argentite

[ ahr-juhn-tahyt ]

noun

1. a dark lead-gray sectile mineral, silver sulfide, Ag 2 S, occurring in crystals and as formless aggregates: an important ore of silver.

argentite

/ ˈɑːdʒənˌtaɪt /

noun

1. a dark grey mineral that consists of silver sulphide, usually in cubic crystalline forms, and occurs in veins, often with native silver. It is found esp in Mexico, Nevada, and Saxony and is an important source of silver. Formula: Ag 2 S

Word History and Origins

Origin of argentite¹

First recorded in 1830–40; argent- + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Acanthite is a supposed dimorphous form, crystallizing in the orthorhombic system, but it is probable that the crystals are really distorted crystals of argentite.

From Project Gutenberg

In the weathering of mercury deposits, cinnabar behaves somewhat like the corresponding silver sulphide, argentite.

From Project Gutenberg

The most important mineral of silver is the sulphide, argentite or "silver glance."

From Project Gutenberg