Arsenopirita
Arsenopirita is a mineral with formula FeAsS, in the Sulfuros group. This specimen comes from Panasqueira (nivel 2), Aldeia de S. Francisco, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Portugal.
Description
Robust small cabinet of truncated-conical, parallel aggregates of elongated arsenopyrite crystals, largely doubly terminated. Displays stepped growth, metallic luster, and heavy longitudinal striations, accompanied by a small water-clear quartz crystal on one side showing a contact.
About Arsenopirita
Iron arsenic sulfide (FeAsS). Heavy yet brittle. Silver-white to steel-gray, metallic luster, opaque. The most abundant and widespread arsenic mineral.
About the locality
There is so much to say about Panasqueira... It is an absolutely iconic locality in mineralogy, boasting one of the richest parageneses and greatest numbers of collectible specimens in existence. From water-clear quartz to multicolored apatites, siderites, calcites, wolframites, and ferberites—so vital during World War II—its output is staggering. The complex spans a vast area with truly massive surface facilities. A neat detail: right on site, there is a small shop where you can buy fine specimens rescued by miners whenever they find them—though this is becoming increasingly difficult due to heavy mechanization. What makes it special is that the money from these sales is pooled and shared among the workers at Christmas, just like a tip jar in a restaurant.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0706
- Composition
- FeAsS
- Name
- Arsenopirita
- Group
- Sulfuros
- Category
- Meritum Persé
- Associations
- cuarzo, calcopirita
- Mine
- Panasqueira (nivel 2)
- District / Municipality
- Aldeia de S. Francisco
- Province
- Covilhã
- Region
- Castelo Branco
- Country
- Portugal
- Size (cm)
- 6.5 x 5 x 4
- Weight
- 173.3 g
- Etymology
- Coined in 1835 by German mineralogist E. F. Glocker to replace earlier names like "arsenical pyrite" or the old Germanic term "mispickel."
- Quality
- Notable
- Value trend
- Estable
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