Renierite Locality: Tsumeb , Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: miniature, 3.4 x 2.4 x 1.7 cm Renierite A solid reference specimen of ore noted as "very rich" on the original label from David New, who is generally reliable on such things (although I haven't had it X-rayed myself to confirm). The look and heft of the piece feel right, though, for the material, and I feel that David's rarities are trustworthy. Ex. John White Collection. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Renierite
A rare copper-zinc-germanium sulfide found at Congo's Kipushi mine.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Renierite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfosalt class, with the chemical formula (Cu¹⁺,Zn)₁₁Fe₄(Ge⁴⁺,As⁵⁺)₂S₁₆.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group P-42c). It is a member of the Sphalerite, Germanite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.5; specific gravity 4.38; Metallic luster.
IMA symbol Ren, IMA status: approved, named in 1948.
Rare in some Ge-bearing hydrothermal polymetallic deposits.
It is found associated with Germanite, tennantite, enargite, digenite, bornite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite.
The name refers to Armand Marie Vincent Joseph Reniér (1876–1951), Belgian geologist and Director of the Belgian Geological Survey.