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 — Chlorargyrite leaves white, Bromargyrite leaves yellowish-white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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.