Mineral Species: Tetrahedrite

Chemical Formula: (Cu,Fe)12Sb4S13

Chemical Name: Copper Iron Antimony Sulfide

Mineral Class: Sulphide

Mineral Notes: Tetrahedrite is one of the most common and commercially the most important of the sulfosalts. It is an important source of Copper and is often found in with other Copper-bearing minerals. It is an end-member of a series of closely related minerals, the other end member fully substituting Antimony by Arsenic. In this form it is known as Tennantite.

Description: This is a very aesthetic combination of silvery-grey Tetrahedrite upon a thick layer of pale-pink Rhodochrosite. Although mostly small, many of the Tetrahedral crystals are very well formed and show the characteristic crystal habit. Closer inspection of the largest crystal shows that it is twinned, as are several of the others. The Rhodochrosite is highly crystalline and these have a very shiny luster.

Location: Cavnic, Romania.