Huebnerite, a mineral with the chemical formula MnWO₄, is named after American mineralogist Augustus Huebner. The spelling of the word "huebnerite" can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription. The initial sound is /hjuːb/, with a long "u" followed by a "b". The middle sound is /nər/ with a schwa vowel and a rolled "r". The final sound is /aɪt/, with a long "i" and a "t" ending. Together, the phonetic transcription forms the pronunciation of "hjuːb-nər-ite".
Huebnerite is a mineral that belongs to the wolframite group, which is a series of tungsten oxide minerals. Its chemical formula is MnWO₄, indicating that it consists of manganese (Mn) and tungsten (W) combined with oxygen (O). The mineral is named after Charles W. Huebner, an American geologist.
Huebnerite typically occurs as elongated prismatic crystals with a dark brown to nearly black color. Its distinguishing physical properties include a high specific gravity, ranging from 7.0 to 7.3, and a hardness of approximately 4.5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. It often exhibits submetallic to metallic luster.
This mineral is primarily found in hydrothermal veins, which are formed when hot fluids carrying dissolved minerals and gases fill fractures in rocks. It commonly occurs alongside other minerals such as quartz, fluorite, and wolframite, within tin or tungsten deposits.
Huebnerite is an ore of tungsten, which is a valuable metal mainly used in the production of hard materials like tungsten carbide and high-speed steel. Therefore, it holds industrial significance. Furthermore, it can be of interest to mineral collectors due to its distinct and attractive crystal habit.
In summary, huebnerite is a manganese and tungsten-rich mineral found in hydrothermal veins. It is known for its dark brown to black color, high specific gravity, and association with tin or tungsten deposits. Its importance lies in being an ore of tungsten and its appeal to collectors.
The word "huebnerite" is derived from the name of the German mineralogist and geologist, Adolf Eduard Huebner. Adolf Huebner (1843-1913) was a renowned scientist known for his contributions to the field of mineralogy. He specialized in studying minerals and rocks, particularly those found in Germany and surrounding regions. In recognition of his significant work, the mineral huebnerite, which is a manganese-rich variety of scheelite, was named after him.