Formula: [Hg+]Hg2+2[O|(I,Br,Cl)]2
Origin of name: Honouring Dr. Karin Aurivillius (1920-1982) of the University of Lund, Lund, Sweden, for her work on the crystal chemistry of mercury-bearing inorganic compounds
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal class: 2/m
Twinning:
Unit cell: a = 17.58 Å, b = 6.979 Å, c = 6.693 Å, β=101.71°
Colour: Dark gray-black
Diaphaneity: Opaque
Luster: Metallic
Habit: Coatings to 0.5 mm, containing grains to 0.02 mm
Hardness: <5
Specific gravity: 8.96
Cleavage: Distinct/good along{100}
Tenacity: Brittle, uneven fracture
Streak: Dark red-brown
Synonyms/varieties:
Comments: IMA approved 2002. Found associated with other mercury minerals in a quartz-magnesite host-rock
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