Wattersite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Chromate mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | Hg+14Hg+2Cr+6O6 |
IMA symbol | Wte[1] |
Strunz classification | 7.FB.15 |
Dana classification | 35.4.2.1 |
Crystal system | Monoclinic |
Crystal class | 2/m |
Space group | C2/c (number 15) |
Unit cell | 859.81 ų |
Identification | |
Color | Dark red-brown to black |
Crystal habit | Prismatic, aggregates, massive |
Twinning | [001], contact twins on {100} |
Cleavage | None |
Fracture | Conchoidal |
Tenacity | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 4.5 |
Luster | Sub-Metallic |
Streak | Brick red |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 8.91 |
Optical properties | Biaxial |
Refractive index | nα = 2.440 - 2.520 nγ = 2.700 - 2.860 |
Birefringence | δ = 0.260 - 0.340 |
Pleochroism | Visible |
Dispersion | r > v strong |
References | [2][3][4] |
Wattersite is a rare mercury chromate mineral with the formula Hg+14Hg+2Cr+6O6.[2] It occurs in association with native mercury and cinnabar in a hydrothermally altered serpentinite.[3] It was first described from Clear Creek claim, San Benito County, California, USA in 1961.[5] It was named to honor Californian mineral collector Lucius "Lu" Watters.[3]