Coloradoite
Rare telluride ore / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Coloradoite, also known as mercury telluride (HgTe), is a rare telluride ore associated with metallic deposit (especially gold and silver). Gold usually occurs within tellurides, such as coloradoite, as a high-finess native metal.[5]
Coloradoite | |
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General | |
Category | Telluride mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | HgTe |
IMA symbol | Clr[1] |
Strunz classification | 2.CB.05a |
Crystal system | Cubic |
Crystal class | Hextetrahedral (43m) H–M Symbol: (4 3m) |
Space group | F43m |
Unit cell | a = 6.453 Å; Z = 4 |
Identification | |
Color | Iron-black inclining to gray |
Crystal habit | Massive, granular |
Fracture | Uneven to subconchordial |
Tenacity | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 2.5 |
Luster | Bright metallic |
Streak | Black |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 8.10 |
References | [2][3][4] |
The quest for mining led to the discovery of telluride ores which were found to be associated with metals. Tellurides are ingrown into ores containing these precious metals and are also responsible for a significant amount of these metals being produced. Coloradoite, a member of the coordination subclass of tellurides, is a covalent compound that is isostructural with sphalerite (ZnS).[6] Its chemical properties are highly instrumental in distinguishing it from other tellurides. It was first discovered in Colorado in 1877. Since then, other deposits have been found. Although it plays an important role in the geology of minerals, it can also be used for other purposes.