Qusongite Explained

Qusongite
Category:	Native element minerals
Formula:	WC
Imasymbol:	Qus^[1]
Strunz:	1.BA.25
System:	Hexagonal
Class:	Ditrigonal dipyramidal (m2) H-M symbol: (m2)
Symmetry:	Pm2
Unit Cell:	a = 2.902, c = 2.831 [Å]; Z = 1
Color:	black, steel grey
References:	^[2]

Qusongite is an extremely rare mineral with the simple formula WC, which shows the mineral to be a naturally occurring tungsten carbide. It was found in Luobusa ophiolite, China. This ophiolite is known for many natural reduced compounds, including native metals, diamond, silicides and carbides (e.g., moissanite, natural silicon carbide). Qusongite crystallizes in the hexagonal system, with space group P-6m2.^{[3] [4] [5]}

Notes and References

1. Warr. L.N.. 2021. IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine. 85. 3 . 291–320. 10.1180/mgm.2021.43 . 2021MinM...85..291W . 235729616 . free.
2. http://www.mindat.org/min-35898.html Mindat
3. Fang, Q., Bai, W., Yang, J., Xu, X., Li, G., Shi, N., Xiong, M., and Rong, H., 2009. Qusongite (WC): A new mineral. American Mineralogist 94(2-3), 387-390.
4. Web site: Qusongite: Qusongite mineral information and data . Mindat.org . 2016-03-04.
5. Web site: Luobusha ophiolite ("Luobusa ophiolite"), Qusum Co. (Qusong Co.), Shannan Prefecture (Lhokha Prefecture; Lhoka Prefecture), Tibet Autonomous Region, China - Mindat.org . Mindat.org . 2016-03-04.