Greigite
A variety of Minerals
What is Greigite?
Greigite is an iron sulfide mineral with the chemical formula Fe2+Fe3+2S4. It is the sulfur equivalent of the iron oxide magnetite (Fe3O4). It was first described in 1964 for an occurrence in San Bernardino County, California, and named after the mineralogist and physical chemist Joseph W. Greig (1895–1977).
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Greigite 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.
Greigite Localities Map
See where Greigite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Greigite
Greigite has the spinel structure. The crystallographic unit cell is cubic, with space group Fd3m. The S anions form a cubic close-packed lattice, and the Fe cations occupy both tetrahedral and octahedral sites.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- metallic pinkish, tarnishing to a metallic blue, sooty black when amorphous
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4 - 4.5
- Density
- 4.079 g/cm³
- Streak
- black
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Fe2+Fe3+2S4
- Elements
- Fe, S
Also Known As
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Greigite FAQs
How do I identify Greigite?
Greigite can be identified by its hardness of 4 - 4.5 on the Mohs scale, metallic pinkish color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Greigite?
Greigite typically appears in metallic pinkish, tarnishing to a metallic blue, sooty black when amorphous. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Greigite?
Greigite has a hardness of 4 - 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the composition of greigite of Greigite?
Greigite has the spinel structure. The crystallographic unit cell is cubic, with space group Fd3m. The S anions form a cubic close-packed lattice, and the Fe cations occupy both tetrahedral and octahedral sites.
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