Gallite Locality: Tsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb , Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: 3.9 x 2.8 x 1.2 cm. Gallite is a very rare copper, gallium sulfide and is one of the rare mineral species for which Tsumeb is renowned. Sparkly, gray microcrystals of gallite with a lilac tinge are scattered on the matrix of germanite and renierite. Gallite and germanite have a similar color. This rich ore specimen definitely has a rainbow of iridescent rare species. This specimen was formerly in the collection of John White of Seattle, a noted systematic rarities collector. John was a friend of analyzer-of-rare-species Bart Cannon, who could X-ray any questionable mineral specimens and often did so for him, or sold them to him in the first place. So, the identification of this specimen having gallite in it, is certainly correct. Bart Cannon is in fact selling the collection, so it came back through him, as well. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Gallite
Gallite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfide class, with the chemical formula CuGaS₂.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group I-42d). It is a member of the Chalcopyrite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3–3.5; specific gravity 4.2; Gray-black. Anisotropism: Low. R: (400) 20.7, (420) 19.9 streak.
IMA symbol Gal, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1958.
Found in base-metal vein deposits with relatively high gallium content.
It is found associated with Reniérite, germanite, bornite, chalcocite, digenite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite.
The name refers to the mineral’s gallium content.