Jalpaite

(repeating unit)Ag3CuS2IMA symbolJal[1]Strunz classification2.BA.45Crystal systemTetragonalCrystal classDitetragonal dipyramidal (4/mmm)
H-M symbol: (4/m 2/m 2/m)Space groupI41/amdUnit cella = 8.67, c = 11.75 [Å]; Z = 8IdentificationColorPale metallic grayCrystal habitIrregular and foliated masses, inclusions in other mineralsCleavagePrismatic, goodFractureSubconchoidalTenacitySectile, malleableMohs scale hardness2 - 2.5LusterMetallicStreakBlackDiaphaneityOpaqueSpecific gravity6.82–6.85PleochroismDistinct in oil, brownish gray to pure grayAlters toTarnishes with iridescenceReferences[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 117 °C (243 °F). Associated minerals include acanthite, mckinstryite, galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, stromeyerite, polybasite, pearceite, tetrahedrite–tennantite and native silver.[2]

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ a b Handbook of Mineralogy
  3. ^ a b Mindat.org
  4. ^ Webmineral data


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