KRENNERITE Meaning and
Definition
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Krennerite is a rare mineral that is classified as a sulfide compound. It is primarily composed of silver, gold, and mercury, with the chemical formula AgAuTe2. This mineral belongs to the sylvanite group and is often found associated with other precious metal ores. Its name is derived from the Austrian mineralogist August Alexander Kranner, who first identified this mineral in the late 1800s.
Krennerite typically occurs in hydrothermal veins and is commonly found in high-temperature mineral deposits, often alongside other gold and silver minerals. It appears as elongated prismatic or tabular crystals, often in granular or massive forms. Krennerite can exhibit various colors, ranging from pale bronze or silver-gray to a deeper yellow or golden hue.
With a Mohs hardness of around 2.5 to 3, krennerite is a relatively soft mineral. It has a metallic luster and a specific gravity of approximately 8.5 to 9, which is relatively high compared to most other minerals. Krennerite is known for its excellent reflectivity and is considered a valuable ore of both silver and gold.
Due to its scarcity and the high demand for precious metals, krennerite has economic significance. It is often sought after by collectors and investors alike. However, its extraction and processing can be challenging due to the associated toxic mercury content. Mining of krennerite is guided by strict regulations to ensure the safety of workers and prevent environmental damage.
Common Misspellings for KRENNERITE
- mrennerite
- lrennerite
- orennerite
- irennerite
- keennerite
- kdennerite
- kfennerite
- ktennerite
- k5ennerite
- k4ennerite
- krwnnerite
- krsnnerite
- krdnnerite
- krrnnerite
- kr4nnerite
- kr3nnerite
- krebnerite
- kremnerite
- krejnerite
- krehnerite
Etymology of KRENNERITE
The word "krennerite" derives from the name of its discoverer, Joseph Krenner, an Austrian mineralogist. Krennerite is a rare gold telluride mineral, originally found in the Allchar deposit in North Macedonia. It was named in his honor in 1878 by the Austrian mineralogist Gustav Tschermak von Seysenegg.
