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Dyscrasite

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Dyscrasite
Twinned dyscrasite crystals from the Czech Republic (size: 4.5 x 4.5 x 3.3 cm)
General
CategoryAntimonide minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ag3Sb
Strunz classification2.AA.35
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classPyramidal (mm2)
H-M symbol: (mm2)
Space groupPmm2
Unit cella = 3.008, b = 4.828
c = 5.214 [Å]; Z = 1
Identification
ColorSilver-white (tarnishes to lead-gray, yellowish, or black)
Crystal habitPyramidal crystals also cylindrical, prismatic to platy, striated; granular, foliated or massive
TwinningOn {110} produces pseudohexagonal forms
CleavageDistinct on {001} {001}, imperfect on {110}
FractureIrregular or uneven
TenacitySectile
Mohs scale hardness3+12 - 4
LusterMetallic
StreakSilver-white
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity9.4 - 10
BirefringenceVery Weak
PleochroismVery Weak
Other characteristicsWeakly anisotropic
References[1][2][3]

The silver antimonide mineral dyscrasite has the chemical formula Ag3Sb. It is an opaque, silver white, metallic mineral which crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system. It forms pyramidal crystals up to 5 cm (2.0 in) and can also form cylindrical and prismatic crystals.[1]

Crystallography and properties

Dyscrasite is a metal ore and is opaque. In reflected light, however, it demonstrates weak anisotropism. Dyscrasite’s color under plane polarized light is most likely dark grey/black. When spun on a rotatable stage of a microscope (under plane polarized light), dyscrasite’s color should slightly change shades. This property is called pleochroism. Dyscrasite exhibits very weak reflected light pleochroism.[3]

Dyscrasite belongs to the orthorhombic crystal class, meaning all three of its axes (a, b, and c) are unequal in length and are 90° to each other.[4]

Discovery and occurrence

It was first described for an occurrence in 1797 in the Wenzel Mine, Black Forest, Germany. The name dyscrasite comes from the Greek word δυσκράσις, meaning "a bad alloy."[2]

It occurs as a hydrothermal mineral in silver bearing veins in association with native silver, pyrargyrite, acanthite, stromeyerite, tetrahedrite, allemontite, galena, calcite and baryte.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Anthony, J.W., Bideau, R.A., Bladh, K.W., and Nichols, M.C. (1990) Handbook of Mineralogy: Volume I: Elements, Sulfides, Sulfosalts. 588 p. Mineral Data Publishing, Tucson, Arizona. http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/dyscrasite.pdf
  2. ^ a b Mindat.org
  3. ^ a b Webmineral data
  4. ^ Klein, C., and Dutrow, B. (2007) The Manual of Mineral Science, 23rd ed. 675 p. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, New Jersey.