Global InformationDelafossite information
| Delafossite | |
|---|---|
 Discrete, wine-red cuprite crystals on matrix covered by brightly reflective delafossite microcrystals | |
| General | |
| Category | Oxide minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | CuFeO2 |
| IMA symbol | Del[1] |
| Strunz classification | 4.AB.15 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Crystal class | Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m) H-M symbol: (3 2/m) |
| Space group | R3m |
| Unit cell | a = 3.04, c = 17.12 [Å]; Z = 3 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Black |
| Crystal habit | Tabular to equant crystals; botryoidal crusts, spherulitic, powdery, massive |
| Twinning | Contact twins on {0001} |
| Cleavage | Imperfect on {1011} |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Mohs scale hardness | 5.5 |
| Luster | Metallic |
| Streak | Black |
| Diaphaneity | Opaque |
| Specific gravity | 5.41 |
| Optical properties | Uniaxial |
| Pleochroism | Distinct; O = pale golden brown; E = rose-brown |
| Other characteristics | Weakly magnetic |
| References | [2][3][4] |
Delafossite is a copper iron oxide mineral with formula CuFeO2 or Cu1+Fe3+O2. It is a member of the delafossite mineral group, which has the general formula ABO2, a group characterized by sheets of linearly coordinated A cations stacked between edge-shared octahedral layers (BO6).[5] Delafossite, along with other minerals of the ABO2 group, is known for its wide range of electrical properties, its conductivity varying from insulating to metallic.[5] Delafossite is usually a secondary mineral that crystallizes in association with oxidized copper and rarely occurs as a primary mineral.[5]
- ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Anthonywas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Delafossite. Mindat.org
- ^ Delafossite. Webmineral
- ^ a b c Marquardt, M. A.; Ashmore, N. A.; Cann, D. P. (2006). "Crystal chemistry and electrical properties of the delafossite structure". Thin Solid Films. 496 (1): 146–156. Bibcode:2006TSF...496..146M. doi:10.1016/j.tsf.2005.08.316.