HOLLINGWORTHITE Meaning and
Definition
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Hollingworthite is a rare and valuable mineral that belongs to the platinum group of minerals. It is named after the British mineralogist and chemist Percy H. G. B. Hollingworth, who first discovered and described the mineral in 1958.
Chemically, hollingworthite is a sulfide mineral composed of the elements platinum, palladium, rhodium, and arsenic. Its chemical formula is typically given as (Rh,Pt,Pd)AsS. It is usually found in association with other platinum group minerals, such as sperrylite and cooperite.
In terms of physical characteristics, hollingworthite is known for its metallic luster and silver-white to steel-gray color. It forms in the orthorhombic crystal system and often occurs as tiny grains or inclusions within other minerals. It has a high density and a hardness of approximately 5.5 on the Mohs scale.
Hollingworthite is primarily found in ore deposits associated with ultramafic and mafic igneous rocks, where it forms as a result of hydrothermal processes. Some notable occurrences of hollingworthite include Russia, South Africa, the United States, and Canada.
Due to its rarity and association with platinum group metals, hollingworthite has significant industrial importance. It is used primarily in catalysts for various chemical reactions, particularly those involving hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. Additionally, it has applications in jewelry and as a collector's mineral due to its aesthetic appeal and limited availability.
Etymology of HOLLINGWORTHITE
The word "hollingworthite" is named after the English chemist and mineralogist Arthur William Hollingworth (1867-1936). He was known for his research and contributions to the field of mineralogy, particularly in the study of platinum-group minerals. Hollingworthite is a rare mineral belonging to the platinum-group minerals, specifically the sulfide group. It was first discovered and described by Hollingworth himself in 1907.
