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Proustite

Proustite

A species of Proustite Group, Also known as Light Red Silver Ore

Proustite appears near the top of many gem collectors' "must-have" lists. It is very difficult to come across a specimen that is gallery grade. Less attractive pieces are mined and smelted for their high levels of silver. It is one of the very few transparent crystals to contain this element!

Hardness
Hardness:

2 - 2.5

Density
Density:

5.625 g/cm³

General Info About Proustite

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Physical Properties of Proustite

Luster
Adamantine
Diaphaneity
Translucent
Colors
Scarlet, Vermilion, reddish gray
Magnetism
Non-magnetic
Tenacity
Brittle
Cleavage
Good
Fracture
Conchoidal, Uneven
Streak
Vermilion red
Crystal System
Trigonal
Hardness
2 - 2.5 , Extremely soft
Density
5.625 g/cm³, Obviously Heavy Weight
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Chemical Properties of Proustite

Chemical Classification
Sulfosalt
Formula
Ag3AsS3
Elements listed
Ag, As, S
Common Impurities
Sb

Optical Properties of Proustite

Refractive Index
2.792-3.087
Birefringence
0.295
Pleochroism
Strong
Optical Character
Uniaxial negative

Health Risk of Proustite

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What is the hazards of Proustite?

Harm Type
Heavy Metals
Proustite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Arsenic, Silver.

How to prevent the risks of Proustite?

Avoid inhaling its dust!
Avoid putting it into mouth!
It's advisable to handle proustite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing proustite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store proustite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.

Discover the Value of Proustite

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Rarity
Rare

Characteristics of Proustite

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Characteristics of Proustite

The prismatic crystals are often terminated by the scalenohedron and the obtuse rhombohedron, thus resembling calcite (dog-tooth-spar) in habit. The color is scarlet-vermilion and the luster adamantine; crystals are transparent and very brilliant, but on exposure to light they soon become dull black and opaque. The streak is scarlet, the hardness 2.5, and the specific gravity 5.57.

Cultural Significance of Proustite

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Uses of Proustite

Proustite is a minor ore of silver, which is an important metal used in utensils, mirrors, jewelry, and photography. This mineral is often sought out by collectors for its brilliant color and rarity but is too soft to use for jewelry.

Distribution of Proustite

Magnificent groups of large crystals have been found at Chañarcillo in Chile; other localities which have yielded fine specimens are Freiberg and Marienberg in Saxony, Joachimsthal in Bohemia and Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines in Alsace.

Mineralogy and Petrology of Proustite

Proustite occurs in hydrothermal deposits as a phase in the oxidized and supergene zone. It is associated with other silver minerals and sulfides such as native silver, native arsenic, xanthoconite, stephanite, acanthite, tetrahedrite and chlorargyrite.

Etymology of Proustite

It is closely allied to the corresponding sulfantimonide, pyrargyrite, from which it was distinguished by the chemical analyses of Joseph L. Proust (1754–1826) in 1804, after whom the mineral received its name.

Healing Properties of Proustite

Proustite activates the Root chakra and connects it to the Earthstar chakra to help the user stay grounded. It is said to help a person identify their inner fears and provides the energy for change. It removes negative energy from the aura and protects against toxic psychic forces. It is believed to purify the physical and spiritual body to allow for inner healing.
Chakras
Root

Common Questions People Also Ask

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