Qusongite

Qusongite
General
Category	Native element minerals
Formula (repeating unit)	WC
Strunz classification	1.BA.25
Crystal system	Hexagonal Ditrigonal dipyramidal class
Unit cell	a = 2.902, c = 2.831 [Å]; Z = 1
Identification
Color	black, steel grey
Crystal symmetry	Hexagonal H-M symbol: (6 m2) Space group: P6m2
References	[1]

Qusongite is an extremely rare mineral with the simple formula WC, which shows the mineral to be a naturally occurring tungsten carbide. It was found in Luobusa ophiolite, China. This ophiolite is known for many natural reduced compounds, including native metals, diamond, silicides and carbides (e.g., moissanite, natural silicon carbide). Qusongite crystallizes in the hexagonal system, with space group P-6m2.^[2][3][4]

References

1. Mindat
2. Fang, Q., Bai, W., Yang, J., Xu, X., Li, G., Shi, N., Xiong, M., and Rong, H., 2009. Qusongite (WC): A new mineral. American Mineralogist 94(2-3), 387-390.
3. "Qusongite: Qusongite mineral information and data". Mindat.org. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
4. "Luobusha ophiolite ("Luobusa ophiolite"), Qusum Co. (Qusong Co.), Shannan Prefecture (Lhokha Prefecture; Lhoka Prefecture), Tibet Autonomous Region, China - Mindat.org". Mindat.org. Retrieved 2016-03-04.