Category Sulfide mineral Dana classification 2.14.1.1 | Strunz classification 2.FD.30 Crystal system Trigonal | |
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Formula
(repeating unit) (Fe,Cu)4(Mg,Al)3S4(OH,O)6 Crystal class Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m)
H-M symbol: (3 2/m) | ||
Valleriite is an uncommon sulfide mineral (hydroxysulfide) of iron and copper with formula: 4(Fe,Cu)S·3(Mg,Al)(OH)2 or (Fe2+,Cu)4(Mg,Al)3S4(OH,O)6. It is an opaque, soft, bronze-yellow to brown mineral which occurs as nodules or encrustations.
Discovery and occurrence
Valleriite was first described in 1870 from an occurrence in Västmanland, Sweden. It was named for Swedish chemist Johan Gottschalk Wallerius (Vallerius) (1709–1785).
Valleriite occurs in dunites and chromitites replacing chalcopyrite in Cyprus. In Phalaborwa, South Africa it occurs as replacement of magnetite in a carbonatite. It occurs as replacements of copper and nickel phases in serpentinites and other altered ultramafic rocks.
References
Valleriite Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA