Tennantite

Tennantite is a copper arsenic sulfosalt mineral. Its chemical formula is Cu₁₂As₄S₁₃. It is found in hydrothermal veins and contact metamorphic deposits. It is grey-black, steel-gray, iron-gray or black in color. A closely related mineral, tetrahedrite (Cu₁₂Sb₄S₁₃) has antimony substituting for arsenic and the two form a solid solution series. The two have very similar properties and is often difficult to distinguish between tennantite and tetrahedrite. Iron, zinc, and silver substitute up to about 15% for the copper site.

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Weighing the right way

What is the Sensitivity of my Balance?

The mineral was named after the English chemist Smithson Tennant (1761-1815).

See also

• Bornite
• Cuprite
• Tetrahedrite
• List of minerals
• List of minerals named after people

References

• Min. galleries
• Mindat.org