PUTZITE Meaning and
Definition
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Putzite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfide group and is composed of a combination of lead, copper, and antimony. It typically has a chemical formula of PbCuSbS3, where Pb represents lead, Cu represents copper, Sb represents antimony, and S represents sulfur. This mineral gets its name from its locality of discovery in the Putz Valley, Tyrol, Austria.
Putzite is known for its striking appearance as it commonly occurs in small, lustrous, and metallic-looking crystals. These crystals often exhibit a dark gray to black color with a metallic sheen. In terms of its physical properties, putzite is relatively soft, often having a hardness of around 3.5 on the Mohs scale.
Although putzite is a relatively rare mineral, it is often found associated with other minerals such as pyrite, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite in hydrothermal vein deposits. Its formation is typically attributed to the deposition of metallic elements from hot fluids circulating within the Earth's crust.
From a scientific perspective, putzite is of interest due to its unique crystal structure and its significance in ore deposits containing lead, copper, and antimony. It serves as an important indicator mineral in the exploration of these resources and contributes to the understanding of geological processes that lead to the formation of economically valuable ores.
Etymology of PUTZITE
The word "putzite" originates from the surname of a German mineralogist called Wilhelm von Putz. Wilhelm von Putz discovered the mineral putzite and named it after himself. The term was first introduced in the late 19th century.
