How do I identify Dyscrasite?

Dyscrasite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale, Silver White color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Dyscrasite?

Dyscrasite typically appears in Silver White. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Dyscrasite?

Dyscrasite has a hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Dyscrasite

A variety of Minerals

What is Dyscrasite?

The silver antimonide mineral dyscrasite has the chemical formula Ag3Sb. It is an opaque, silver white, metallic mineral which crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system. It forms pyramidal crystals up to 5 cm (2.0 in) and can also form cylindrical and prismatic crystals.

Dyscrasite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Dyscrasite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Dyscrasite Localities Map

See where Dyscrasite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Dyscrasite

Dyscrasite is a metal ore and is opaque. In reflected light, however, it demonstrates weak anisotropism. Dyscrasite’s color under plane polarized light is most likely dark grey/black. When spun on a rotatable stage of a microscope (under plane polarized light), dyscrasite’s color should slightly change shades. This property is called pleochroism. Dyscrasite exhibits very weak reflected light pleochroism. Dyscrasite belongs to the orthorhombic crystal class, meaning all three of its axes (a, b, and c) are unequal in length and are 90° to each other.

Formation of Dyscrasite

It was first described for an occurrence in 1797 in the Wenzel Mine, Black Forest, Germany. The name dyscrasite comes from the Greek word δυσκράσις, meaning "a bad alloy." It occurs as a hydrothermal mineral in silver bearing veins in association with native silver, pyrargyrite, acanthite, stromeyerite, tetrahedrite, allemontite, galena, calcite and baryte.