Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 21, 2026

Erlichmanite

Erlichmanite is the naturally occurring mineral form of osmium sulfide (OsS2). It is grey with a metallic luster, hardness around 5, and specific gravity about 9. It is found in noble metal placer deposits. Erlichmanite is named for Jozef Erlichman, an electron microprobe analyst at NASA's Ames Research Center.

Last revised
Jun 21, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
104 w
Citations
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Source
Wikipedia ↗
Erlichmanite
General
CategoryPyrite
FormulaOsS2
IMA symbolErl1
Strunz classification2/D.17-110
Dana classification2.12.1.16
Crystal systemIsometric
Crystal classDiploidal
Unit cell177.47 ų
Identification
Formula mass254.33gm
ColourGrey
Crystal habitPyritohedral crystals or grains
Mohs scale hardness4.5-5.5
LusterMetallic
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity8.28
Density8.28 g/cm3 (Measured), 9.59 g/cm3 (Calc)
PleochroismNon-pleochromic
Common impuritiesIridium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Paladium

Erlichmanite is the naturally occurring mineral form of osmium sulfide (OsS2). It is grey with a metallic luster, hardness around 5, and specific gravity about 9.2 It is found in noble metal placer deposits.3 Erlichmanite is named for Jozef Erlichman, an electron microprobe analyst at NASA's Ames Research Center.4

References

References

  1. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. "Erlichmanite".
  3. "Erlichmanite Mineral Data".
  4. "Erlichmanite" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-08-01.