Miargyrite Explained

Miargyrite
Formula:AgSbS2
Imasymbol:May[1]
Strunz:2.HA.10
System:Monoclinic
Class:Prismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Symmetry:C2/c
Mohs:2–
Streak:red
Gravity:5.2
Melt:514°C
References:[2] [3] [4]

Miargyrite, formerly known as ruby blende or garnet blende is a mineral, a sulfide of silver and antimony with the formula AgSbS2. It is a dimorph of cuboargyrite. Originally discovered in the Freiberg district of Germany in 1824, it has subsequently been found in many places where silver is mined. It usually occurs in low temperature hydrothermal deposits. and forms black metallic crystals which may show a dark red internal reflection. The streak is also red.

Miargyrite is named from the Greek meyon, "smaller" and argyros, "silver", as its silver content is lower than most silver sulfides.

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. https://www.mineralienatlas.de/lexikon/index.php/MineralData?mineral=Miargyrite Mineralienatlas
  3. http://www.mindat.org/min-2702.html Mindata
  4. http://webmineral.com/data/Miargyrite.shtml Webmineral