Teineite

Teineite
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Cu(TeO3)·2 H2O
IMA symbolTei[1]
Strunz classification4.JM.20
Dana classification34.2.2.2
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDisphenoidal (222)
H-M symbol: (2 2 2)
Space groupP212121
Unit cella = 6.63, b = 9.61
c = 7.43 [Å]; Z = 4
Identification
ColorSky-blue, cobalt-blue, bluish gray, bright blue to greenish blue in transmitted light.
Crystal habitPrismatic or flattened crystals, Sometimes as crusts or aggregates
CleavageDistinct
FractureBrittle
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness2.5
LusterVitreous, dull
StreakLight blue
DiaphaneitySemitransparent
Specific gravity3.8
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Birefringenceδ = 0.024
PleochroismVarious shades of blue
2V angle36o
FusibilityFusible, gives a black bead
SolubilityInsoluble
Common impuritiesSulfur
References[1][2][3][4]

Teineite is a tellurite mineral with the formula Cu(TeO3). 2 H2O. It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5 and it comes in many different shades of blue, ranging from cerulean blue to bluish-gray. The mineral millsite has the same chemical composition, but crystallizes in the monoclinic system, while teineite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system.[2][3][4]

Occurrence

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Teineite was first identified in the Teine mine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, where the name of this mineral originates. It occurs in veins where copper- and tellurium-bearing sulfides were oxidized and is often associated with tellurite, tellurium, pyrite, tetrahedrite, sphalerite, azurite, malachite, quartz, baryte, hessite, galena, bornite, cerussite, chlorargyrite, quetzalcoatlite, cuprite and graemite.[5][6] It has also been found in other places, including other mines in Japan, several mines in the US and mines in Mexico, Belgium, Russia and Norway.[2][5]

See also

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References

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  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. ^ a b "Teineite: Teineite mineral information and data". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2016-09-19.
  3. ^ "Millsite: Millsite mineral information and data". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2016-09-19.
  4. ^ Barthelmy, Dave. "Teineite Mineral Data". www.webmineral.com. Retrieved 2016-09-19.
  5. ^ a b "Handbook of mineralogy" (PDF). Retrieved 2016-09-19.
  6. ^ Yosimura, Toyohumi (1936). "Teineite, a New Tellurate Mineral from the Teine Mine, Hokkaidō, Japan" (PDF). Journal of the Faculty of Science, Hokkaido Imperial University. 4. Retrieved 2016-09-19.