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The Mineral luzonite

Luzonite and Enargite

Luzonite is a rare mineral that is dimorphous with Enargite. Luzonite forms in tetragonal crystals, while Enargite forms in orthorhombic crystals. Luzonite and Enargite sometimes form together in single altering crystals with different symmetry and cleavage habits.

Luzonite is named after its occurrence in Mancayan, Luzon Island, in the Philippines, which is the type locality for this mineral.

Chemical Formula

Cu3AsS4

Color

Metallic gray with red or pink overtones

Crystal System

Tetragonal

Properties

Streak
Black
Hardness
3.5
Transparency
Opaque
Specific Gravity
4.4 - 4.6
Luster
Metallic
Cleavage
2,1;3,2
Fracture
Uneven
Tenacity
Brittle

Crystal Habits

Clusters of prismatic crystals. Crystals may also be in small pseudo-octahedral groups. Also in rounded clusters, globular, grainy, and massive.

Additional Information

Composition
Copper arsenic sulfide
In Group
Sulfides; Sulfosalts
Striking Features
Mode of occurrence, lack of perfect cleavage
Environment
In low to moderate grade hydrothermal and epithermal vein deposits.
Rock Type
Sedimentary, Metamorphic

Noteworthy Localities

Luzonite is not a common mineral, and good examples are found in only a few localities. The best examples of this mineral come from Taiwan at the Jinguashi Mine, Ruifang District, New Taipei City. Well-formed Luzonite microcrystals come from the Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The original occurrence of this mineral is from the Lepanto mine, Mankayan, Luzon Island, Philippines.

luzonite Photos


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