Copper arsenic sulfide and an important copper ore in high-sulfidation epithermal deposits. Color: Grayish-black to iron-black. Luster: Metallic to dull. Streak: Grayish-black. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Hardness: 3. Transparency: Opaque. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Chemical formula: Cu₃AsS₄. Specific gravity: 4.45. Formation: Forms in medium-temperature hydrothermal veins and high-sulfidation epithermal deposits. Common geological settings: Peru, Philippines, Argentina, Montana USA ; found in copper-arsenic deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Stibnite, Bournonite, Chalcocite. Specimen safety: Keep this arsenic-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, heat, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust or fumes, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:52.197695+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Arsenic (inorganic compounds, as As) — CDC/NIOSH. Official occupational-hazard, exposure-route, symptom, and protective-equipment information for inorganic arsenic compounds.
Copper arsenic sulfide and an important copper ore in high-sulfidation epithermal deposits.
How can you identify Enargite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Grayish-black to iron-black; lustre: Metallic to dull; streak: Grayish-black; Mohs hardness: 3; cleavage: Perfect in two directions; crystal system: Orthorhombic; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Enargite form?
Forms in medium-temperature hydrothermal veins and high-sulfidation epithermal deposits.
Where is Enargite commonly found?
Peru, Philippines, Argentina, Montana USA ; found in copper-arsenic deposits.
Is Enargite safe to handle?
Keep this arsenic-bearing specimen intact. Do not cut, grind, polish, streak, lick, heat, or use acid on it. Avoid creating or breathing dust or fumes, wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and keep it away from food, children, and pets. Avoid creating dust or using destructive tests on an unknown specimen, and follow site-specific safety procedures.
What is Enargite commonly confused with?
Enargite may be confused with Stibnite, Bournonite, Chalcocite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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