tetrahedrite

tetrahedrite, common sulfosalt mineral, an antimony sulfide of copper, iron, zinc, and silver [(Cu,Fe,Zn,Ag)₁₂Sb₄S₁₃], that is an important ore of copper and sometimes of silver. It forms gray to black metallic crystals or masses in metalliferous hydrothermal veins. Tetrahedrite forms a solid solution series with the similar mineral tennantite, in which arsenic replaces antimony in the molecular structure. It is found in important quantities in Switzerland, Germany, Romania, the Czech Republic, France, Peru, and Chile, and both minerals occur in large amounts in Colorado, Idaho, and other localities in the western United States. For detailed physical properties, see sulfosalt (table).