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Study Guide: Sylvanite: Mineralogy, Properties, and Occurrences

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Sylvanite: Mineralogy, Properties, and Occurrences Study Guide

Chemical Composition and Classification

Sylvanite is primarily known as silver gold telluride and is the most common telluride of gold.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source defines Sylvanite as silver gold telluride and identifies it as the most common telluride of gold.

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The chemical formula for Sylvanite is (Ag,Au)Te, indicating a simple 1:1 ratio of tellurium to the combined silver and gold.

Answer: False

Explanation: The chemical formula for Sylvanite is (Ag,Au)Te₂, not (Ag,Au)Te, indicating a 1:2 ratio of the combined silver and gold to tellurium.

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Sylvanite is classified as a sulfide mineral due to its metallic luster and common association with pyrite.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite is classified as a telluride mineral, not a sulfide mineral, as tellurium is its primary anionic component.

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The IMA symbol for Sylvanite is Syv.

Answer: True

Explanation: The International Mineralogical Association (IMA) symbol for Sylvanite is indeed Syv.

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Under the Nickel-Strunz classification system, Sylvanite belongs to the category 2.EA.05.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Nickel-Strunz classification system assigns Sylvanite to category 2.EA.05, based on its chemical composition and crystal structure.

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The formula mass of Sylvanite is approximately 430 grams per mole.

Answer: True

Explanation: The formula mass of Sylvanite is 429.89 g/mol, which is approximately 430 g/mol.

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The ratio of gold to silver in Sylvanite can vary, but it always contains more silver than gold.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ratio of gold to silver in Sylvanite can vary from 3 parts gold to 1 part silver (3:1) to an equal proportion (1:1), indicating it does not always contain more silver than gold.

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Calaverite is chemically distinct from Sylvanite primarily because it contains a more substantial and variable silver content compared to Sylvanite.

Answer: False

Explanation: Calaverite is a purer gold telluride with only about 3% silver, while Sylvanite has a more substantial and variable silver content, making the statement false.

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Sylvanite is a mineral compound where gold is chemically bonded with tellurium, often alongside silver.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sylvanite is defined as a mineral compound where gold is chemically bonded with tellurium, frequently in conjunction with silver.

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What is the primary alternative name for the mineral Sylvanite?

Answer: Silver gold telluride

Explanation: Sylvanite is primarily known as silver gold telluride, reflecting its composition of silver, gold, and tellurium.

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Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for Sylvanite?

Answer: (Ag,Au)Te₂

Explanation: The chemical formula for Sylvanite is (Ag,Au)Te₂, indicating a compound of silver, gold, and tellurium with a specific stoichiometric ratio.

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Into which mineral category is Sylvanite classified?

Answer: Telluride mineral

Explanation: Sylvanite is classified as a telluride mineral because tellurium is a primary anionic component in its chemical structure.

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What is the official IMA symbol for Sylvanite?

Answer: Syv

Explanation: The International Mineralogical Association (IMA) designates 'Syv' as the official symbol for Sylvanite.

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According to the Nickel-Strunz classification system, which category does Sylvanite belong to?

Answer: 2.EA.05

Explanation: The Nickel-Strunz classification system, which categorizes minerals by chemical composition and crystal structure, places Sylvanite in category 2.EA.05.

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What is the approximate formula mass of Sylvanite?

Answer: 430 g/mol

Explanation: The formula mass of Sylvanite is 429.89 g/mol, which approximates to 430 g/mol.

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How does the ratio of gold to silver typically vary in Sylvanite?

Answer: From 3 parts gold to 1 part silver (3:1) to an equal proportion (1:1)

Explanation: The ratio of gold to silver in Sylvanite can vary, ranging from 3 parts gold to 1 part silver to an equal 1:1 proportion.

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What is the key difference between Sylvanite and calaverite?

Answer: Sylvanite has a more substantial and variable silver content, while calaverite is a purer gold telluride.

Explanation: The primary distinction is that calaverite is a purer gold telluride with minimal silver, whereas Sylvanite contains a more significant and variable amount of silver.

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Sylvanite is a mineral compound where gold is chemically bonded with which other element, often alongside silver?

Answer: Tellurium

Explanation: Sylvanite is a telluride mineral, meaning gold is chemically bonded with tellurium, often in conjunction with silver.

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Sylvanite is a mineral compound where gold is chemically bonded with tellurium, often alongside which other metal?

Answer: Silver

Explanation: Sylvanite is a silver gold telluride, indicating that gold is bonded with tellurium, frequently in the presence of silver.

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Crystallography and Structure

Sylvanite crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system, characterized by three axes of unequal length, all perpendicular to each other.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, not orthorhombic. The monoclinic system has three axes of unequal length, with two perpendicular and one inclined.

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Sylvanite's crystal class is Prismatic (2/m), and its space group is P2/c.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms Sylvanite's crystal class as Prismatic (2/m) and its space group as P2/c, defining its crystallographic symmetry.

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Sylvanite commonly occurs as individual, well-formed crystals, making it a popular specimen for collectors.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite's crystal habit is typically massive to crystalline, with distinct, well-formed crystals being rare, not common.

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Sylvanite displays perfect cleavage on the {010} plane, resulting in smooth, flat surfaces when broken.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that Sylvanite exhibits perfect cleavage on the {010} plane, a characteristic crystallographic property.

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Sylvanite has a conchoidal fracture, producing smooth, curved surfaces similar to broken glass.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite has an uneven fracture, not a conchoidal fracture, meaning its broken surfaces are rough and irregular.

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The monoclinic crystal system of Sylvanite is characterized by three axes of equal length, with two perpendicular to each other.

Answer: False

Explanation: The monoclinic crystal system, which Sylvanite belongs to, is characterized by three axes of unequal length, with two perpendicular to each other and the third inclined, not all equal in length.

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What is the crystal system of Sylvanite?

Answer: Monoclinic

Explanation: Sylvanite crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, characterized by specific axial lengths and angles.

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What is the crystal class of Sylvanite?

Answer: Prismatic (2/m)

Explanation: Sylvanite's crystal class is Prismatic (2/m), which defines its point group symmetry.

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Which space group is associated with Sylvanite?

Answer: P2/c

Explanation: The space group P2/c describes the specific arrangement of atoms and symmetry operations within Sylvanite's crystal lattice.

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How is the typical crystal habit of Sylvanite described?

Answer: Massive to crystalline, with distinct crystals being rare

Explanation: Sylvanite's crystal habit is typically massive to crystalline, and the formation of distinct, well-formed crystals is uncommon.

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What type of cleavage does Sylvanite exhibit?

Answer: Perfect cleavage on the {010} plane

Explanation: Sylvanite exhibits perfect cleavage on the {010} plane, meaning it breaks cleanly along this specific crystallographic direction.

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How does Sylvanite typically fracture?

Answer: Uneven

Explanation: Sylvanite typically exhibits an uneven fracture, resulting in rough and irregular broken surfaces.

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Physical Properties

Sylvanite typically exhibits colors ranging from a steely gray to almost white, giving it a distinct metallic appearance.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sylvanite's characteristic colors are described as ranging from steely gray to almost white, contributing to its metallic appearance.

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Sylvanite is known for its high tenacity, making it resistant to breaking or shattering under stress.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite is characterized as brittle, meaning it tends to break or shatter easily, rather than having high tenacity.

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With a Mohs scale hardness of 1.5 to 2, Sylvanite is considered a very soft mineral.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sylvanite's Mohs scale hardness of 1.5 to 2 indeed classifies it as a very soft mineral, easily scratched by a fingernail.

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Sylvanite exhibits a dull, earthy luster, contrasting with its metallic composition.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite possesses a metallic luster, not a dull or earthy one, which is consistent with its metallic appearance.

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The streak color of Sylvanite is steel grey.

Answer: True

Explanation: The streak color of Sylvanite is confirmed as steel grey, which is the color of its powder.

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Sylvanite is translucent, allowing some light to pass through but not clear vision.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite is opaque, meaning it does not allow light to pass through it, rather than being translucent.

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Sylvanite has a specific gravity of 8.2 and a density of 8.1 g/cm³.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms Sylvanite's specific gravity as 8.2 and its density as 8.1 g/cm³, indicating it is a dense mineral.

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What are the characteristic colors of Sylvanite?

Answer: Steely gray to almost white

Explanation: Sylvanite is characterized by colors ranging from steely gray to almost white, contributing to its metallic appearance.

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What is the tenacity of Sylvanite?

Answer: Brittle

Explanation: Sylvanite is characterized by its brittle tenacity, meaning it tends to break or shatter easily under stress.

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What is the Mohs scale hardness of Sylvanite?

Answer: 1.5 to 2

Explanation: Sylvanite has a Mohs scale hardness of 1.5 to 2, classifying it as a very soft mineral.

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What kind of luster does Sylvanite possess?

Answer: Metallic

Explanation: Sylvanite exhibits a metallic luster, giving it a shiny, reflective appearance.

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What is the streak color of Sylvanite?

Answer: Steel grey

Explanation: The streak color of Sylvanite, observed when powdered, is steel grey.

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Regarding diaphaneity, how is Sylvanite described?

Answer: Opaque

Explanation: Sylvanite is described as opaque, meaning it does not transmit light.

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What is the specific gravity of Sylvanite?

Answer: 8.2

Explanation: Sylvanite has a specific gravity of 8.2, indicating its relative density compared to water.

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What is the density of Sylvanite?

Answer: 8.1 g/cm³

Explanation: The density of Sylvanite is 8.1 g/cm³, reflecting its high mass per unit volume.

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Optical and Special Properties

Sylvanite is optically isotropic, meaning its optical properties are uniform regardless of the direction of light.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite is optically anisotropic, meaning its optical properties vary depending on the direction of light, rather than being isotropic.

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Sylvanite exhibits pleochroism, showing different colors when viewed from various angles under polarized light.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite does not exhibit pleochroism, meaning its color remains consistent when viewed from different angles under polarized light.

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Sylvanite displays ultraviolet fluorescence, emitting visible light when exposed to UV radiation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite does not display ultraviolet fluorescence, meaning it does not emit visible light when exposed to UV radiation.

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Sylvanite is photosensitive and can develop a dark tarnish on its surface if exposed to bright light for extended periods.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sylvanite is indeed photosensitive, and prolonged exposure to bright light can cause a dark tarnish to form on its surface.

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Which of the following best describes the optical properties of Sylvanite?

Answer: Anisotropic

Explanation: Sylvanite is optically anisotropic, meaning its optical properties vary with the direction of light through the crystal.

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Does Sylvanite exhibit pleochroism?

Answer: No

Explanation: Sylvanite does not exhibit pleochroism, meaning its color does not change when viewed under polarized light from different angles.

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What is the effect of prolonged exposure to bright light on Sylvanite?

Answer: It develops a dark tarnish on its surface

Explanation: Sylvanite is photosensitive, and prolonged exposure to bright light can lead to the formation of a dark tarnish on its surface.

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Occurrence, Formation, and Economic Significance

Sylvanite partially derives its name from the Sylvan Mountains in North America, where it was first discovered.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite partially derives its name from Transylvania, a historical region in Central Europe, not the Sylvan Mountains in North America.

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In Australia, Sylvanite is found and mined in the East Kalgoorlie district.

Answer: True

Explanation: The East Kalgoorlie district in Australia is indeed a known location for Sylvanite occurrences and mining.

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The Kirkland Lake Gold District in Ontario and the Rouyn District in Quebec are known for Sylvanite occurrences in Canada.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sylvanite occurrences in Canada are specifically noted in the Kirkland Lake Gold District, Ontario, and the Rouyn District, Quebec.

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In the United States, Sylvanite has been found in California and Colorado, including the Cripple Creek ore deposit.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sylvanite has been found and mined in the United States, particularly in California and Colorado, with the Cripple Creek ore deposit being a notable location.

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Sylvanite is typically found in high-temperature metamorphic deposits, indicating formation under extreme heat and pressure.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite is most commonly found in low temperature hydrothermal vein deposits, not high-temperature metamorphic deposits.

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Sylvanite is primarily used as a major ore for silver, with gold and tellurium being minor byproducts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sylvanite is a minor ore for both gold and tellurium, not primarily a major ore for silver.

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The obsolete term 'Sylvanium' for the element tellurium originated from the mineral Sylvanite.

Answer: True

Explanation: The obsolete term 'Sylvanium' for the element tellurium indeed derived its name directly from the mineral Sylvanite.

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The source material includes an image of Sylvanite from the Cripple Creek mining district in Colorado.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source material explicitly states that an image depicts Sylvanite originating from the Cripple Creek mining district in Colorado.

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Sylvanite is commonly associated with native silver, galena, and sphalerite.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source lists native gold, quartz, fluorite, rhodochrosite, pyrite, acanthite, nagyagite, calaverite, krennerite, and other rare telluride minerals as common associations, but does not specifically mention native silver, galena, or sphalerite.

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From which geographical region does Sylvanite partially derive its name?

Answer: Transylvania

Explanation: Sylvanite's name is partially derived from Transylvania, a region in Central Europe where the mineral is found.

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In Australia, where is Sylvanite found and mined?

Answer: East Kalgoorlie district

Explanation: The East Kalgoorlie district is identified as a significant location for Sylvanite occurrences and mining in Australia.

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Which two Canadian districts are known for Sylvanite occurrences?

Answer: Kirkland Lake Gold District and Rouyn District

Explanation: The Kirkland Lake Gold District in Ontario and the Rouyn District in Quebec are specifically mentioned as Canadian locations for Sylvanite.

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In the United States, Sylvanite has been notably mined as part of which ore deposit?

Answer: Cripple Creek, Colorado

Explanation: The Cripple Creek ore deposit in Colorado is a notable location in the United States where Sylvanite has been mined.

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In what type of geological deposits is Sylvanite most commonly discovered?

Answer: Low temperature hydrothermal vein deposits

Explanation: Sylvanite is most frequently found in low temperature hydrothermal vein deposits, which are formed by mineral-rich fluids.

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What is the primary economic use of Sylvanite?

Answer: A minor ore for both gold and tellurium

Explanation: Sylvanite serves as a minor ore, providing a source for the extraction of both gold and tellurium.

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The obsolete term 'Sylvanium' was once used to refer to which element?

Answer: Tellurium

Explanation: The obsolete term 'Sylvanium' was historically used to refer to the element tellurium, deriving its name from the mineral Sylvanite.

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Which of the following minerals is NOT commonly associated with Sylvanite according to the source?

Answer: Galena

Explanation: The source lists native gold, quartz, and calaverite as commonly associated minerals, but does not include galena in this list.

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What does the image provided in the source material depict regarding Sylvanite?

Answer: A sample originating from the Cripple Creek mining district in Colorado

Explanation: The provided image specifically depicts a Sylvanite sample from the Cripple Creek mining district in Colorado.

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