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Hercynite crystals
© Doug Merson
FeAl
Hercynite is a new addition to the suite of MSH minerals.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is usually black.
Luster is vitreous.
Diaphaneity is opaque.
Crystal System is isometric; Fd
Crystal Habits include octahedral embedded crystals.
Cleavage (??).
Fracture is (??).
Hardness is 7.5 – 8.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.9 g/cm
Streak is dark gray-green to leek-green.
Associated Minerals include corundum.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit.
Origin: Named in 1847 from Latin Silva Hercynia for the Bohemian
forest where the mineral was discovered.
CLASSIFICATION:
Dana System
# 7.2.1.3
Strunz Classification
# IV/B.01-20
REFERENCES:
Dana 8:297 (1997)
DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:
MSH
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