BERTHIERITE Meaning and
Definition
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Berthierite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfide mineral group. It is composed of antimony and iron sulfide, with the chemical formula FeSb2S4. The mineral was named after the French geologist Pierre Berthier, who discovered it in 1827. Berthierite is commonly found in hydrothermal veins with other metallic sulfide minerals such as pyrite, sphalerite, and arsenopyrite.
Physically, berthierite typically appears as thin, elongated prismatic crystals or as fibrous aggregates. It has a metallic luster and can range in color from dark gray to black. The mineral has a relatively high hardness, measuring 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, and a density of approximately 4.9 to 5.0 g/cm³.
Berthierite is known for its unique crystal structure, which consists of chains of corner-linked SbS6 and FeS6 octahedra. This arrangement gives berthierite its distinctive crystalline habit and physical properties. It is also notable for its semiconducting properties, making it a topic of interest for researchers studying electronic materials.
In terms of its uses, berthierite is mainly valued for its aesthetic appeal and rarity in the field of mineral collecting, although it does not have any significant industrial applications. Due to its limited occurrence and aesthetic value, it is often sought after by collectors around the world.
Common Misspellings for BERTHIERITE
- verthierite
- nerthierite
- herthierite
- gerthierite
- bwrthierite
- bsrthierite
- bdrthierite
- brrthierite
- b4rthierite
- b3rthierite
- beethierite
- bedthierite
- befthierite
- betthierite
- be5thierite
- be4thierite
- berrhierite
- berfhierite
- berghierite
- berthieritw
Etymology of BERTHIERITE
The word "Berthierite" derives from the name of the French mineralogist, Pierre Berthier. Pierre Berthier (1782–1861) was a prominent figure in the field of mineralogy during the 19th century and made significant contributions to the study of various minerals. He is well-known for his discovery of numerous minerals and for his extensive work on the classification and characterization of minerals. As a way of honoring his contributions, the mineral "Berthierite" was named after him, attributing the term to his name.
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