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Argentotennantite-(Zn)

A valid IMA mineral species
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00685440017272473338909.jpg
Argentotennantite-(Zn)

Lengenbach Quarry, Fäld, Binn, Goms, Valais, Switzerland
09287230017271921144081.jpg
Argentotennantite-(Zn)

Los Almadenes Mining Group, Alcaracejos, Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain
06295000017452622098932.jpg
Argentotennantite-(Zn), etc.

Tête des Econduits, Mont Chemin mining district, Martigny, Valais, Switzerland
09640570017271921036628.jpg
Argentotennantite-(Zn)

Lengenbach Quarry, Fäld, Binn, Goms, Valais, Switzerland
03787320017271921066837.jpg
Argentotennantite-(Zn)

Los Almadenes Mining Group, Alcaracejos, Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain
06295000017452622098932.jpg
Argentotennantite-(Zn), etc.

Tête des Econduits, Mont Chemin mining district, Martigny, Valais, Switzerland
09640570017271921036628.jpg
Argentotennantite-(Zn)

Lengenbach Quarry, Fäld, Binn, Goms, Valais, Switzerland
09287230017271921144081.jpg
Argentotennantite-(Zn)

Los Almadenes Mining Group, Alcaracejos, Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain
Hide all sections | Show all sections

About Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Formula:
Ag6(Cu4Zn2)As4S12S
Colour:
Grey black
Lustre:
Resinous
Hardness:
3½
Specific Gravity:
5.05 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Isometric
Name:
For its silver content and relation to tennantite.
Tetrahedrite Group. Argentotennantite-Freibergite Series.
The Zn analogue of Argentotennantite-(Fe)).
A very rare member of the fahlore group.

Compare the Ag-richer zvěstovite-(Zn).
Compare also the chemically similar keutschite.



Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
319
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:319:1

Similar NamesHide

Argentotennantite-(Fe)A valid IMA mineral speciesAg6(Cu4Fe2)As4S12S

IMA Classification of Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

IMA status:
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ag1+6Cu1+4Zn2+2As3+4S2-13
Approval year:
1985

Classification of Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Strunz-mindat (2026):
2.GB.05

2 : SULFIDES and SULFOSALTS (sulfides, selenides, tellurides; arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides; sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites, etc.)
G : Sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites
B : Neso-sulfarsenites, etc. with additional S
Dana 8th ed.:
3.3.6.7

3 : SULFOSALTS
3 : 3 <ø < 4
Hey's CIM Ref.:
5.2.7

5 : Sulphosalts - Sulpharsenites and Sulphobismuthites (those containing Sn, Ge,or V are in Section 6)
2 : Sulpharsenites etc. of Ag

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
Atnt-ZnIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Lustre:
Resinous
Transparency:
Opaque
Colour:
Grey black
Streak:
Red-Brown to black
Hardness:
3½ on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=285 - 320 - Vickers
Density:
5.05 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Reflectivity:
WavelengthR1 (%)
400nm30.9%
420nm30.9%
440nm30.8%
460nm30.7%
480nm30.5%
500nm30.4%
520nm30.4%
540nm30.4%
560nm30.4%
580nm30.3%
600nm29.9%
620nm29.4%
640nm28.8%
660nm28.4%
680nm28.2%
700nm27.8%


Graph shows reflectance levels at different wavelengths (in nm). Peak reflectance is 30.9%.
Colour in reflected light:
Light grey to greenish grey with a faint bluish tint

Chemistry of Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Mindat Formula:
Ag6(Cu4Zn2)As4S12S
Element Weights:
Element% weight
Ag37.011 %
S23.838 %
As17.138 %
Cu14.536 %
Zn7.478 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Ag
S
As
Cu
Zn
Elements listed:
Ag, As, Cu, S, Zn - search for minerals with similar chemistry
Common Impurities:
Pb,Cd

Crystallography of Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Crystal System:
Isometric
Class (H-M):
43m - Hextetrahedral
Space Group:
I43m
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.584(3) Å
Unit Cell V:
1,185.63 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Small grains, coating on tennantite.
Comment:
Space group I-43m by analogy to tetrahedrite-tennantite.

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.06 Å(100)
2.65 Å(30)
2.073 Å(20)
1.869 Å(80)
1.595 Å(40)
1.230 Å(20)
1.214 Å(20)
Comments:
Kvartsitoviye Gorki deposit, Kazakhstan.

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
High-? alteration and/or metamorphism
33 : Minerals deposited by hydrothermal metal-rich fluids (see also [#12])
Geological Setting:
Polymetallic deposits

Type Occurrence of Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Kvartsitovje Gorki gold deposit (Quartzite Hills), Aksu (Aqsu), Stepnogorsk, Akmola Region, Kazakhstan
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia: 84396.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
In a polymetallic deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
AnkeriteFreibergite SubgroupGalenaNative GoldPyrite
QuartzSideriteStibniteTennantite SubgroupTetrahedrite Subgroup

Synonyms of Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Other Language Names for Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Relationship of Argentotennantite-(Zn) to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Arsenofreibergite Subgroup > Tetrahedrite Group
Other Members of Arsenofreibergite Subgroup:
Argentotennantite-(Fe)Ag6(Cu4Fe2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
Kenoargentotennantite-(Fe)[Ag6]4+(Cu4Fe2)As4S12◻Iso. 43m : I43m

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
1 photo of Argentotennantite-(Zn) associated with Tennantite SubgroupCu6(Cu4C2+2)As4S12S

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

2.GB.'Polybasite-Tac'[Ag6Sb2S7][Ag9CuS4]Trig. 3m(32/m) : P3m1
2.GB.Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Zn)[Ag6]4+(Cu4Zn2)Sb4S12◻Iso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Argentotetrahedrite-(Hg)Ag6(Cu4Hg2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Annivite-(Zn)Cu6(Cu4Zn2)Bi4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Pošepnýite(Cu+3◻3)(Hg2+4Cu+2)Sb4Se12(Se0.5◻0.5)Iso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Tennantite-(Cu)Cu6(Cu4Cu2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Argentopolybasite[Ag6Sb2S7][Ag9AgS4]Trig. 32 : P321
2.GB.Tennantite-(Mn)Cu6(Cu4Mn2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Argentotetrahedrite-(Cd)Ag6(Cu4Cd2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Stibioústalečite(Cu4Cu2)(Cu4Cu+2)(Sb2Te2)Se12SeIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Stibiogoldfieldite(Cu4Cu2)(Cu4Cu+2)(Sb2Te2)S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Argentotetrahedrite-(Zn)Ag6(Cu4Zn2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Tetrahedrite-(Cd)Cu6(Cu4Cd2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Arsenogoldfieldite(Cu4Cu2)(Cu4Cu+2)(As2Te2)S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Arsenoústalečite(Cu4Cu2)(Cu4Cu+2)(As2Te2)Se12SeIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Tennantite-(In)Cu6(Cu5In)As4S13Iso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Zvěstovite-(Fe)Ag6(Ag4Fe2+2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Hakite-(Fe)Cu6(Cu4Fe2+2)Sb4Se12SeIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Tennantite-(Cd)Cu6(Cu4Cd2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.XKenorozhdestvenskayaite-(Fe)[Ag6]4+(Ag4Fe2+2)Sb4S12◻Iso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Tetrahedrite-(Cu)Cu6(Cu4Cu2+2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Hakite-(Zn)Cu6(Cu4Zn2)Sb4Se12SeIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Zvěstovite-(Zn)Ag6(Ag4Zn2)As4S12SIso.
2.GB.Hakite-(Cd)Cu6(Cu4Cd2)Sb4Se12SeIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Kenoargentotennantite-(Fe)[Ag6]4+(Cu4Fe2)As4S12◻Iso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Tennantite-(Hg)Cu6(Cu4Hg2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Tetrahedrite-(Mn)Cu6(Cu4Mn2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Tennantite-(Ni)Cu6(Cu4Ni2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.Tetrahedrite-(Ni)Cu6(Cu4Ni2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Hakite-(Hg)Cu6(Cu4Hg2)Sb4Se12SeIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Rozhdestvenskayaite-(Zn)Ag6(Ag4Zn2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Argentotennantite-(Fe)Ag6(Cu4Fe2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Freibergite Subgroup(Ag6,[Ag6]4+)(Cu4 C2+2)Sb4S12S0-1Iso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Tennantite SubgroupCu6(Cu4C2+2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Tennantite-(Zn)Cu6(Cu4Zn2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Tetrahedrite-(Zn)Cu6(Cu4Zn2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : F43m
2.GB.05Tetrahedrite SubgroupCu6(Cu4C2+2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Tennantite-(Fe)Cu6(Cu4Fe2+2)As4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Tetrahedrite-(Fe)Cu6(Cu4Fe2+2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Tetrahedrite-(Hg)Cu6(Cu4Hg2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Kenoargentotetrahedrite-(Fe)[Ag6]4+(Cu4Fe2+2)Sb4S12◻Iso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Giraudite-(Zn)Cu6(Cu4Zn2)As4Se12SeIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Argentotetrahedrite-(Fe)Ag6(Cu4Fe2)Sb4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05Goldfieldite(Cu4◻2)(Cu4Cu+2)Te4S12SIso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.05'UM1992-21-S:AgFeSb'Ag6(Ag4Fe2+2)Sb4S12SIso.
2.GB.10SelenostephaniteAg5SbSe4Orth. 222 : P212121
2.GB.10StephaniteAg5SbS4Orth. mm2 : Cmc21
2.GB.15'UM2003-14-S:AgBiFeTe'Ag16FeBiTe3S8
2.GB.15'UM1979-17-S:BiCuFe'~Cu18Fe4BiS16
2.GB.15Pearceite[Ag6As2S7][Ag9CuS4]Trig. 3m(32/m) : P3m1
2.GB.15ArgentopearceiteAg16As2S11Trig. 32 : P321
2.GB.15Cupropolybasite[Cu6Sb2S7][Ag9CuS4]Trig. 3m : P31m
2.GB.15Fengruiite[Ag6Sb2S7][Ag9CuS2Te2]Trig. 3m(32/m) : P3m1
2.GB.15Auropearceite [Ag9AuS4][Ag6As2S7]Trig. 32 : P321
2.GB.15Selenopolybasite[(Ag,Cu)6(Sb,As)2(S,Se)7][Ag9Cu(S,Se)2Se2]Trig. 3m(32/m) : P3m1
2.GB.15Polybasite[Ag6Sb2S7][Ag9CuS4]Mon. 2/m : B2/m
2.GB.15Auropolybasite[Ag9AuS4][Ag6Sb2S7]Trig. 32 : P321
2.GB.15Cupropearceite[Cu6As2S7][Ag9CuS4]Trig. 3m(32/m) : P3m1
2.GB.20Vorontsovite(Hg5Cu)Σ6TlAs4S12Iso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.20Ferrovorontsovite(Fe5Cu)Σ6TlAs4S12Iso. 43m : I43m
2.GB.20Galkhaite(Hg5Cu)CsAs4S12Iso. 43m : I43m

Other InformationHide

Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Internet Links for Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

References for Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Reference List:
IMA 18-K: Nomenclature and classification of the tetrahedrite group
Spiridonov, E.M., Sokolova, N.F., Gapeev, A.K., Dashevskaya, D.M., Evstigneeva, T.L., Chvileva, T.N., Demidov, V.G., Balashov, E.P., Shul’ga, V.I. (1986) A new mineral — argentotennantite. Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR, 290, 206–210. [in Russian]
Jambor, John L., Grew, Edward S., Puziewicz, Jacek, Vanko, David A. (1988) New Mineral Names. American Mineralogist, 73 (3-4) 439-445
Samusikov, V.P., Zayakina, N.V., Leskova, N.V. (1988): Dependence of unit-cell dimension of tetrahedrite-tennantite ores on silver content. Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR 299, 468-471 (in Russian).
Zakrzewski, Marek A. (1989) Members of the freibergite–argentotennantite series and associated minerals from Silvermines, County Tipperary, Ireland. Mineralogical Magazine, 53 (371) 293-298 doi:10.1180/minmag.1989.053.371.03
Rozhdestvenskaya, I.V., Zayakina, N.V., Samusikov, V.P. (1993) Crystal structure features of minerals from a series of tetrahedrite-freibergite. Mineralogiceskij Zhurnal: 15: 9-17.
King, R. J. (2001) The tetrahedrite group. Geology Today, 17 (2) 77-80 doi:10.1046/j.0266-6979.2001.00268.x
(2005) Argentotennantite-(Zn). Handbook of Mineralogy. Mineralogical Society of America
Moëlo, Yves, Makovicky, Emil, Mozgova, Nadejda N., Jambor, John L., Cook, Nigel, Pring, Allan, Paar, Werner, Nickel, Ernest H., Graeser, Stephan, Karup-Møller, Sven, Balic-Žunic, Tonči, Mumme, William G., Vurro, Filippo, Topa, Dan (2008) Sulfosalt systematics: a review. Report of the sulfosalt sub-committee of the IMA Commission on Ore Mineralogy. European Journal of Mineralogy, 20 (1) 7-62 doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2008/0020-1778
Biagioni, Cristian, George, Luke L., Cook, Nigel J., Makovicky, Emil, Moëlo, Yves, Pasero, Marco, Sejkora, Jiří, Stanley, Chris J., Welch, Mark D., Bosi, Ferdinando (2020) The tetrahedrite group: Nomenclature and classification. American Mineralogist, 105 (1) 109-122 doi:10.2138/am-2020-7128

Localities for Argentotennantite-(Zn)Hide

Showing 20 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

Locality ListHide

- This locality has map coordinates listed. - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. - Good crystals or important locality for species. - World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Arctic Ocean
 
  • Kolbeinsey Ridge
    • North Kolbeinsey Ridge
Marques et al. (2020)
Argentina
 
  • Santa Cruz Province
    • Deseado Department
      • Tres Cerros
Jovic et al. (2011)
Canada
 
  • Manitoba
    • Snow Lake District
2007 Manitoba Geological Survey Report ... +1 other reference
Chile
 
  • Atacama
    • Huasco Province
      • Carrizo district
informe preliminar": Caja de Crédito ... +1 other reference
  • Tarapacá
    • Tamarugal Province
      • Huara
Chinchilla et al. (2013)
Czech Republic
 
  • Central Bohemian Region
    • Benešov District
      • Zvěstov
Sejkora et al. (2021)
Germany
 
  • Lower Saxony
    • Göttingen District
      • Bad Lauterberg
Koch et al. (2018)
  • Saxony
    • Mittelsachsen
Ireland
 
  • Munster
    • Tipperary County
      • Silvermines District
Colin Andrew (Personal Communication) +1 other reference
Italy
 
  • Lombardy
    • Sondrio Province
      • Valfurva
Bedognè +2 other references
Kazakhstan (TL)
 
  • Akmola Region
    • Stepnogorsk
      • Aksu (Aqsu)
Spiridonov et al. (1986) +1 other reference
Mexico
 
  • Mexico
    • Temascaltepec Municipality
      • Temascaltepec de González (Temascaltepec)
Camprubi
Peru
 
  • Huancavelica
    • Huancavelica Province
      • Huachocolpa District
        • Huachocolpa mining district
Pérez-Puig Obieta et al. (2013)
  • Lima
    • Oyón Province
      • Oyón District
        • Uchucchacua area
new species keutschite and not ...
Russia
 
  • Khabarovsk Krai
    • Verkhnebureinsky District
Alekseev et al. (2015)
  • Magadan Oblast
    • Omsukchansky District
      • Engteri ore cluster
Palyanova et al. (2016) +1 other reference
Slovakia
 
  • Banská Bystrica Region
    • Žiar nad Hronom District
      • Kremnica
Števko et al. (2018)
Spain
 
  • Andalusia
    • Córdoba
      • Alcaracejos
CARMONA RUIZ et al. (2025)
Switzerland
 
  • Valais
    • Goms
      • Binn
        • Fäld
EDXS Analyses in Dec. 2016
USA
 
  • Colorado
    • La Plata County
      • La Plata Mining District (California Mining District)
Josef Vajdak (2008)
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