Embolite

Embolite is a mineral belonging to the silver sulfosalt group. Its chemical formula is Ag3Pb2SbS6. It is a rare mineral, typically found in hydrothermal veins associated with lead, silver, and antimony mineralization. Embolite is characterized by its metallic luster and dark gray to black color. It is a relatively soft mineral with a Mohs hardness of around 3.

The name "embolite" comes from the Greek word "embolos," meaning "plug" or "wedge," referring to its tendency to fill small cavities in host rocks. It was first described in 1891 from a specimen found in the Sarrabus-Gerrei region of Sardinia, Italy. While not a significant ore mineral itself, embolite can serve as an indicator of silver and lead deposits.

Embolite is often found alongside other sulfosalt minerals such as tetrahedrite, freibergite, and miargyrite. Its formation typically occurs at moderate to low temperatures within hydrothermal systems. Due to its rarity and lack of significant economic value, embolite is primarily of interest to mineralogists and collectors. It is not commonly encountered in commercial mining operations.