Mineralpedia Details for Imiterite

Imiterite

Named after the Imiter mine in Morocco, which is the type locality for the mineral. Imiterite occurs in pyrite-bearing deposits and in hydrothermal vein deposits in localities in, additionally, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Italy, and the United States. Associated minerals include chalcopyrite, sphalerite, acanthite, polybasite, galena, arsenopyrite, pyrite, marcasite, and calcite.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/imiterite.pdf

Formula: Ag₂HgS₂
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Luster: Metallic
Color: light gray, black, silver gray
Streak: dark gray
Class: Monoclinic - Prismatic
Hardness: 2.5-3
WebMineral: View Imiterite
Mindat: View Imiterite

Imiterite from Imiter mine, Tinghir Prov., Drâa-Tafilalet, Morocco

Special Info: Type Locality

Long, slender needles with rounded tips (typical of mercuric sulfides) to about 1mm maybe up to 1.5mm in vuggy Calcite matrix associated with leaf Silver (2.5cm).

Needle-like crystals with rounded tips to maybe 0.5 to .75mm in vuggy calcite or dolomite matrix.

Silvery-gray rods of Imiterite to <1mm with red Cinnabar crystals.