Jalpaite Explained

Jalpaite
Category:Sulfide mineral
Formula:Ag3CuS2
Imasymbol:Jal[1]
Strunz:2.BA.45
System:Tetragonal
Class:Ditetragonal dipyramidal (4/mmm)
H-M symbol: (4/m 2/m 2/m)
Symmetry:I41/amd
Unit Cell:a = 8.67, c = 11.75 [Å]; Z = 8
Color:Pale metallic gray
Habit:Irregular and foliated masses, inclusions in other minerals
Cleavage:Prismatic, good
Fracture:Subconchoidal
Tenacity:Sectile, malleable
Mohs:2 - 2.5
Luster:Metallic
Streak:Black
Diaphaneity:Opaque
Gravity:6.82–6.85
Pleochroism:Distinct in oil, brownish gray to pure gray
Alteration:Tarnishes with iridescence
References:[2] [3] [4]

Jalpaite is a rare copper silver sulfide mineral with formula Ag3CuS2.

It was first described in 1858 for an occurrence in the Leonora Mine, Jalpa, Zacatecas, Mexico and named for the locality.[3] It occurs in low temperature hydrothermal veins at temperatures less than . Associated minerals include acanthite, mckinstryite, galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, stromeyerite, polybasite, pearceite, tetrahedritetennantite and native silver.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Warr. L.N.. 2021. IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine. 85. 3. 291–320. 10.1180/mgm.2021.43. 2021MinM...85..291W. 235729616. free.
  2. http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/jalpaite.pdf Handbook of Mineralogy
  3. http://www.mindat.org/min-2069.html Mindat.org
  4. http://www.webmineral.com/data/Jalpaite.shtml Webmineral data