Spryite is a rare silver arsenic sulfosalt that forms black equant crystals. It occurs in a hydrothermal Ag-Ge-Mn deposit. Associated minerals include proustite, argyrodite and galena. It was first described from Uchucchacua polymetallic deposit, Oyon district, Cajatambo, Lima Department, Peru.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Pale Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Spryite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Pale Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this spryite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch spryite with a known reference. Spryite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Spryite leaves a pale yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Spryite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: equant crystals.

Often found alongside spryite

Minerals reported to co-occur with spryite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₈(As³⁺₀.₅As⁵⁺₀.₅)S₆
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 6.334 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Pale Yellow
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Equant Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Polymetallic Deposits

Where rockhounds find spryite

Classic worldwide localities

Uchucchacua polymetallic deposit, Lima Department, Peru

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits country, the host setting where spryite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify spryite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is pale yellow. Common colors include black.

Where is spryite found?+

Notable localities include Uchucchacua polymetallic deposit, Lima Department, Peru.

Is spryite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with spryite?+

Spryite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does spryite form in?+

Spryite typically forms in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is spryite used for?+

Spryite is used in collector.

Find spryite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.