Berthierite is a mineral, a sulfide of iron and antimony with formula FeSb2S4. It is steel grey in colour with a metallic lustre which can be covered by an iridescent tarnish. Because of its appearance it is often mistaken for stibnite.
| Berthierite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General | |
| Category | Mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | FeSb2S4 |
| IMA symbol | Btr[1]v |
| Strunz classification | 2.HA.20 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Crystal class | Dipyramidal (mmm) H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Space group | Pnam |
| Identification | |
| Color | steel grey |
| Cleavage | poor/indistinct |
| Mohs scale hardness | 2–3 |
| Luster | metallic |
| Diaphaneity | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 4.64 |
It was discovered in France in 1827 and named for the French chemist, Pierre Berthier (1782–1861).
See also
References
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