Category Sulfide mineral Strunz classification 2.CB.15a Space group I42m | Formula(repeating unit) Cu2FeSnS4 Crystal system Tetragonal | |
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Crystal class Scalenohedral (42m)H-M symbol: (4 2m) | ||
Stannite is a mineral, a sulfide of copper, iron, and tin. The chemical formula Cu2FeSnS4. Zinc commonly occurs with the iron and trace germanium may be present. 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. Also known as bell metal ore.
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.
References
Stannite Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA