BISMUTH TEREMKOVITE, A NEW VARIETY OF OWYHEEITE

Abstract

Teremkovite, Ag2Pb7Sb8S20, usually is regarded as an independent mineral species. However, its crystallographic constants are virtually identical to those of owyheeite. The composition of teremkovite falls within the owyheeite field. Consequently, teremkovite should be regarded as a low-silver variety of owyheeite. Although individual owyheeite specimens may contain as much as 5 weight percent bismuth, only in one from the Alyaskitovoye ['Alaskite'] tin-tungsten deposit in Yakutia does the bismuth concentration reach 15 weight percent. Owyheeite so high in bismuth has never before been found.