Cu11As4S13

Cu11As4S13 is a chemical compound, specifically a sulfarsenide mineral. It is a member of the tetrahedrite group, often found in hydrothermal ore deposits. The chemical formula indicates a complex arrangement of copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and sulfur (S) atoms in a specific stoichiometric ratio. Its crystal structure is typically cubic. Visually, Cu11As4S13 usually appears as a metallic, steel-gray to iron-black mineral. It possesses a metallic luster and is opaque. The hardness of Cu11As4S13 is typically around 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is relatively soft. It is also brittle. Chemically, it is considered relatively stable under normal conditions but can react with strong acids. Cu11As4S13 is not a widely abundant mineral. Its occurrence is often associated with other copper and arsenic minerals in polymetallic veins. Geologically, it forms under moderate to low-temperature hydrothermal environments. While not a primary ore of copper or arsenic, its presence can be indicative of certain mineralizing processes. It is sometimes found in association with minerals like tetrahedrite, tennantite, and enargite. The study of Cu11As4S13 contributes to understanding the complex mineral chemistry of hydrothermal systems.