pyrargyrite

mineral

Also known as: dark ruby silver

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Related Topics:: sulfosalt; ore; proustite

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pyrargyrite, a sulfosalt mineral, a silver antimony sulfide (Ag₃SbS₃), that is an important source of silver, sometimes called ruby silver because of its deep red colour (see also proustite). The best crystallized specimens, of hexagonal symmetry, are from St. Andreasberg in the Harz Mountains and from Freiberg, both in Germany; and Colquechaca, Bol. It is mined at Guanajuato, Mex., and near Silver City, Idaho. It is common in small amounts in the silver mines of the western United States and is abundant at the Comstock Lode, Nevada. For detailed physical properties, see sulfosalt (table).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.