- Cervantite
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Cervantite
Microscopic cervantite crystals from Slovakia (3 mm field of view)General Category Oxide mineral Chemical formula Sb3+Sb5+O4 Strunz classification 4.DE.30 Crystal symmetry Orthorhombic pyramidal
H-M symbol: (mm2)
Space group: Pbn21Unit cell a = 5.43 Å, b = 4.81 Å, c = 11.76 Å; Z = 4 Identification Color Yellow to nearly white Crystal habit Microscopic acicular crystals; massive Crystal system Orthorhombic Cleavage Excellent on {001}, distinct on {100} Fracture Conchoidal Mohs scale hardness 4–5 Luster Greasy, pearly, earthy Streak Pale yellow to white Diaphaneity Semitransparent Specific gravity 6.5 Optical properties Biaxial Refractive index nα = 2.000 nγ = 2.100 Birefringence δ = 0.100 Dispersion relatively weak References [1][2][3] Cervantite is an antimony oxide mineral with formula Sb3+Sb5+O4 (antimony tetroxide).
It was first described in 1850 for an occurrence in Cervantes, Sierra de Ancares, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, and named for the locality.[2] The mineral was questioned and disapproved, but re-approved and verified in 1962 based on material from the Zajaca-Stolice district, Brasina, Serbia.[1] It occurs as a secondary alteration product of antimony bearing minerals, mainly stibnite.[1]
References
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