Saddlebackite
Saddlebackite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfosalt class, with the chemical formula Pb₂Bi₂Te₂S₃.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system. It is a member of the Tetradymite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 4.5–5; specific gravity 7.2; Grayish black streak; Metallic luster.
IMA symbol Sdd, IMA status: approved, named in 1994.
Found in hydrothermal Co–Ni veins formed at medium temperature and pressure.
It is found associated with Skutterudite, rammelsbergite, nickeline, silver, bismuth, löllingite.
The name comes from German Safflor or Zaffer, for safflower, in allusion to its use as a cobalt-blue pigment.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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