Coloradoite (HgTe), from Buca della Vena mine, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy

The first italian occurrence of the extremely rare mercury telluride coloradoite (HgTe) is reported from the Buca della Vena mine, Apuan Alps, Tuscany. The studied samples show fine and distinct sub-millimetric, tetrahedral or more complex black crystals of coloradoite on calcite. Chemical composition and cell parameter are very similar to those of coloradoite from other localities in the world and with synthetic phase. The presence of this rare telluride at Buca della Vena within an unusual mineral assemblage (Fe-Ba ore deposit), is probably due to a short lived increase in fTe2, reflecting a finite and local tellurium supply in the vein cavities.