How do I identify Pyrargyrite?

Pyrargyrite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Deep red color, Adamantine luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Pyrargyrite?

Pyrargyrite typically appears in Deep red, red gray. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Pyrargyrite?

Pyrargyrite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Pyrargyrite

A variety of Proustite Group

Rare

Pyrargyrite specimen - rock identification

What is Pyrargyrite?

Pyrargyrite is a striking, silver-containing mineral sought after by miners and rockhounds alike. The mineral is sometimes referred to as red silver ore or ruby silver because it often takes on a deep red hue; specimens that are both deep red and exhibit some transparency are particularly prized by collectors. Though it is rare, deposits of pyrargyrite can be found around the world.

Etymology & Origins

The color of pyrargyrite is usually greyish-black and the lustre metallic-adamantine; large crystals are opaque, but small ones and thin splinters are deep ruby-red by transmitted light, hence the name, from the Greek pyr and argyros, "fire-silver" in allusion to color and silver content, given by E. F. Glocker in 1831. The streak is purplish-red, thus differing markedly from the scarlet streak of proustite and affording a ready means of distinguishing the two minerals.

Uses & Applications

Pyrargyrite is typically mined as a source of silver, which it often thought of as a precious metal used in jewelry and decorations. However, silver mined from pyrargyrite has many other uses, ranging from metal alloys used in dentistry to batteries. Silver is also used in tips of gloves that are touchscreen-sensitive.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 2.881-3.084
Birefringence: 0.203
Pleochroism: Strong
Optical Character: Uniaxial negative

Pyrargyrite Market Value Calculator

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

Pyrargyrite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Pyrargyrite

The Mohs hardness is 2.75, and the specific gravity 5.85. The refractive indices (nω=3.084 nε=2.881) and birefringence (δ=0.203) are very high. There is no very distinct cleavage and the fracture is conchoidal. The mineral occurs in metalliferous veins with calcite, argentiferous galena, native silver, native arsenic, &c.