tetraeedritest

Tetraeedrite is a mineral species that belongs to the tetrahedrite group, which is a series of sulfosalt minerals. The general chemical formula for tetraeedrite is Cu12Sb4S13, though it can contain significant amounts of other metals like iron, zinc, and silver, substituting for copper. This substitution leads to a solid solution series with other minerals, most notably with fahlerz, which is a broader term often used for minerals in this group. Tetraeedrite typically forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with copper and silver deposits. It can also be found in some metamorphic rocks and as a minor component in some volcanic rocks. Crystals are often small and tetrahedral or dodecahedral in habit, though massive and granular forms are also common. The color of tetraeedrite ranges from grayish black to iron black, and it possesses a metallic luster. Its hardness is typically between 3 and 4 on the Mohs scale, and it has a relatively high specific gravity, usually around 4.8 to 5.2. Tetraeedrite is an important ore of copper and can also be a source of silver. It is found in numerous mining localities worldwide, including in Europe, North and South America, and Asia.