Argyrodite
A variety of Minerals
What is Argyrodite?
Argyrodite is an uncommon silver germanium sulfide mineral with formula Ag8GeS6. The color is iron-black with a purplish tinge, and the luster metallic. Discovered by Clemens Winkler in 1886, it is of interest as it was described shortly after the element germanium was isolated, 15 years after it had been postulated by Mendeleev. It was first described for an occurrence in the Himmelsfürst Mine, Erzgebirge, Freiberg, Saxony, Germany. The Freiberg mineral had previously been imperfectly described by August Breithaupt under the name "Plusinglanz", and Bolivian crystals were incorrectly described in 1849 as crystallized brongniardite. Isomorphous with argyrodite is the corresponding tin bearing mineral Ag8SnS6, also found in Bolivia as pseudocubic crystals, and known by the name canfieldite. There is also a related mineral, putzite, with composition (Cu4.7Ag3.3)GeS6. Argyrodite gets its name from the Greek words that loosely translate into "rich in silver".
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Argyrodite 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.
Argyrodite Localities Map
See where Argyrodite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- grey, black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5 - 3
- Density
- 6.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- grey-black
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ag8GeS6 Up to about 40 mol-% of the sulfur may be replaced by selenium (Wang et al., 1984)
- Elements
- Ag, Ge, S
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Argyrodite FAQs
How do I identify Argyrodite?
Argyrodite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale, grey color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Argyrodite?
Argyrodite typically appears in grey, black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Argyrodite?
Argyrodite 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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