FRANCKEITE Meaning and
Definition
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Franckeite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfosalt group and is composed of a complex combination of various elements including tin, lead, antimony, and sulfur. It was first discovered in 1846 in the Potosí Department of Bolivia and was named after Colonel Carlos Francke, a German engineer and mineral collector. It typically occurs as metallic, dense, and opaque masses, which can be blackish gray or grayish black in color.
The chemical formula of franckeite is relatively complex, as it can contain tin and lead as major constituents, along with minor amounts of antimony and other elements. Its crystal structure is orthorhombic, and it often forms in association with other minerals like cassiterite, jamesonite, and quartz.
Franckeite is considered an important ore of tin and lead. It is primarily found in hydrothermal vein deposits that are formed in association with igneous rocks or in sandstone deposits. Due to its tin and lead content, it holds economic significance for the mining industry.
In terms of its physical properties, franckeite has a relatively high hardness ranging from 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, which means it can scratch glass. It has a metallic luster and a subconchoidal to uneven fracture. Additionally, franckeite is non-magnetic and does not exhibit any fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Overall, franckeite is a valuable mineral due to its tin and lead content and is sought after both for its economic importance in the mining industry and its aesthetic appeal to mineral collectors.
Etymology of FRANCKEITE
The word "franckeite" is derived from the name of German mineralogist and geologist Augustin Carl Eduard Theodor Francke (1803–1877). Francke discovered the mineral in Bolivia in the mid-19th century and it was named in his honor. Franckeite is a rare mineral that consists of a complex combination of tin, lead, antimony, and other elements.
