WATANABEITE Meaning and
Definition
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Watanabeite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfide group and is categorized as a rare metallic mineral. It was first discovered in 1965 in the Tochigi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan, and was named after its discoverer, K. Watanabe. This mineral primarily consists of the chemical elements copper (Cu) and arsenic (As), with a chemical formula of Cu4(As,Sb)2S5.
Watanabeite has a unique crystal structure arranged in layers, which contributes to its distinct physical properties. It typically exhibits a dark gray to black color, with a metallic luster. This mineral is often found as an aggregate or small granular crystals embedded within other minerals.
The hardness of watanabeite ranges from 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, indicating its relatively moderate hardness. Its specific gravity is approximately 4.1, meaning that it is notably denser than average rocks and minerals.
Watanabeite is predominantly found in hydrothermal vein deposits associated with other metallic sulfide minerals, such as chalcopyrite and tennantite. Although it has limited economic importance and is considered a minor ore of copper, watanabeite's rarity and distinctive crystal structure make it a captivating mineral for collectors and researchers.
In summary, watanabeite is a rare metallic mineral composed primarily of copper and arsenic. It possesses a unique crystal structure, exhibits a dark color with a metallic luster, and is commonly found in hydrothermal vein deposits.
Etymology of WATANABEITE
The word "watanabeite" is named after the Japanese mineralogist, professor Jitsuro Watanabe (1896-1974). Watanabe discovered the mineral and described it in 1929, naming it in honor of his contributions to the study of minerals and crystallography.
