HEINRICHITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Heinrichite is a mineral that belongs to the carbonate family and is classified as a rare sulfur-bearing hydrated carbonate. Named after the German mineralogist, Heinrich Oskar von Fiebig, it is primarily found in hydrothermal veins and is characterized by its unique physical and chemical properties.
In terms of its physical characteristics, heinrichite is typically found in crystals that appear as colorless to white or pale yellow, often occurring as fibrous aggregates or coatings. It has a vitreous to silky luster, with a Mohs hardness ranging from 2.5 to 3.5. Moreover, heinrichite exhibits perfect cleavage in one direction and has a relatively low density.
From a chemical standpoint, heinrichite is essentially composed of calcium, copper, sulfur, and oxygen, making it a calcium copper sulfate. It contains water molecules in its crystal structure, giving it a hydrated form. This mineral is often associated with other copper minerals like azurite, malachite, and chalcocite.
Due to its scarcity and limited occurrence, heinrichite is primarily valued as a collectible mineral specimen. Its aesthetic appeal, combined with its unique crystal habits, makes it a sought-after addition to mineral collections. Researchers and mineralogists also study heinrichite to better understand the geological processes that contribute to its formation, as well as its potential as an indicator mineral for certain ore deposits.
Etymology of HEINRICHITE
The word heinrichite derives from the name of the person who first discovered the mineral, Heinrich O. Meyer (1898-1982), a German mineralogist and petrologist. The suffix -ite is commonly used in mineralogy to indicate that the term refers to a specific mineral or mineral species, similar to other mineral names like quartzite, calcite, or pyrite.
