Stannite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY 3.0)
Mineral NameStannite
Chemical FormulaCu₂FeSnS₄
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtetragonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorblackish
Cleavagedistinct on {110}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.35
Colorsyellowish-gray, bronze, steel-gray, brownish-black
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityFabulosa Mine, Larecaja Province, La Paz Department, Bolivia
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesminor ore of tin, collector
Associated Mineralscassiterite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a cluster of metallic, yellowish-gray to bronze stannite crystals, some exhibiting distinct pyramidal forms, embedded within a lighter, possibly quartz, matrix.
Geological Context
Stannite typically forms in high-temperature hydrothermal tin veins, often found in association with other sulfide minerals in granitic or metamorphic environments.
