August Breithaupt

Johann Friedrich August Breithaupt (May 16, 1791 - September 22, 1873) was a German mineralogist and professor at Freiberg Mining Academy in Freiberg, Saxony. He received his doctorate at the Universities of Jena and Marburg. He studied under Abraham Gottlob Werner at the Freiberg Mining Academy where he became professor of mineralogy after the departure of Friedrich Mohs in 1826. He held that position until 1866.

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He is credited with the discovery of 47 valid mineral species. The mineral breithauptite was named in his honor. His work included important contributions to crystallography and the physical and chemical properties of minerals. He developed the concept of mineral paragenesis.

His publications include:

• Characteristik des Mineral Systems (1820)
• Vollstandiges Handbuch der Mineralogie (1841)
• Ueber die Echtheit der Krystalle (1815, on pseudonorphs)
• Die Paragenesis der Mineralien (1849)