Mineralpedia Details for Tetrahedrite

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Named after its commonly tetrahedral crystals, Tetrahedrite occurs “in hydrothermal veins or contact metamorphism deposits of low to medium temperature of formation.” One of the most common sulfosalts, Tetraherite is found in thousands of localities worldwide.

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

Formula

Cu₁₂Sb₄S₁₃ 

Crystal System

Isometric 

Crystal Habit

Massive - Granular, Massive 

Cleavage

None, None, None 

Luster

Metallic 

Color

iron gray, black, steel gray 

Streak

black 

Class

Isometric - Hextetrahedral 

Fracture

Uneven 

Hardness

3.5-4 

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Mindat

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Large, well-formed, excellent Tetrahedrite crystals to 6mm associated with good Chalcopyrite crystals on Siderite. Excellent sulfide specimen, sits well, no damage.

Highly sought after are specimens such as this one from the Herodsfoot mine. As is typical from Heredsfoot, Tetrahedrite crystals are coated with Chalcopyrite. This specimen is no exception with 10 or 12 Tetraherite crystals from 5mm to 1cm in size. All are coated nicely with Chalcopyrite. The matrix is Galena. Comes with a David New label.

Large dull grey cubo-octahedral crystals to over 1cm. Originally called "Schwatzite" having originated from the Schwaz, Brixlegg - Schwaz area in Tyrol.

There are two Tetrahedrite crystals, the best to 6m, on this specimen with mostly mal-formed Galena and some Siderite. 

Rich specimen loaded with tetragonal crystals of dark steely grey Tetrahedrite to about 1cm on a matrix of Sphalerite.

This specimen was acquired by Hampson in 1960. The mine is located just southwest of Silverton, practically in town. This chunk of ore is pretty cool as the Tetrahedrite composes most of the matrix with a nice dull, metallic, and silvery luster and gives a nice reddish brown streak. There is also Chalcopyrite, Pyrite and Galena in the matrix. 

Special Info

Antique Specimen

Dark grey Tetrahedrite crystals to 4mm with Siderite. Another nice old specimen from this classic locality. See prov. tab to view old Ward's label.