Yixunite
Yixunite is a rare platinum-indium mineral with the chemical formula Pt3In, indicating it is composed of three platinum atoms and one indium atom. It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system and belongs to the space group Pm-3m. This mineral is classified in the Strunz system as 1.AG.50 and in the Dana system as 1.2.5.6. As a native element mineral, it is part of the broader category of naturally occurring metallic elements. Yixunite is typically metallic in luster and has a color that reflects its composition, likely a silvery or grayish hue. Its physical properties, such as hardness and density, are not explicitly documented, but it is expected to be relatively dense due to the presence of platinum.
Composition
- PtPlatinum83.6%
- InIndium16.4%
Overview
Yixunite is a rare platinum-indium mineral with the chemical formula Pt3In, indicating it is composed of three platinum atoms and one indium atom. It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system and belongs to the space group Pm-3m. This mineral is classified in the Strunz system as 1.AG.50 and in the Dana system as 1.2.5.6. As a native element mineral, it is part of the broader category of naturally occurring metallic elements. Yixunite is typically metallic in luster and has a color that reflects its composition, likely a silvery or grayish hue. Its physical properties, such as hardness and density, are not explicitly documented, but it is expected to be relatively dense due to the presence of platinum.
Etymology
Yixunite is named after the Yixun River, the location where it was discovered. The mineral was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA), but the exact year of its discovery is not provided.