











Mineralpedia Details for Polybasite
Polybasite

Named for the Greek poly, meaning “many,” and basis, meaning “base,” in reference to the presence of several metallic bases present in the composition. There are hundreds of localities for Polybasite. Occurs in low to medium temperature silver vein deposits often associated with Silver and Galena. Crystals silvery to grey with deep red internal reflections, thin tabular and pseudohexagonal.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/polybasite.pdf
- Formula
- Cu(Ag,Cu)6Ag9Sb2S11
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
- Crystal Habit
- Massive - Granular, Granular, Pseudo Hexagonal
- Cleavage
- Poor, None, None
- Luster
- Sub Metallic
- Color
- black, dark ruby red
- Streak
- reddish black
- Class
- Monoclinic - Prismatic
- Fracture
- Uneven
- Hardness
- 2.5-3
- WebMineral
- View Polybasite
- Mindat
- View Polybasite
Polybasite from Double Rainbow mine, Galena, Lawrence Co., South Dakota, United States

Pseudohexagonal tablets of Polybasite, 1-1.5cm with deep red internal reflections.
Polybasite from Zaca mine, Alpine Co., California, United States

Exceptional micro crystal of this rare sulfosalt to about 0.7mm.
Polybasite from San Juan de Rayas mine, Guanajuato, Mexico
- Special Info
- EDS Confirmed
Polybasite crystal with hexagonal form and nice "striations" in patterns that mimic the crystal shape.
Polybasite from near Deer Lodge, Powell Co., Montana, United States

- Special Info
- EDS Confirmed
Good deep internally red hex-plates of Polybasite crystals to 1mm. Confirmed.
Polybasite from Cobalt-Gowganda dist., Ontario, Canada

- Special Info
- EDS Confirmed
A crude Polybasite crystal, a bit roughed up, but showing red internal reflections.
Polybasite from Husky mine, Elsa, Galena Hill, Yukon, Canada
A superb platy, iridescent plate of pseudo-hexagonal crystal group to 1.2cm across. Overall the specimen is 1.7cm.
Polybasite from Fresnillo, Zacatacas, Mexico
Silvery, deeply "striated" crystal of Polybasite.