-133536.jpg
Auricupride
General
CategoryNative elements
Formula
(repeating unit)
Cu3Au
IMA symbol Auc [1]
Strunz classification 1.AA.10a
Dana classification1.1.2.1
Crystal system Cubic
Crystal class Hexoctahedral (m3m)
H-M symbol: (4/m 3 2/m)
Space group Pm3m
Identification
Formula mass 387.60 g/mol
ColorYellow with reddish tint
Fracture Malleable
Mohs scale hardness3+12
Luster Metallic
Streak yellow
Diaphaneity Opaque
Ultraviolet fluorescence Non-fluorescent
References [2] [3] [4] [5]

Auricupride is a natural alloy that combines copper and gold. Its chemical formula is Cu3Au. The alloy crystallizes in the cubic crystal system in the L12 structure type and occurs as malleable grains or platey masses. It is an opaque yellow with a reddish tint. It has a hardness of 3.5 and a specific gravity of 11.5. [3]

A variant called tetra-auricupride (CuAu) exists. Silver may be present resulting in the variety argentocuproauride (Cu3(Au,Ag)). [2]

It was first described in 1950 for an occurrence in the Ural Mountains Russia. It occurs as low temperature unmixing product in serpentinites and as reduction "halos" in redbed deposits. It is most often found in Chile, Argentina, Tasmania, Russia, Cyprus, Switzerland and South Africa. [3] [2]

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References

  1. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi: 10.1180/mgm.2021.43 . S2CID   235729616.
  2. 1 2 3 "Auricupride: Auricupride mineral information and data". Mindat.org .
  3. 1 2 3 http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/auricupride.pdf Handbook of Mineralogy
  4. Mineralienatlas
  5. Webmineral