Enargite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameEnargite
Chemical FormulaCu3AsS4
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgrayish-black
Cleavageperfect on {110}, distinct on {100} and {010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.45
Colorsgrayish-black, iron-black, brownish-black, violet-black
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityPasto Bueno District, Pallasca Province, Ancash Department, Peru
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usescopper ore, collector
Associated Mineralspyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, bornite, tetrahedrite, tennantite, quartz, barite
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a specimen of Enargite, characterized by its dark, metallic luster and blocky to prismatic crystal habit. It appears as a highly lustrous, dark gray to black mineral.
Geological Context
Enargite typically forms in medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often found in association with other sulfide minerals in copper deposits. It is a significant ore mineral for copper.
