Argutite

Argutite (GeO₂) is a rare germanium oxide mineral. It is a member of the rutile group.

Argutite
General
Category	Oxide mineral
Formula	GeO2
IMA symbol	Agt[1]
Strunz classification	4.DB.05
Dana classification	04.04.01.07
Crystal system	Tetragonal Ditetragonal dipyramidal class
Space group	Tetragonal H–M Symbol: (4/m 2/m 2/m) Space group: P42/mnm
Unit cell	a = 4.3975, c = 2.8625 [Å]; Z = 2
Identification
Formula mass	104.61
Color	Grayish black, light gray in reflected light
Crystal habit	Subhedral crystals, as inclusions in sphalerite
Twinning	Occasionally twinned on {101}
Mohs scale hardness	6-7
Luster	Vitreous - adamantine
Diaphaneity	Transparent to opaque
Specific gravity	6.28 calculated
Optical properties	Uniaxial (+)
Refractive index	2.01
References	[2][3][4]

It was first described for an occurrence in the Argut deposit, central Pyrenees, Haute-Garonne, France in 1983.^[3][4] The type locality is within a zinc ore deposit within lower Paleozoic sedimentary rocks that have undergone metamorphism. Associated minerals include sphalerite, cassiterite, siderite and briartite.^[4]

See also

• Earth sciences portal

• List of minerals