mispickel

Mispickel, also known as arsenopyrite, is a mineral with the chemical formula FeAsS. It is an iron arsenic sulfide and is a member of the orthorhombic crystal system. Mispickel typically appears as silvery-white to steel-gray prismatic crystals. It possesses a metallic luster and an opaque transparency. The hardness of mispickel on the Mohs scale ranges from 5.5 to 6, making it moderately hard. Its specific gravity is approximately 7.6.

Mispickel is an important ore of arsenic and can also contain significant amounts of gold and silver, making it a valuable mineral for mining. It is often found in hydrothermal veins, as well as in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Common associated minerals include quartz, calcite, and other sulfide minerals. The mineral has a distinctive conchoidal fracture and can sometimes exhibit twinning.

Geographically, mispickel deposits are found in numerous locations worldwide, including Germany, Norway, Sweden, Canada, and the United States. It is typically found in association with other metallic ores, particularly those containing gold. The presence of mispickel can sometimes indicate the potential for gold mineralization in an area. When heated, mispickel emits a garlic-like odor due to the release of arsenic fumes, a characteristic that can aid in its identification.