Recently, the reporter learned from the Henan Provincial Bureau of Geology and mineral exploration that a new mineral was officially named by the International Association for mineral exploration and development, and was approved by the new mineral classification.

According to the technicians of the Bureau, kongtizu silver mine was found in Yindongpo gold mine, Tongbai County, Nanyang City, Henan Province. It is the ninth member of the international new mineral family who belongs to “Henan nationality”. After systematic mineralogical studies on physical properties, chemical composition, crystal structure and spectral characteristics, the research team confirmed that it is a new mineral of tetrahedrite family that has not been found in nature.

According to observation and research, the mineral sample is gray black, gray under reflected light, and has brownish red internal reflection, opaque metallic luster and black stripes. It is brittle and closely coexists with minerals such as crimson silver ore, sphalerite, galena, empty iron silver tetrahedrite and pyrite.

It is reported that the empty iron tetrahedrite is the most silver rich tetrahedrite mineral in nature, with a silver content of 52.3%. More importantly, its special structure is known as the unsolved mystery of tetrahedrite family by international peers. Its outstanding performance in catalysis, chemical sensing and photoelectric functions has become a hot spot in the research field of silver clusters.