Polarite
Polarite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Alloys with PGE |
Formula (repeating unit) | Pd,(Bi,Pb) |
Strunz classification | 02.AC.40 |
Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
Space group |
Orthorhombic pyramidal H-M symbol: (mm2) Space group: Ccm21 |
Unit cell | a = 7.19 Å, b = 8.69 Å, c = 10.68 Å; Z = 16 |
Identification | |
Color | White with yellowish tint |
Crystal habit | Disseminated grains (microscopic) |
Mohs scale hardness | 3.5 - 4 |
Luster | Metallic |
Streak | White |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 12.51 |
References | [1][2][3] |
Polarite (Pd,(Bi,Pb)), is an opaque, yellow-white mineral. Its crystals are orthorhombic pyramidal, but can only be seen through a microscope. It has a metallic luster and leaves a white streak. Polarite is rated 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs Scale.[1][2]
It was first described in 1969 for an occurrence in Talnakh, Norilsk in the Polar Ural Mountains in Russia.[1] It has also been recorded from the Bushveld igneous complex of South Africa and from Fox Gulch, Goodnews Bay, Alaska.[2]
References
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