It was first described in 1847 and its name originates from the Latin name for the Harz, Silva Hercynia, where the species was first found.[2][3]
Hercynite is a spinel of regular symmetry and normal cation distribution, but some disorder occurs in its structure. It consists of ferrous (Fe2+) ions and aluminium ions (Al3+); however some ferric ions (Fe3+) may be located in the structure of hercynite.[5]
Melting point of this mineral is inbetween 1,692–1,767 °C (3,078–3,213 °F).[6]
^Jastrzębska, Ilona; Szczerba J.; Stoch P.; Błachowski A.; Ruebenbauer K.; Prorok R.; Snieżek E. (2015). "Crystal structure and Mössbauer study of FeAl2O4". Department of Ceramics and Refractories. Nukleonika-Journal of Nuclear Research. 60 (1). Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology: 47–49. doi:10.1515/nuka-2015-0012.
