Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe) is a rare sulfosalt mineral within the tetrahedrite group, specifically characterized by high silver and iron content. It is primarily found as dark, metallic tetrahedral crystals in hydrothermal ore deposits, notably documented at the Keno Hill silver mining district.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTetrahedrite Group family

Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe)?

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 kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe) with a known reference. Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe) sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: iron-black, steel-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, massive.

Often confused with

Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe) leaves black, Tennantite leaves reddish gray.

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Often found alongside kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₆(Cu₄Fe₂)Sb₄S₁₂□
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 5.3-5.6 g/cm³
Colors: Iron-black Steel-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Tetrahedral crystals, massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: hydrothermal veins

Where rockhounds find kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe)

Classic worldwide localities

Keno Hill, Yukon Territory, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: hydrothermal veins. If you start seeing galena, siderite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include iron-black, steel-gray.

Where is kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe) found?+

Notable localities include Keno Hill, Yukon Territory, Canada.

Is kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe) safe to handle?+

Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe) contains antimony and copper. Contains silver, antimony, iron, and sulfur; avoid inhalation of dust when cleaning or polishing, and wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent ingestion of heavy metals.

What rocks look like kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe)?+

Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe) is most often confused with Tetrahedrite, Tennantite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe)?+

Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe) commonly co-occurs with Galena, Siderite, Sphalerite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe) form in?+

Where it forms: hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe) used for?+

Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe) is used in collector.

Find kenoargentotetrahedrite-(fe) on the map

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