Samsonite (mineral)

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Samsonite
Samsonite-MA1232092002.jpg
Samsonite crystal from its type locality Samson Mine, St. Andreasberg, Harz, Germany
General
CategorySulfosalt minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ag4MnSb2S6
Strunz classification 2.GA.15
Crystal system Monoclinic
Crystal class Prismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space group P21/n
Unit cell a = 10.3861(6)  Å
b = 8.1108(7) Å
c = 6.663(7) Å
β = 92.639(12)°; Z = 2
Identification
ColorBlack
Mohs scale hardness2+12
Luster Metallic
Diaphaneity Opaque
Specific gravity 5.461 (calculated)
References [1] [2] [3]

Samsonite is a silver manganese antimony sulfosalt mineral with formula Ag 4 Mn Sb 2 S 6. It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with a typical slender radiating prismatic habit. It is metallic black to steel black with no cleavage and a brittle to conchoidal fracture. In thin fragments it appears reddish brown in transmitted light and also leaves a red streak. It is soft, Mohs hardness of 2.5, and has a specific gravity of 5.51.

It was first named in 1910 after an occurrence in the Samson Vein of the Sankt Andreasberg silver mines, Harz Mountains, Germany.

See also

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References