Argentopyrite is a rare silver iron sulfide that typically forms thin, tabular, pseudo-hexagonal crystals often found intergrown with sternbergite. It is primarily identified by its distinct metallic luster and association with other silver-bearing sulfides in hydrothermal vein deposits. Due to its scarcity and similarity to other silver minerals, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic collectors.
Is this argentopyrite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch argentopyrite with a known reference. Argentopyrite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Argentopyrite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Argentopyrite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver-white, grayish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, sometimes in pseudo-hexagonal groups or twins.
Often confused with
Argentopyrite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Argentopyrite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1-1.5).
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Argentopyrite leaves black, Pyrrhotite leaves dark grey to black.
How to tell apart: Arsenopyrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5-6 vs. 3.5).
Often found alongside argentopyrite
Minerals reported to co-occur with argentopyrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- AgFe₂S₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Sometimes in Pseudo-hexagonal Groups or Twins
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Study
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and provenance
Where rockhounds find argentopyrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Freiberg (Saxony, Germany)
- Jachymov (Czech Republic)
- Guanajuato (Mexico)
- Kongsberg (Norway)
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where argentopyrite typically forms. If you start seeing sternbergite, pyrrhotite, acanthite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, sometimes in pseudo-hexagonal groups or twins habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify argentopyrite?+
Where is argentopyrite found?+
How much is argentopyrite worth?+
Is argentopyrite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like argentopyrite?+
What minerals are found with argentopyrite?+
What kind of rock does argentopyrite form in?+
What is argentopyrite used for?+
Find argentopyrite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
