CERVELLEITE Meaning and
Definition
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Cervelleite is a rare mineral that occurs as a secondary mineral in copper-rich ores. It is named after the Cervello Valley in Italy, where it was first discovered. Cervelleite is classified as a sulfide mineral and has a chemical formula of Ag4TeS. It belongs to the tetragonal crystal system and typically forms prismatic to tabular crystals.
In terms of physical properties, cervelleite is known for its dark gray to black color and metallic to sub-metallic luster. It has a high specific gravity and a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3, which means it is relatively soft compared to many other minerals. Cervelleite is also opaque, meaning that it does not transmit light.
The mineral is mainly found in hydrothermal veins associated with other silver and tellurium minerals, such as hessite, sylvanite, and nagyágite. It is often found in association with copper minerals like chalcocite and bornite. Cervelleite is considered a valuable mineral due to its high silver content, which makes it a potential source of this precious metal.
Due to its limited occurrence and the difficulty in obtaining large, high-quality specimens, cervelleite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers. Its distinctive crystal structure and chemical composition contribute to its uniqueness and scientific importance within the realm of mineralogy.
Etymology of CERVELLEITE
The word "cervelleite" is derived from the French word "cervelle", which means "brain". The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineralogy to indicate a mineral species. Therefore, "cervelleite" is a term specifically used in the field of mineralogy to describe a mineral.
