Acanthite
A variety of Acanthite Group
What is Acanthite?
Acanthite is supersaturated in silver and is the most predominant mineral mined to refine this element. A massive cache of acanthite was found in 1859 in Nevada, USA, causing a major silver rush to that state. A new mint was built close by just to process the massive amounts of silver being unearthed.
Uses & Applications
Acanthite is a type of silver sulfide, a substance which is used in photosensitive materials for photography. This mineral is a common variant of silver ore and is commercially important for producing silver. It is enjoyed decoratively in its raw form.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Acanthite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Acanthite Localities Map
See where Acanthite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Acanthite
Acanthite is a common silver mineral in moderately low-temperature hydrothermal veins and in zones of supergene enrichment. It occurs in association with native silver, pyrargyrite, proustite, polybasite, stephanite, aguilarite, galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, calcite and quartz. Acanthite was first described in 1855 for an occurrence in the Jáchymov (St Joachimsthal) District, Krušné Hory Mts (Erzgebirge), Karlovy Vary Region, Bohemia, Czech Republic. The name is from the Greek "akantha" meaning thorn or arrow, in reference to its crystal shape.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- lead grey, black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2 - 2.5
- Density
- 7.24 g/cm³
- Streak
- lead grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ag2S
- Elements
- Ag, S
Also Known As
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Acanthite FAQs
How do I identify Acanthite?
Acanthite can be identified by its hardness of 2 - 2.5 on the Mohs scale, lead grey color, Metallic luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Acanthite?
Acanthite typically appears in lead grey, black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Acanthite?
Acanthite has a hardness of 2 - 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the formation of acanthite of Acanthite?
Acanthite is a common silver mineral in moderately low-temperature hydrothermal veins and in zones of supergene enrichment. It occurs in association with native silver, pyrargyrite, proustite, polybasite, stephanite, aguilarite, galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, calcite and quartz. Acanthite was first described in 1855 for an occurrence in the Jáchymov (St Joachimsthal) District, Krušné Hory Mts (Erzgebirge), Karlovy Vary Region, Bohemia, Czech Republic. The name is from the Greek "akantha" meaning thorn or arrow, in reference to its crystal shape.