Jalpaite is a rare copper silver sulfide mineral with formula Ag3CuS2. It is a mineral consisting of cupriferous argentite. It is a rare copper silver sulfide mineral that was discovered in the Leonora Mine, Jalpa, Mexico, and hence the mineral’s name reflects the location. It was found in 1858.
It was first described in 1858 for an occurrence in the Leonora Mine, Jalpa, Zacatecas, Mexico and named for the locality.
General Information
- Category: Sulfide mineral
- Formula: Ag3CuS2
- Crystal system: Tetragonal
- Crystal class: Ditetragonal dipyramidal (4/mmm)
Fig: Jalpaite
Properties
Jalpaite can be identified in the field by its gray and dark gray variations and opaque quality. This mineral has metallic luster with a black streak. The density of jalpaite is 6.82 g/cm3 with a hardness of 2-2.5 – between gypsum and fingernail.
- Color: Pale metallic gray
- Crystal habit: Irregular and foliated masses, inclusions in other minerals
- Cleavage: Prismatic, good
- Tenacity: Sectile, malleable
- Mohs scale hardness: 2 – 2.5
- Luster: Metallic
- Streak: Black
- Diaphaneity: Opaque
- Specific gravity: 6.82–6.85
Occurrence
It occurs in low-temperature hydrothermal veins at temperatures less than 117 °C (243 °F). Associated minerals include acanthite, mckinstryite, galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, stromeyerite, polybasite, pearceite, tetrahedrite-tennantite and native silver.
Information Source:
