Tetra-auricupride

tetra-auricupride

tremolite

chromite

pyrrhotite

Images

Formula: CuAu
Alloy of copper and gold
Crystal System: Tetragonal
Specific gravity: 14.67 calculated
Hardness: 4½
Streak: Yellow
Colour: Golden yellow
Solubility: insoluble in hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acids
Environments

Igneous environments

Tetra-auricupride occurs in mafic to ultramafic rocks that also contain platinum group elements. Associated minerals include pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, gold, silver, platinum group minerals, magnetite, chromite, tremolite, diopside, serpentine, chlorite, epidote, apatite and zircon (HOM).

Localities

At the type locality, Sardala, Manasi, Manasi county, Changji Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, tetra-auricupride occurs as irregular microscopic grains in platinum group-bearing basic to ultrabasic stock. Associated minerals include tremolite, diopside, serpentine, chlorite, epidote, apatite, zircon, magnetite, chromite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, gold, silver and platinum group minerals (AM 68.1250).

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