Description
This arsenopyrite crystal plate from the Yaogangxian Mine, Xaogangxian W-Sn Ore Field, Tizhang, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province of China. Tungsten and tin are the primary minerals extracted from multiple ore bodies in an area spanning 4 x 2.5 km. Seventy-eight different species of minerals are found there Including accessory minerals like arsenopyrite. It is a sulfide containing the elements Fe, As and S. This specimen consists of a heavy crystalline matrix that is topped with dozens of sub-metallic silver-grey arsenopyrite crystals. They have elongated habits with striated faces and cogwheel-like edges. This piece measures 3 x 1 7/8 x 1 5/8 inches or 76 x 47 x 41 mm.