The facts
What pyrargyrite actually is
Mineralogically, pyrargyrite is pyrargyrite — Ag₃SbS₃, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by ag–Sb–S charge transfer; darker and more purplish than proustite, often near-black with red internal reflections. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 2.88–3.08, and the specific gravity sits near 5.85; cleavage is distinct {1011}.
Where pyrargyrite comes from
The recognised sources are Sankt Andreasberg, Harz, Germany, Fresnillo and Zacatecas, Mexico, Chañarcillo, Chile and Pribram, Czech Republic.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How pyrargyrite is treated
Untreated and light-sensitive like proustite, though rather less dramatically so. Both species are important silver ores and classic European cabinet minerals.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What pyrargyrite is confused with
The usual confusions are Proustite, Stephanite, Bournonite and Hematite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 2.88–3.08 and specific gravity 5.85 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What pyrargyrite is used for
Pyrargyrite is bought by mineral collecting and metallurgy — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen.
Durability and care
Pyrargyrite is 2.5 on the Mohs scale, with distinct {1011} cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What pyrargyrite costs
Indicative pricing for pyrargyrite is Specimens $80–$10,000.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is pyrargyrite treated, and how?
Untreated and light-sensitive like proustite, though rather less dramatically so. Both species are important silver ores and classic European cabinet minerals.
Where does pyrargyrite come from?
Sankt Andreasberg, Harz, Germany, Fresnillo and Zacatecas, Mexico, Chañarcillo, Chile and Pribram, Czech Republic. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is pyrargyrite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does pyrargyrite cost?
Indicatively Specimens $80–$10,000. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is pyrargyrite confused with?
Most often Proustite, Stephanite, Bournonite and Hematite. A refractive index of 2.88–3.08 and a specific gravity near 5.85 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for pyrargyrite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about pyrargyrite