Qusongite is an extremely rare mineral with the simple formula WC, which shows the mineral to be a naturally occurring tungsten carbide. It was found in Luobusa ophiolite, China. This ophiolite is known for many natural reduced compounds, including native metals, diamond, silicides and carbides (e.g., moissanite, natural silicon carbide). Qusongite crystallizes in the hexagonal system, with space group P-6m2.[3][4][5]

Qusongite
General
CategoryNative element minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
WC
IMA symbolQus[1]
Strunz classification1.BA.25
Crystal systemHexagonal
Crystal classDitrigonal dipyramidal (6m2)
H-M symbol: (6 m2)
Space groupP6m2
Unit cella = 2.902, c = 2.831 [Å]; Z = 1
Identification
Colorblack, steel grey
References[2]

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. ^ Mindat
  3. ^ Fang, Q., Bai, W., Yang, J., Xu, X., Li, G., Shi, N., Xiong, M., and Rong, H., 2009. Qusongite (WC): A new mineral. American Mineralogist 94(2-3), 387-390.
  4. ^ "Qusongite: Qusongite mineral information and data". Mindat.org. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  5. ^ "Luobusha ophiolite ("Luobusa ophiolite"), Qusum Co. (Qusong Co.), Shannan Prefecture (Lhokha Prefecture; Lhoka Prefecture), Tibet Autonomous Region, China - Mindat.org". Mindat.org. Retrieved 2016-03-04.