Guide
Proustite specimens for sale
71 for sale · $90–$25,000 USD
197 in the gallery
Proustite is a sulfosalt mineral with the formula Ag3AsS3. It forms dull to bright red to scarlet crystals that typically occur as prismatic, tabular, or acicular aggregates with a metallic to sub-metallic luster. The color is a defining feature, ranging from deep crimson to ruby red, often distinguishing it from related arsenic sulfides. Crystals can be slender and well-formed, sometimes showing opaque to translucent faces that catch the light in mineral luster.
- Formula
- Ag3AsS3
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Unstable
- Collector interest
- Very High Interest
- Classification notes
- Sulfosalts; Sulfosalts group, Strunz 2.EA
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- trigonal
- Mohs hardness
- 2–2.5
- Specific gravity
- 5.57–5.64
- Luster
- adamantine, submetallic
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent, opaque
- Color
- red, gray, black
- Streak
- red
- Cleavage
- distinct
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, rhombohedral, scalenohedral, granular, massive
- Gem mineral
- Light-sensitive
- Classic / historic
Buy Proustite specimens
View all 71Where Proustite is found
Top localities
- Imiter mine31 specimens
- Chañarcillo Mining District22 specimens
- Niederschlema11 specimens
- Schneeberg10 specimens
- Freiberg7 specimens
- St Andreasberg6 specimens
- Keeley-Frontier Mine4 specimens
- Uchucchacua Mine4 specimens
- Marienberg mining district3 specimens
- Schneeberg mining district3 specimens
Guides
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About Proustite
Prominent specimens have been recovered from German, Moroccan, Chilean, Czech, and Mexican localities, among others. Classic localities produce sharp, well-centered crystals embedded in matrix or as loose aggregates, making Proustite a favorite for thumbnail and miniature displays. Collectors value the species for its vibrant color, crystal habit, and the historical associations tied to classic sulfide mineral deposits. While relatively delicate compared to tougher sulfides, pristine proustite crystals that retain their color and form are highly sought after by mineral enthusiasts.
