Sulfarsenide

Sulfarsenide is a mineralogical term used for minerals that contain both sulfur and arsenic in combination with a metal, typically within a sulfide-like crystal lattice. The characteristic formulae are often of the type MeAsS, where Me denotes a metal such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, although other compositions with varying sulfur content occur. The term helps distinguish these minerals from pure sulfides (MeS) and from more complex sulfosalts that contain chalcogen-arsenide networks.

Notable sulfarsenide minerals include arsenopyrite (FeAsS), glaucodot ((Fe,Co)AsS), and cobaltite (CoAsS). They commonly form in hydrothermal ore deposits and are frequently found in association with sulfide minerals such as pyrite and chalcopyrite. Their arsenic content makes them of economic interest as sources of arsenic and, in some cases, of base metals.

Crystallography and appearance vary, but these minerals typically have a metallic to submetallic luster and a dark color, and they commonly occur as crystals or massive aggregates. Their structures reflect a close integration of arsenic and sulfur within the same anionic framework, with arsenic typically in a trivalent state and sulfur as sulfide.

Safety and handling: As arsenic-bearing minerals, sulfarsenides pose toxicological hazards, particularly from dust during mining, crushing, or heating. Standard mining and processing safety protocols are required. In studies, they provide insight into mineralogical processes in hydrothermal systems.