Gersdorffite
A variety of Minerals
What is Gersdorffite?
Gersdorffite is a nickel arsenic sulfide mineral with formula NiAsS. It crystallizes in the isometric system showing diploidal symmetry. It occurs as euhedral to massive opaque, metallic grey-black to silver white forms. Gersdorffite belongs to a solid solution series with cobaltite, CoAsS. Antimony freely substitutes also leading to ullmannite, NiSbS. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 and a specific gravity of 5.9 to 6.33. Gersdorffite has three crystallisation forms: Gersdorffite-P213 (NiAsS), Gersdorffite-Pa3 (Ni(As,S)2) and Gersdorffite-Pca21 (NiAsS). Gersdorffite occurs as a hydrothermal vein mineral along with other nickel sulfides. Associated minerals include nickeline, nickel-skutterudite, cobaltite, ullmannite, maucherite, löllingite, platinum-group minerals, millerite, pyrite, marcasite, and chalcopyrite. Gersdorffite was first described in 1843 and named for Johann von Gersdorff (1781–1849), owner of the nickel mine at Schladming, Austria the type locality.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Gersdorffite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Gersdorffite Localities Map
See where Gersdorffite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Gray, grayish black, silver white, or tin white
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5.5
- Density
- 5.966 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grayish black
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- NiAsS
- Elements
- As, Ni, S
Also Known As
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Gersdorffite FAQs
How do I identify Gersdorffite?
Gersdorffite can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Gray color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Gersdorffite?
Gersdorffite typically appears in Gray, grayish black, silver white, or tin white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Gersdorffite?
Gersdorffite has a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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