Brauserite

Brauserite is a rare mineral discovered in 1974. It is named after the German mineralogist, Dr. Werner Brauser. The mineral is typically found in the form of small, dark brown to black crystals or as granular masses. It is primarily composed of iron, nickel, and sulfur, with the chemical formula (Fe,Ni)S2. Brauserite is often associated with other sulfide minerals such as pentlandite and chalcopyrite. It has a hardness of approximately 4.5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of around 4.6. The mineral exhibits a metallic luster and has a distinctive brownish-black color. Brauserite is relatively rare and is typically found in ultramafic rocks, particularly in serpentinite and peridotite formations. Its discovery and study contribute to the understanding of the geological processes involved in the formation of sulfide minerals in these rock types.