Polarite

Polarite
General
Category Alloys with PGE
Formula
(repeating unit)
Pd,(Bi,Pb)
Strunz classification 02.AC.40
Crystal symmetry Orthorhombic pyramidal
H-M symbol: (mm2)
Space group: Ccm21
Unit cell a = 7.19 Å, b = 8.69 Å, c = 10.68 Å; Z = 16
Identification
Color White with yellowish tint
Crystal habit Disseminated grains (microscopic)
Crystal system Orthorhombic
Mohs scale hardness 3.5 - 4
Luster Metallic
Streak White
Diaphaneity Opaque
Specific gravity 12.51
References [1][2][3]

Polarite (Pd,(Bi,Pb)), is an opaque, yellow-white mineral. Its crystals are orthorhombic pyramidal, but can only be seen through a microscope. It has a metallic luster and leaves a white streak. Polarite is rated 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs Scale.[1][2]

It was first described in 1969 for an occurrence in Talnakh, Norilsk in the Polar Ural Mountains in Russia.[1] It has also been recorded from the Bushveld igneous complex of South Africa and from Fox Gulch, Goodnews Bay, Alaska.[2]

References

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