Class : Sulfides and sulfosalts
    Subclass : Sulfides
    Crystal system : Hexagonal
    Chemistry : WS₂
    Rarity : Very rare

Tungstenite is an extremely rare tungsten sulfide. It is found in tungsten deposits (high-temperature hydrothermal veins, skarns or replacement deposits); its primary or secondary origin divides specialists. Its name is linked to its chemical composition. It is the tungsten equivalent of molybdenite from which it has borrowed the lamellar structure and the dark gray to black color. The lamellae of tungstenite are, however, notably smaller than in molybdenite and often grouped in fine scaly aggregates. Of low hardness (2.5), it is a mineral that stains the fingers.

Main photo : Tungstenite from Nedre Lapplægeret Quarry, Norway © OT. Ljøstad

No twinning known for this mineral species.

No fakes listed for this mineral species.