| Dyscrasite | |
|---|---|
 Twinned dyscrasite crystals from the Czech Republic (size: 4.5 × 4.5 × 3.3 cm) | |
| General | |
| Category | Antimonide minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | Ag3+xSb1−x (x ≈ 0.2) |
| IMA symbol | Dys[1] |
| Strunz classification | 2.AA.35 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Crystal class | Pyramidal (mm2) H-M symbol: (mm2) |
| Space group | Pmm2 |
| Unit cell | a = 3.008, b = 4.828 c = 5.214 [Å]; Z = 1 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Silver-white (tarnishes to lead-gray, yellowish, or black) |
| Crystal habit | Pyramidal crystals also cylindrical, prismatic to platy, striated; granular, foliated or massive |
| Twinning | On {110} produces pseudohexagonal forms |
| Cleavage | Distinct on {001} {001}, imperfect on {110} |
| Fracture | Irregular or uneven |
| Tenacity | Sectile |
| Mohs scale hardness | 3+1⁄2 – 4 |
| Luster | Metallic |
| Streak | Silver-white |
| Diaphaneity | Opaque |
| Specific gravity | 9.4 – 10 |
| Birefringence | Very weak |
| Pleochroism | Very weak |
| Other characteristics | Weakly anisotropic |
| References | [2][3][4] |
The silver antimonide mineral dyscrasite has the chemical formula Ag3Sb. It is an opaque, silver white, metallic mineral which crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system. It forms pyramidal crystals up to 5 cm (2.0 in) and can also form cylindrical and prismatic crystals.[2]
- ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
- ^ a b Anthony, J.W., Bideau, R.A., Bladh, K.W., and Nichols, M.C. (1990) Handbook of Mineralogy: Volume I: Elements, Sulfides, Sulfosalts. 588 p. Mineral Data Publishing, Tucson, Arizona. http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/dyscrasite.pdf
- ^ Mindat.org
- ^ Webmineral data