Description
This arsenopyrite is 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 arsenopyrite. It is a sulfide that contains the elements Fe, As and S. This specimen consists of clusters of single and double terminated arsenopyrite crystals with minor mica crystals attached. The crystals have spear head habits with striated prism faces. They have a silver-brass color and a sub-metallic luster. This piece measures 3 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches or 76 x 38 x 38 mm.