Massive metallic herzenbergite (a tin sulphide) specimen without matrix. Slag mineral, from Zinnhalde, Vientiane Prefecture, Lao (formerly Laos). — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Herzenbergite
Herzenbergite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfide class, with the chemical formula SnS.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pmcn). It is a member of the Arsenolamprite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 5.22; Black streak; Metallic luster.
IMA symbol Hzb, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1934.
Of hydrothermal origin, later than the deposition of cassiterite.
It is found associated with Cassiterite, stannite, romarchite, ottemannite, černýite, berndtite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, quartz.
The mineral was named to honor Robert Herzenberg (1885–1956), Latvian–German chemist of Oruro, Bolivia.