Chlorargyrite is a soft, waxy silver halide mineral often found as crusts in the oxidized zones of silver-rich ore deposits. It is known for its ability to darken when exposed to light, typically appearing in dull, horn-like masses that give it the historic name Horn Silver.

Hardness

1.5-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommon

Chlorargyrite

Also: Horn Silver

Hardness: 1.5-2.5
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this chlorargyrite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch chlorargyrite with a known reference. Chlorargyrite sits at Mohs 1.5-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chlorargyrite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chlorargyrite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellow, green, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, crusts, or cubic crystals.

Often confused with

Chlorargyrite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Bromargyrite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chlorargyrite leaves white, Bromargyrite leaves yellowish-white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chlorargyrite leaves white, Iodargyrite leaves yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside chlorargyrite

Minerals reported to co-occur with chlorargyrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: AgCl
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2.5
Density: 5.5-5.6 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Yellow Green Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive, Crusts, Or Cubic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Ore of Silver
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Silver Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find chlorargyrite

Classic worldwide localities

Broken Hill, Australia
Chañarcillo, Chile
Tomsophine, USA
Guanajuato, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of silver deposits country, the host setting where chlorargyrite typically forms. If you start seeing native silver, cerussite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, crusts, or cubic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chlorargyrite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2.5. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, yellow, green.

Where is chlorargyrite found?+

Notable localities include Broken Hill, Australia; Chañarcillo, Chile; Tomsophine, USA; Guanajuato, Mexico.

How much is chlorargyrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is chlorargyrite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver which can be toxic; wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion or skin irritation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chlorargyrite?+

Chlorargyrite is most often confused with Bromargyrite, Iodargyrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chlorargyrite?+

Chlorargyrite commonly co-occurs with Native Silver, Cerussite, Malachite, Limonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chlorargyrite form in?+

Chlorargyrite typically forms in oxidized zones of silver deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chlorargyrite used for?+

Chlorargyrite is used in collector, ore of silver.

Find chlorargyrite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.