Ardaite
A variety of Minerals
What is Ardaite?
Ardaite is a very rare sulfosalt mineral with chemical formula Pb19Sb13S35Cl7 in the monoclinic crystal system, named after the Arda river, which passes through the type locality. It was discovered in 1978 and approved by the International Mineralogical Association in 1980. It was the second well-defined natural chlorosulfosalt, after dadsonite. Greenish gray or bluish green in color, its luster is metallic. Ardaite occurs as 50 µm fine-grained aggregates of acicular crystals associated with galena, pyrostilpnite, anglesite, nadorite, and Cl-bearing robinsonite and semseyite, in the Madjarovo polymetallic ore deposit in Bulgaria. Ardaite has a hardness of 2.5 to 3 on Mohs scale and a density of approximately 6.44. The type locality is the Madjarovo polymetallic ore deposit in the Rhodope mountains. Later its occurrence was proved in the Gruvåsen deposit, near Filipstad, Bergslagen, Sweden.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Ardaite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Ardaite Localities Map
See where Ardaite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Greenish gray or bluish green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5 - 3
- Density
- 6.44 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Pb19Sb13S35Cl7
- Elements
- Cl, Pb, S, Sb
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Ardaite FAQs
How do I identify Ardaite?
Ardaite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Greenish gray or bluish green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Ardaite?
Ardaite typically appears in Greenish gray or bluish green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Ardaite?
Ardaite has a hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
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