linnaeite

linnaeite, a cobalt sulfide mineral (Co₃S₄) or any member of a series of similar substances with the general formula (Co,Ni)₂(Co, Ni, Fe, Cu)S₄. The other known members of the series are siegenite, (Co,Ni)₃S₄ with Co:Ni = 1:1; carrollite, Co₂CuS₄; violarite, Ni₂FeS₄; and polydymite, Ni₃S₄. The linnaeites are usually associated with other metal sulfides in hydrothermal veins. A typical occurrence is the Siegen district, Germany. The members of this series crystallize in the isometric system; they all have spinellike structures. For chemical formulas and detailed physical properties, see sulfide mineral (table).