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
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
FeSb2S4
IMA symbolBtr[1] v
Strunz classification2.HA.20
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPnam
Identification
Colorsteel grey
Cleavagepoor/indistinct
Mohs scale hardness2–3
Lustermetallic
Diaphaneityopaque
Specific gravity4.64

It was discovered in France in 1827 and named for the French chemist, Pierre Berthier (1782–1861).

See also edit

References edit

  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.