Covelline (or covellite ) - a mineral , copper sulfide . The name was given in honor of the Italian geologist and researcher N. Covelli ( 1790 - 1829 ), who at the beginning of the 19th century discovered a new mineral in the vicinity of the volcano Vesuvius .
| Covellin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Formula | CuS |
| Physical properties | |
| Colour | Dark blue to blue-black |
| Trait color | Gray to black |
| Shine | Metallic, Bold |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Hardness | 1.5 - 2.0 |
| Cleavage | Very perfect |
| Kink | Uneven to conch |
| Density | 4.6 - 4.8 g / cm³ |
| Syngonia | Hexagonal |
Content
Properties
A characteristic secondary mineral in copper deposits. It develops metasomatically by copper sulfides : chalcopyrite , boronite , chalcosine . Percentage composition: copper - 66.46%; sulfur - 33.54%. Typically, covellin is found in the form of masses of blue color, crystals of good quality on their surface are rare. The mineral is quite soft. Thin plates are flexible. Fine greases of bright blue color, powdery and sooty earthy masses.
Deposits
It does not form independent deposits. In large masses was found in New Zealand . It is found in Italy , Germany , Serbia , Chile , USA ( Colorado ).
Application
Together with chalcosine, it is the richest copper ore . Bright shine with a metallic sheen makes these rare opaque crystals attractive to collectors .
See also
- Eponyms in mineralogy
Notes
Links
- Covellin in the base of the catalog of minerals (rus.)
- Covellin Mineral Base
- Characteristics of covellina (English)
- Covellin in the Atlas of Minerals (English) (German) (Spanish)