Mineralpedia Details for Pyrargyrite
Pyrargyrite
Named after the Greek pyr, for “fire,” and argyros, for “silver,” in reference to the color and silver in the composition. AN important silver ore, Pyrargyrite can be found in hydrothermal veins both as a primary and secondary mineral and can also be found in oxidized silver deposits. There are hundreds of localities, a few include Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, the United States, Canada, Bolivia, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Australia.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/pyrargyrite.pdf
- Formula
- Ag3SbS3
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
- Crystal Habit
- Massive, Crystalline - Poor, Prismatic
- Cleavage
- Poor, None, None
- Luster
- Sub Metallic
- Color
- deep red, red gray
- Streak
- cherry red
- Class
- Trigonal - Ditrigonal Pyramidal
- Fracture
- Brittle - Conchoidal
- Hardness
- 2.5
- WebMineral
- View Pyrargyrite
- Mindat
- View Pyrargyrite
Pyrargyrite from Cerro de Potosí, Potosí City, Potosí dept., Bolivia
Deep red, lustrous crystals to 4.5mm.
Pyrargyrite from Huaron, Peru
Deep red crude, as typical of this species, crystal aggregate to 1.8cm.
Pyrargyrite from San Luis mine, Fresnillo, Zacatacas, Mexico
Deep red stout, prismatic crystals, the largest being 2cm.
Pyrargyrite from Molly Gibson mine, Aspen, Pitkin Co., Colorado, United States
Deep ruby-red Pyrargyrite throughout matrix.
Pyrargyrite from Porco, Potosi, Bolivia
Deep red larger 1cm plus areas and a 2mm crystal at the center. Good representative specimen. Associated with other sulfides.
Pyrargyrite from Pribram, Bohemia, Czech Republic
Deep red Pyrargyrite crystal group to 1.2cm.
Pyrargyrite from Colquechaca, Potosi dept., Bolivia
Small 1cm single ruby red crystal.
Pyrargyrite from Freiberg dist., Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany
Excellent cluster of Pyrargyrite crystals with a almost bluish-metallic adamantine luster and a superb deep cherry-red internal color with many crystals showing good form and terminated ends. Superb piece from a classic locality!
Pyrargyrite from Cobalt-Gowganda dist., Ontario, Canada
- Special Info
- EDS Confirmed
A small matrix specimen of deep red Pyrargyrite. There are about 5 or 6 crystals the longest is 4mm, Associated with Calcite.
Pyrargyrite from San Guillermo vein, Fresnillo, Zacatacas, Mexico
Solid mass of argentiferous Galena with massive ruby red Pyrargyrite. An ore of Silver.
Pyrargyrite from Uchucchacua mine, Oyon prov., Lima dept., Peru
A beautiful small crystal, cherry red and terminated with prism faces.
Pyrargyrite from Reese River dist., Lander Co., Nevada, United States
- Special Info
- Antique Specimen
Basically an ore grade specimen from a remote & historic locality in Nevada. The Pyrargyrite occurs as a silvery mass throughout the specimen. With the aid of a microscope, a scratch shows a cherry red color. See prov. tab for old label.
