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Sperrylite
Sperrylite is a popular mineral composed of platinum arsenide. [1]
Sperrylite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Sperrylite:- Transparency: Sperrylite is opaque.
- Luster: In terms of luster, sperrylite is metallic.
- Streak: Sperrylite streaks black, dark gray, gray or gray black.
- Hardness: Sperrylite's hardness ranges from 6 to 7 on the Moh's scale.
Sperrylite: Background and Summary
Sperrylite is a rare mineral that belongs to the platinum group of minerals. It is a sulfide mineral that is composed of platinum, arsenic, and sulfur. Sperrylite is usually found in small grains or masses in association with other platinum group minerals, such as palladium, iridium, and osmium. It is a metallic mineral with a silver-white color and a metallic luster. Sperrylite is one of the few minerals that contain the element platinum, which is highly valued for its industrial and commercial uses.To identify sperrylite, one can examine its physical characteristics. Sperrylite has a high density of 10.6 g/cm3, which is much higher than most other minerals. It also has a Mohs hardness of 6, which means it is relatively hard and can scratch glass. Sperrylite has a silvery-white color and a metallic luster, which makes it easy to distinguish from other minerals. However, due to its rarity and small grain size, sperrylite is often difficult to identify without the aid of a microscope.
Sperrylite has several uses in industry and technology. Platinum, which is the main component of sperrylite, is used in a variety of applications, including catalytic converters, fuel cells, and electronics. Sperrylite is also used as a source of platinum in the production of jewelry, coins, and other decorative items. Additionally, sperrylite is sometimes used as a mineral specimen for collectors due to its rarity and unique properties.
Sperrylite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Sperrylite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | opaque |
| Chemical Formula | PtAs2 |
| Chemical Composition | platinum arsenide |
| Hardness | 6, 7 |
| Streak | gray black, dark gray, gray, black |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: white sometimes: tin |
| Category | arsenide |
Sperrylite: FAQ
FAQQ: Where is sperrylite found?
A: Sperrylite is found in a few locations around the world, including Canada, the United States, Russia, and South Africa.
Q: Is sperrylite toxic?
A: Sperrylite is not considered toxic, but it does contain arsenic, which can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large quantities.
Q: How much is sperrylite worth?
A: The value of sperrylite varies depending on its quality, size, and rarity. However, due to its rarity and the high demand for platinum, sperrylite can be quite valuable.
Sources
- Mindat.org. (n.d.). Sperrylite. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-3732.html- Webmineral.com. (n.d.). Sperrylite Mineral Data. Retrieved from http://webmineral.com/data/Sperrylite.shtml
- Sperrylite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sperrylite
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