Rhodostannite , Andorite Locality: San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro, Bolivia Original description: These tiny, 0.5mm rhodostannite crystals on andorite were analysed by SEM and seem to have the right components and form for rhodostannite. Field of view is about 20mm. Private collection. — Photo: David K. Joyce · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Rhodostannite
Rhodostannite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfide class, with the chemical formula Cu¹⁺(Fe²⁺₀.₅Sn⁴⁺₁.₅)S₄.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group I4_1/a). It is a member of the Spinel structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 4.79; Metallic. Anisotropism: Distinct, from bluish gray to dark brown. R1 –R2: (400) 29.1–30.4, (420) 28.7–29.9 luster.
IMA symbol Rhs, IMA status: approved, named in 1968.
An alteration product of stannite (Vila Apacheta, Bolivia).
It is found associated with Stannite, pyrite (Vila Apacheta, Bolivia).
Its name comes from the Greek for rose, in allusion to its color, and for its affinity to stannite.