Kiddcreekite

Chemical formula: Cu₆WSnS₈

A rare sulfide of copper, tungsten, and tin, found as microscopic grains in ore deposits.

## Characteristics Kiddcreekite is a rare sulfide mineral composed of copper, tungsten, tin, and sulfur. It occurs as very small, anhedral (irregularly shaped) grains, usually not exceeding a few tens of micrometers in size. Due to its microscopic size, its visual characteristics are difficult to observe without specialized equipment. Under a microscope in reflected light, it has a pale white color with a gray tint. ## Physical Properties This mineral is characterized by a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. It is opaque and has a metallic luster. Its density has not been precisely measured due to the small size of the grains. ## Colors and Varieties Kiddcreekite has a pale, grayish-brown color. No varieties have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral was first described in 1984 by D.C. Harris, A.C. Roberts, A.E. Laflamme, and D.A.C. Manning. Its name comes from its discovery locality – the Kidd Creek Mine (Kidd Mine) in Ontario, Canada, which is its type locality. The second type locality is the Campbell Mine in Bisbee, Arizona, USA. ## Uses Kiddcreekite has no industrial application. It is of purely scientific and collector interest, being an object of interest for specialized collectors of rare minerals.

Properties

Mohs hardness
4
Luster
Metallic
Density
0
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Isometric

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of kiddcreekite is only possible using advanced laboratory methods, such as chemical composition analysis (EDS/WDS) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Visual identification, even under a microscope, is impossible. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals Kiddcreekite can be confused with many other microscopic sulfides with a metallic luster, such as chalcopyrite, sphalerite, cassiterite, wolframite, or other complex sulfosalts. Definitive differentiation requires specialized chemical and structural analysis. ## Crystal Forms This mineral forms only very fine, anhedral grains dispersed within the mass of other minerals, mainly chalcopyrite. No well-formed crystals have been observed.

Geological environment

## Genesis Kiddcreekite forms as a result of hydrothermal processes within volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. It forms as a product of late-stage mineralization, likely through reactions between tin minerals (like cassiterite) and tungsten-rich solutions. ## Mineral Associations This mineral most commonly co-occurs with chalcopyrite, sphalerite, cassiterite, wolframite, as well as native bismuth, native silver, galena, and pyrite. ## Localities The most important and only confirmed occurrences of this mineral are its two type localities: the Kidd Mine in Timmins, Ontario, Canada, and the Campbell Mine in Bisbee, Arizona, USA.

Rarity

Very rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria As a microscopic mineral, kiddcreekite is not evaluated based on typical aesthetic criteria such as color, form, or crystal size. The value of a specimen lies solely in the confirmed presence of the mineral in the rock matrix, documented by appropriate analysis. The most valuable specimens are those from type localities, with possibly rich concentrations of grains visible under a microscope. ## Popular Localities The only sources of specimens are the two type localities: Kidd Mine in Canada and Campbell Mine in the USA. Material from these locations is extremely rarely available on the collector's market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens containing kiddcreekite, due to the microscopic nature of the mineral, generally do not require cleaning. If necessary, only compressed air should be used to remove dust. Avoid contact with water and chemical agents. ## What to Avoid Avoid all chemicals, acids, and detergents, which can react with sulfides and damage both kiddcreekite and associated minerals. The mineral is sensitive to oxidation, so it should be protected from moisture and sudden temperature changes. ## Storage Specimens should be stored under stable conditions, preferably in closed, dry containers (e.g., "perky box" type), to limit air and moisture access. Protect from direct sunlight and dust.

External references

Sources

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