Achávalite is a selenide mineral that is a member of the nickeline group. It has only been found in a single Argentinian mine system, being first discovered in 1939 in a selenide deposit. The type locality is Cacheuta mine, Sierra de Cacheuta, Mendoza, Argentina.[2][3][4]

Achávalite
Black metallic crystals of achávalite from Cacheuta Mine, Mendoza, Argentina
General
CategorySelenide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Fe,Cu)Se
IMA symbolAhv[1]
Strunz classification2.CC.05
Crystal systemHexagonal
Crystal classDihexagonal dipyramidal (6/mmm)
H-M symbol: (6/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupP63/mmc
Unit cella = 3.636, c = 5.946 [Å], Z = 2
Identification
Formula mass134.81 g/mol
ColorDark grey
Mohs scale hardness2.5
LusterMetallic
StreakGrey-black
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity6.53
References[2][3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ a b Mindat Profile
  3. ^ a b Achavalite data on WebMineral
  4. ^ Hålenius, U., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., and Mills, S.J., IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) Newsletter 28. Mineralogical Magazine 79(7), 1859–1864