Pyrargyrite

pyrargyrite

proustite

acanthite

tetrahedrite

Images

Formula: Ag₃SbS₃
Sulphosalt, proustite group, forms a series with proustite, trigonal paramorph of monoclinic pyradoketosite and low-temperatute monoclinic pyrostilpnite
Crystal System: Trigonal
Specific gravity: 5.82 measured, 5.855 calculated
Hardness: 2½； to 3
Streak: Cherry red
Colour: Red to black
Solubility: Slightly soluble in nitric acid
Common impurities: As
Environments:

Hydrothermal environments

Pyrargyrite is a late-stage, low temperature mineral in the enrichment zone of epithermal (low temperature) hydrothermal silver ore veins. Also formed by secondary processes (Mindat, HOM). Associated minerals include silver, acanthite, tetrahedrite, other silver sulphosalts, calcite, dolomite and quartz (HOM).

Localities

At the Santa Catarina mine, Guanajuato, Mexico, acanthite pseudomorphs after pyrargyrite have been found (KL p125).

At Zacatecas, Mexico, silver pseudomorphs after pyrargyrite have been found (KL p118).

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