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.
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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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