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Pyrargyrite
Current inventory:  1 gem
 

Chemistry:  Ag₃SbS₃

Discovered in 1831;   IMA status: Valid (pre-IMA; Grandfathered).
Pyrargyrite is named from the Greek words, pyr and argyros, "fire-silver" in allusion to its color and silver content.

Classification

Mineral Classification:

Sulphides

Strunz 8th Ed. ID:

2/E.07-20

2 : Sulphides
E : Sulphosalts (S : As,Sb,Bi = x), Sulphosalts with predominant Fe and Cu and x = 2.0
07 : Proustite - Samsonite series

Crystal Data

Crystallography:

Trigonal - Ditrigonal Pyramidal

Crystal Habit:

Crystals commonly prismatic, showing hemimorphism, typically with prominent development of rhombohedra; also steep scalenohedra, to 6 cm; massive, granular. Twinning: as twins of complex aggregates of individuals and as lamellar twins.

Physical Properties

Cleavage:

[1011] Distinct, [0112] very Imperfect

Fracture:

Conchoidal to Uneven

Tenacity:

Brittle

Moh's Hardness:

2.5

Density:

5.82 - 5.85 (g/cm³)

Radioactivity:

Not Radioactive

Optical Properties

Color:

Deep Red, Red Gray

Transparency:

Translucent to Opaque, darkens with exposure to light

Luster:

Adamantine to Submetallic

Refractive Index:

2.881 - 3.084  Uniaxial ( - )

Birefringence:

0.2030

Dispersion:

Weak to Distinct

Pleochroism:

Weak  (distinct in air)

Anisotropism:

Strong; in pale yellow and gray-blue

Occurances

Geological Setting:

Formed in hydrothermal veins as a primary late-stage, low-temperature mineral; also formed by secondary processes.

Type Locality:

n/a

Year Discovered:

1831

View mineral photos:

Pyrargyrite Mineral Photos and Locations

More Information

Mindat.org
Webmineral.com

Pyrargyrite is an exceedingly rare collector's gem. Pyrargyrite crystals are found in several locations worldwide including Chile, Bolivia, Germany, Spain, Mexico, USA and Canada but are usually too small for faceting. A limited quantity of large, transparent crystals have been found in Chile and Colquechaca, Bolivia. A few gems, some approaching 50 carats, have been cut from this material. However, these gems tend to be too dark to be very attractive.
 

  
Pyrargyrite gems for sale: