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Home > Polybasite

Polybasite

Photo By Robert M. Lavinsky

Polybasite

Polybasite

Polybasite

Polybasite

Polybasite

A species of Pearceite-polybasite Group

Stumbling across a polybasite is not a common occurrence, so if you're peering upon a piece, you're fortunate! The name polybasite comes from Greek words meaning "many bases" as it is comprised of several different base elements, most of which are metallic. Its crystals are a common formation within veins of silver.

Hardness:

2.5 - 3

Density:

6.36 g/cm³

General Info About Polybasite

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Physical Properties of Polybasite

Luster

Metallic

Diaphaneity

Opaque

Colors

Black with dark ruby red internal reflections

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Indistinct

Fracture

Conchoidal

Streak

black

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Hardness

2.5 - 3 , Soft

Density

6.36 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight

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Chemical Properties of Polybasite

Chemical Classification

Sulfosalt

Formula

[(Ag,Cu)₆(Sb,As)₂S₇][Ag<sub>9</sub>CuS<sub>4</sub>]

Elements listed

Ag, As, Cu, S, Sb

Common Impurities

As, Fe

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Rarity

Rare

Characteristics of Polybasite

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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Is polybasite brittle?

What is the hardness of polybasite?

What color is polybasite?

Where does polybasite occur?

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