Mineral description : Greenockite

Green greenockite in fractures, from Lovisa, Sweden.
(Size 7x4x3 cm)

Mineral class Sulphides : Sphalerite - Wurtzite group
Chemical formula CdS
Crystal system Hexagonal
Habitus Crystals as hexagonal pyramides, striations on pyramidal faces parallel to the base. Often as earthy coatings.
Cleavage Distinct along {11/22}, {0001} imperfect, fracture conchoidal, brittle.
Hardness 3 - 3.5
Density 4.82
Color Red, orange yellow to greenish.
Streak Orange yellow to deep brownish red.
Luster Adamantine to resinous, translucent to opaque.
Description  
Occurance  
Associates Sphalerite, smithsonite, prehnite, various zeolites.
Notes Soluble in hydrochloric acid giving off hydrogen sulfide gas.
Named after Charles Murray Cathcart, Lord Greenock (1783-1859)
Localities A rare mineral in scandinavia.
Sweden :
  • Lovisa mine, Storå, Västmanland. As thin yellowish green earthy fractures.
  • Boliden, Västerbotten.
  • Intakan, Årjäng, Värmland.
  • Norra Kärr, Småland.
  • Nysäter, Säffle, Värmland.
  • Tunaberg, Södermanland.
Norway :
  • Nyseter, Grua.
  • Dalegruben, south of Konnerudkollen.
  • Glomsrudkollen, Modum.
  • Other places around the Oslo region. As secondary minerals together with sphalerite.
Finland :
  • Pihtiputaan Ritovuoren. With galenite in quarts veins.

To sulphides index.
Mineral group index.
Main index.

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Last changed : 2001-02-05