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.

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.

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