Enargite
A variety of Minerals
What is Enargite?
Enargite is an important ore of copper, but it also occurs with other minerals and chemical elements such as Quartz, Bornite, Pyrite, or even Gold. This very common mineral is found in deposits related to low temperatures. It mostly occurs as a distinct steel-gray to black crystal with a violet film, but sometimes it can be dull gray.
Etymology & Origins
It takes its name from the Greek word enarge, "distinct".
Uses & Applications
Enargite can form crystals in long cylinders that can be very shiny, beautiful, and attractive to collectors. The mineral is a reasonably common ore of copper, an important commercial product used in wiring, motors, piping, cookware, and many other products.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Enargite 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.
Enargite Localities Map
See where Enargite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Enargite
Enargite is a steel gray, blackish gray, to violet black mineral with metallic luster. It forms slender orthorhombic prisms as well as massive aggregates. It has a hardness of 3 and a specific gravity of 4.45.
Formation of Enargite
It is a medium to low temperature hydrothermal mineral occurring with quartz, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, bornite, tetrahedrite–tennantite, chalcocite, covellite and baryte. It occurs in the mineral deposits at Butte, Montana, San Juan Mountains, Colorado and at both Bingham Canyon and Tintic, Utah. It is also found in the copper mines of Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and the Philippines. Enargite was originally described as a new species from the copper mines of the San Francisco vein, Junin Department, Peru. The name is from Greek έναργής ("distinct"), in reference to its distinct cleavage. Enargite is related to lazarevicite (named after M. Lazarevic), which has the same chemical formula, but cubic crystalline structure.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Enargite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Arsenic, Copper.
- ⚠️Arsenic, Copper
- ⚠️It's advisable to handle enargite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing enargite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store enargite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Greyish-black to black, grey-brown, rose-brown in reflected light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3
- Density
- 4.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu3AsS4
- Elements
- As, Cu, S
Also Known As
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Enargite FAQs
How do I identify Enargite?
Enargite can be identified by its hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, Greyish-black to black color, Metallic luster, Orthorhombic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Enargite?
Enargite typically appears in Greyish-black to black, grey-brown, rose-brown in reflected light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Enargite?
Enargite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the characteristics of enargite of Enargite?
Enargite is a steel gray, blackish gray, to violet black mineral with metallic luster. It forms slender orthorhombic prisms as well as massive aggregates. It has a hardness of 3 and a specific gravity of 4.45.
What is the formation of enargite of Enargite?
It is a medium to low temperature hydrothermal mineral occurring with quartz, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, bornite, tetrahedrite–tennantite, chalcocite, covellite and baryte. It occurs in the mineral deposits at Butte, Montana, San Juan Mountains, Colorado and at both Bingham Canyon and Tintic, Utah. It is also found in the copper mines of Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and the Philippines. Enargite was originally described as a new species from the copper mines of the San Francisco vein, Junin Department, Peru. The name is from Greek έναργής ("distinct"), in reference to its distinct cleavage. Enargite is related to lazarevicite (named after M. Lazarevic), which has the same chemical formula, but cubic crystalline structure.
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