Formula: AgFe2S3
Sulphide, paramorph of
sternbergite
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 4.25
Hardness: 3½ to 4
Streak: Grey
Colour: Bronze-brown, tarnishing to lead-grey
Common impurities: Cu,As
Environments
Argentopyrite is a rare sulphide in silver-bearing hydrothermal veins,
associated with
arsenic, proustite,
pyrargyrite, pyrostilpnite,
xanthoconite, sternbergite,
stephanite, pyrite,
nickelskutterudite,
dolomite,
calcite and quartz
(HOM).
Localities
The type locality is Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic. In a specimen from here
aggregates of nickelskutterudite are abundant, occurring earlier
than argentopyrite. Considerable associated proustite was also
noted
(AM 39.475-485).
In a specimen from Freiberg, Mittelsachsen, Saxony, Germany, argentopyrite was associated with
gypsum, which appears as tiny crystals perched on a crust of
argentopyrite
and arsenic. Some proustite and
occasional grains of pyrite were also observed
(AM 39.475-485).
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