Altaite is a rare lead telluride mineral (PbTe). It is scientifically notable as one of the few naturally occurring tellurides of lead, and it often occurs in association with precious-metal tellurides in hydrothermal deposits.
🌍 Origins and Naming
- Name Origin: Named after the Altai Mountains, Russia, where it was first discovered.
- Discovery: Described in the late 19th century.
- Type Locality: Altai Mountains, Siberia.
🔬 Chemical and Structural Properties
- Formula: PbTe
- Mineral Group: Tellurides.
- Crystal System: Isometric (cubic).
- Color: Lead-gray to steel-gray.
- Habit: Granular, massive; crystals are rare.
- Hardness: ~2.5 on Mohs scale (soft, like galena).
- Specific Gravity: ~8.1 (very dense due to Pb content).
- Luster: Metallic.
- Streak: Black.
⚙️ Geological Occurrence
- Found in hydrothermal veins, often associated with gold and silver tellurides.
- Associated Minerals: Galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite, hessite (Ag₂Te), sylvanite, petzite, and other tellurides.
- Localities:
- Altai Mountains, Russia (type locality).
- Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
- Colorado, USA.
- Other precious-metal districts worldwide.
📖 Scientific and Collector Significance
- Petrology: Important for understanding telluride mineralization in hydrothermal systems.
- Collectors: Rare, usually unattractive massive specimens, valued for rarity and association with gold–telluride ores.
- Economic Note: Contains lead and tellurium, but too rare to be an ore mineral. Its significance lies in its association with precious metals.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Contains lead and tellurium, both toxic. Specimens should be handled carefully — avoid inhaling dust or ingesting particles, and wash hands after handling.
✨ Conclusion
Altaite is a rare lead telluride (PbTe), first described from the Altai Mountains. It is scientifically significant for illustrating telluride mineralization in hydrothermal veins, though it remains a collector’s curiosity rather than an economic resource.
In short: Altaite = PbTe, lead telluride, metallic, rare, first found in Altai Mountains.
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