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Xanthoconite on Barite

The Mineral xanthoconite




Xanthoconite is a monoclinic dimorph of the mineral Proustite. It is a very rare mineral and only forms in very small crystals. Xanthoconite generally forms in the same deposits as Proustite, and may even form together with it in a single matrix. In addition to their differences in crystal symmetry, Xanthoconite usually has a more orange color than Proustite.

Xanthoconite is named after a combination of two Greek words: "xanthos", meaning yellow, and "konis", meaning powder, alluding to the yellowish color of this minerals streak.
Chemical Formula Ag3AsS3
Composition Silver arsenic sulfide
Color Bright orange to orange-red
Streak Orange yellow
Hardness 2 - 3
Crystal System Monoclinic
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates		 In small prismatic and tabular crystals, often pointed at the termination. Crystals may be doubly terminated. Also reniform, grainy, and massive.
Transparency Transparent to translucent
Specific Gravity 5.5
Luster Resinous to Adamantine
Cleavage 2,1
Fracture Subconchoidal
Tenacity Brittle
In Group Sulfides; Sulfosalts
Striking Features Color, streak, crystal habits, and mode of occurrence.
Environment Low temperature epithermal veins in silver ore deposits.
Rock Type Sedimentary, Metamorphic
Popularity (1-4) 4
Prevalence (1-3) 3
Demand (1-3) 2


Xanthoconite AUCTIONS

POLYMORPHS
Proustite



NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES
Xanthoconite is found as a rare mineral in several of the mines where Proustite is found. One of the few regions to produce relatively large crystals that aren't micros are the Freiberg and Schlema Districts, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. Other good localities include the Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Wallis, Switzerland; the Imiter Mine, Morocco; San Martín, Zacatecas, Mexico; and the Flathead Mine, Kofford Ridge, Flathead Co., Montana.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS
Proustite, Calcite, Arsenic, Acanthite, Barite



xanthoconite PHOTOS
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
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