Tellurobismuthite

Tellurobismuthite, or tellurbismuth, is a telluride mineral: bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3). It crystallizes in the trigonal system. There are natural cleavage planes in the (0001) direction as the crystal is effectively lamellar (layered) in that plane. The Mohs hardness is 1.5 – 2 and the specific gravity is 7.815. It is a dull grey color, which exhibits a splendent luster on fresh cleavage planes.

Tellurobismuthite
Tellurobismuthite. Locality: Kutemajärvi mine, Orivesi, Western and Inner Finland Region, Finland
General
CategorySulfide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Bi2Te3
IMA symbolTbi
Strunz classification2.DC.05
Crystal systemTrigonal
Crystal classHexagonal scalenohedral (3m)
H-M symbol: (3 2/m)
Space groupR3m
Unit cella = 4.43, c = 29.91 [Å]; Z = 3
Identification
ColorPale lead-gray; white in polished section
Crystal habitFoliated masses and irregular plates
CleavagePerfect on {0001}
TenacityFlexible, sectile
Mohs scale hardness1.5 – 2
LusterMetallic
StreakLead gray
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity7.815
References
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