Hessite

Hessite
General
CategorySulfide minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ag2Te
IMA symbolHes[1]
Strunz classification2.BA.30c
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP21/c
Unit cella = 8.13, b = 4.48
c = 8.09 [Å]; β = 112.9°; Z = 4
Identification
ColorLead-grey, steel-grey
CleavageIndistinct on {100}
TenacitySectile
Mohs scale hardness2–3
LusterMetallic
Streakblack
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity8.24 – 8.45
Optical propertiesAnisotropic
References[2][3]

Hessite is a mineral form of disilver telluride (Ag2Te). It is a soft, dark grey telluride mineral which forms monoclinic crystals.

It is named after Germain Henri Hess (1802–1850).

Hessite is found in the US in Eagle County, Colorado and in Calaveras County, California and in many other locations.

Stützite (Ag7Te4) and empressite (AgTe) are related silver telluride minerals.

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ Webmineral
  3. ^ Mindat.org