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Enargite
Enargite is a popular mineral composed of copper arsenic sulfide. [1]
Enargite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Enargite:- Transparency: Enargite is opaque.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, enargite is orthorhombic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, enargite is metallic.
- Streak: Enargite streaks black, dark gray, gray or gray black.
- Hardness: Enargite's hardness is 3 on the Moh's scale.
Enargite: Background and Summary
Enargite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfide group and is composed of copper, arsenic, and sulfur. It is a rare mineral that is usually found in hydrothermal veins, along with other minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite. Enargite has a metallic luster and is usually opaque. It can appear in various colors, including black, gray, or bronze. It has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, which means it can be scratched by a copper penny.Enargite is primarily used as a source of copper, which is extracted through a process called smelting. It is also used in the production of semiconductors and as a catalyst in chemical reactions. However, enargite has become a concern due to its high arsenic content, which can pose a health risk to humans and animals. Measures are being taken to reduce the amount of enargite in mining operations to minimize the risk of arsenic exposure.
To identify enargite, one can perform a few simple tests. Enargite has a high specific gravity, which means it is heavier than most minerals of similar size. It also has a distinctive dark color and metallic luster. Enargite can be distinguished from other minerals by its striated crystal structure and its characteristic square or rectangular cross-sections.
Enargite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Enargite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Cu3AsS4 |
| Chemical Composition | copper arsenic sulfide |
| Hardness | 3 |
| Streak | gray black, dark gray, gray, black |
| Crystallography | orthorhombic |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: gray, black less common: red, pale, brown, steel, violet |
| Category | sulfide |
Enargite: FAQ
Q: Is enargite toxic?A: Enargite contains arsenic, which can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested or inhaled. It is important to handle enargite with caution and to take appropriate safety measures when working with the mineral.
Q: Where is enargite found?
A: Enargite is usually found in hydrothermal veins, along with other minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite. It has been found in various locations around the world, including Peru, Japan, and the United States.
Q: What is enargite used for?
A: Enargite is primarily used as a source of copper, which is extracted through a process called smelting. It is also used in the production of semiconductors and as a catalyst in chemical reactions.
Q: How can enargite be identified?
A: Enargite has a distinctive dark color and metallic luster. It can be distinguished from other minerals by its striated crystal structure and its characteristic square or rectangular cross-sections. Enargite also has a high specific gravity, which means it is heavier than most minerals of similar size.
Sources
- Enargite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enargite
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