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Identity HelpUnknown crystals

18th Sep 2016 22:42 UTCAntonio Nazario

Two unknown crystal specimens no locality. Is it a pseudomorph or is it pyrite because when I was given the specimens I was told it was pyrite

19th Sep 2016 00:48 UTCMichael C. Michayluk

Looks like it could be pyrite but the photos are pretty blurry

19th Sep 2016 02:04 UTCPaul Brandes 🌟 Manager

Photos could be better, but it does appear to be pyrite.

19th Sep 2016 02:10 UTCAntonio Nazario

My second if it is pyrite why do the crystals seem elongated?

19th Sep 2016 02:15 UTCSteve Hardinger 🌟 Expert

Arsenopyrite can look similar to pyrite but occur in elongated crystals.

19th Sep 2016 02:18 UTCRob Woodside 🌟 Manager

Elongated pyrites are not uncommon.

19th Sep 2016 02:55 UTCMatt Neuzil Expert

I imagine the streak would be black. Can you test the hardness? That might help.

I thought it remind me of enargite.

19th Sep 2016 16:54 UTCD. Peck

Please check the hardness and get back to us. Is it scratched by the tip of a knife? by a copper wire? (small unobtrusive scratches, preferably under magnification)

20th Sep 2016 05:01 UTCVolkmar Stingl

Why must it be an ore mineral? The photos are too blurry. It COULD also be an andalusite (or a pseudo of it), especially the second pic. We wait for more information and better pics!

20th Sep 2016 12:13 UTCReiner Mielke Expert

Try cleaning the samples they look dirty, that would help.

20th Sep 2016 15:25 UTCRolf Luetcke Expert

Antonio,

As they said above, the photos are not good enough to be easily told what it is but the massive material below the crystals is of great importance to tell what the crystals are.

Your testing can be done on that area. Also, a photo of that would be very helpful.

As stated, pyrite makes a dark gray-brown streak and you can do that on the lower material.

Also, concoidal fracture is a sign.

Pyrite can do a lot and from the first photo, I think I see the shine of pyrite on the massive material

More info and photos would help.

Rolf

30th Oct 2016 18:41 UTCAntonio Nazario

Here are pictures of the back of the specimens and a reshoot of the crystals

30th Oct 2016 18:47 UTCThomas Lühr Expert

Looks like arsenopyrite