achávalite

Also known as achavalite

Achávalite is a selenide mineral that is a member of the nickeline group. It has only been found in a single Argentinian mine system, being first discovered in 1939 in a selenide deposit. The type locality is Cacheuta mine, Sierra de Cacheuta, Mendoza, Argentina.

Key facts

Mineral.name: Achávalite
Mineral.image: Achavalite.jpg
Mineral.caption: Black metallic crystals of achávalite from Cacheuta Mine, Mendoza, Argentina
Mineral.category: Selenide mineral
Mineral.formula: (Fe,Cu)Se
Mineral.IMAsymbol: Ahv
Mineral.molweight: 134.81 g/mol
Mineral.strunz: 2.CC.05
Mineral.system: Hexagonal
Mineral.class: Dihexagonal dipyramidal (6/mmm) H-M symbol: (6/m 2/m 2/m)
Mineral.symmetry: P63/mmc
Mineral.unit cell: a = 3.636, c = 5.946 [Å], Z = 2
Mineral.color: Dark grey
Mineral.mohs: 2.5
Mineral.luster: Metallic
Mineral.streak: Grey-black
Mineral.diaphaneity: Opaque
Mineral.gravity: 6.53