Arsenopyrite
Image: Islam90 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameArsenopyrite
Chemical FormulaFeAsS
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colordark grayish black
Cleavagedistinct on {101}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity6.07
Colorssilver-white, tin-white, steel-gray
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityFreiberg, Saxony, Germany; various localities worldwide including Sweden, Canada, USA, and Bolivia.
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesore of arsenic, minor ore of gold, collector specimens
Associated Mineralsgold, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, quartz, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
The image shows a microscopic view of arsenopyrite, appearing as a bright, reflective, metallic grain under a petrographic microscope, likely in reflected light, with some darker inclusions or surrounding matrix.
Geological Context
Arsenopyrite is a common hydrothermal mineral found in high-temperature veins, contact metamorphic deposits, and pegmatites. It often occurs in association with gold deposits and other sulfide minerals.
