Xanthoconite

Formula: Ag3AsS3

Origin of name: from Greek xanthos = yellow and konis = powder

 

Crystal system: monoclinic

Crystal class: 2/m

Twinning: pm {001} producing pseudo-orthorhombic habit

Unit cell: a = 11.99 Å, b = 6.21 Å, c = 31.88 Å, b = 90.5°

 

Colour: Yellowish orange to reddish orange to reddish brown, dark orange, dark crimson red

Diaphaneity: Subtranslucent to opaque

Luster: Adamantine

Habit: Crystals tabular, pseudohexagonal, pyramidal or lath-like, rare, massive, reniform, granular

Hardness: 2 to 3

Specific gravity: 5.54

Cleavage: 1; {001} distinct

Tenacity: Subconchoidal fracture, brittle

Streak: Orange-yellow

 

Synonyms/varieties: Rittingerite

 

Comments: dimorphous with proustite

 

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