sulfosalti

Sulfosalt is a mineral group characterized by the general formula A_{m}B_{n}S_{p}, where A and B are cations and S is sulfur. In sulfosalts, sulfur acts as a ligand in a complex anion, rather than forming simple sulfide minerals like galena (PbS) or pyrite (FeS2). This means they are structurally distinct from simple sulfides, often exhibiting more complex crystal structures.

The term "sulfosalt" is a mineralogical classification rather than a strict chemical definition. It encompasses a wide variety of minerals with diverse chemical compositions and crystal structures. Common elements found as cations in sulfosalts include copper, lead, silver, arsenic, antimony, and tin. The arrangement of these cations and the sulfosalt anion within the crystal lattice gives rise to their unique properties.

Sulfosalts are typically found in hydrothermal ore deposits. They often occur alongside other sulfide minerals, and their presence can be indicative of specific geological conditions. Some sulfosalts are economically important as sources of valuable metals, such as silver and lead. Examples include tetrahedrite, a copper-silver sulfosalt, and bournonite, a lead-copper-antimony sulfosalt. Their classification and identification can be challenging due to their structural complexity and the variety of compositions within the group.