| Briartite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Minerals |
| Formula | Cu2(Fe,Zn)GeS4 |
| IMA symbol | Btt [1] |
| Strunz classification | 02.KA.10(02) |
| Dana classification | 2.9.2.3.(02) |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal |
| Space group | 07;10 |
| Unit cell | 297.46 ų |
| Identification | |
| Colour | Gray to gray blue; Iron-grey |
| Twinning | Polysynthetic |
| Mohs scale hardness | 3.5–4.5 |
| Luster | Metallic; Unpolished |
| Diaphaneity | Opaque |
| Specific gravity | 4.337 (Calculated) |
| Density | 4.337 g/cm3 (Calculated) |
| Common impurities | Ga, Sn |
Briartite is an opaque iron-grey metallic sulfide mineral, Cu2(Zn,Fe)GeS4 with traces of Ga and Sn, found as inclusions in other germanium-gallium-bearing sulfides. [2]
It was discovered at the Prince Léopold Mine, Kipushi, Shaba, Congo (Léopoldville) in 1965 by Francotte and others, and named for Gaston Briart who had studied formations at Kipushi. [3]