Stannite

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Stannite
Stannite-Chalcopyrite-Quartz-168837.jpg
General
Category Sulfide mineral
Formula Cu2FeSnS4
IMA symbol Stn [1]
Strunz classification 2.CB.15a
Crystal system Tetragonal
Crystal class Scalenohedral (42m)
H-M symbol: (4 2m)
Space group I42m
Unit cell a = 5.4432, c = 10.7299 [Å]; Z = 2
Identification
ColorSteel-gray to iron-black, may tarnish blue
Crystal habit Rarely as pseudo-octahedral crystals also massive, granular, and disseminated
Twinning Penetration twins on {102}
Cleavage Indistinct on {110} and {001}
Fracture Uneven
Mohs scale hardness4
Luster Metallic
Streak Black
Diaphaneity Opaque
Specific gravity 4.3 – 4.5
References [2] [3] [4]

Stannite is a mineral, a sulfide of copper, iron, and tin, in the category of thiostannates.

Contents

Background

The chemical formula is Cu 2 Fe Sn S 4. Zinc commonly occurs with the iron and trace germanium may be present. [4] Stannite is used as an ore of tin, consisting of approximately 28% tin, 13% iron, 30% copper, 30% sulfur by mass. It is found in tin-bearing, hydrothermal vein deposits occurring with chalcopyrite, sphalerite, tetrahedrite, arsenopyrite, pyrite, cassiterite, and wolframite. [2]

It is also known as bell metal ore as tin is an important constituent of bell metal. It is thought the exploitation of tin deposits in Cornwall led to an expansion in bell founding.

The name comes from the Latin for tin: stannum. It was first described in 1797 for an occurrence in Wheal Rock, St. Agnes, Cornwall, England. [4]

See also

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 "Stannite" (PDF). Handbook of Mineralogy.
  3. ↑ "Stannite". Webmineral data.
  4. 1 2 3 "Stannite". Mindat.org.


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