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Home > Acanthite

Acanthite

Acanthite

Acanthite

Acanthite

Acanthite

Acanthite

A species of Acanthite Group, Also known as Acantite, Argentite-β, Argyrose, Henkelite, Silver Glance, Weicherz, β-Argentite

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.

Hardness:

2 - 2.5

Density:

7.24 g/cm³

General Info About Acanthite

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Physical Properties of Acanthite

Luster

Metallic

Diaphaneity

Opaque

Colors

lead grey, black

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Sectile

Cleavage

None

Fracture

Subconchoidal

Streak

lead grey

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Hardness

2 - 2.5 , Extremely soft

Density

7.24 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight

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Chemical Properties of Acanthite

Chemical Classification

Sulfides

Formula

Ag₂S

Elements listed

Ag, S

Common Impurities

Se

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Rarity

Rare

Characteristics of Acanthite

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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.

Cultural Significance of Acanthite

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Uses of Acanthite

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.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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