Merenskyite

Merenskyite is a rare telluride / bismuthinide mineral with the chemical formula (Pd,Pt)(Te,Bi)₂.^[3][4] It is an opaque white to light gray metallic mineral that occurs as inclusions within other minerals such as chalcopyrite. It crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system.^[3]

Merenskyite
General
Category	Telluride mineral
Formula	(Pd,Pt)(Te,Bi)2
IMA symbol	Mrk[1]
Strunz classification	2.EA.20
Crystal system	Trigonal
Crystal class	Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m) H-M symbol: (3m)
Space group	P3m1
Unit cell	a = 3.978(1) Å, c = 5.125(2) Å; Z = 1
Identification
Color	White, grayish white
Crystal habit	Microscopic inclusions, intergrowths with other Pd–Pt minerals
Mohs scale hardness	3.5
Diaphaneity	Opaque
Specific gravity	8.547
Pleochroism	Weak, white to grayish white in air under reflected light
References	[2][3][4][5]

Merenskyite was first described in 1966 for an occurrence in the Merensky Reef of the Western Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa, and named for South African geologist Hans Merensky (1871–1952).^[5]