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Sinnerite
1 in the gallery
Sinnerite is a sulfosalt mineral with the chemical formula Cu6As4S9. It forms metallic, opaque crystals with a gray to dark gray color and a lustrous surface. The mineral typically exhibits a triclinic crystal system, with indistinct cleavage and an uneven fracture, contributing to its rugged appearance in hand sample. Specimens often display a subhedral to anhedral habit and can form aggregates or compact masses that accentuate its metallic sheen.
- Formula
- Cu6As4S9
- Classification notes
- Sulfides - Sulfosalts
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- triclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Specific gravity
- 5.2
- Luster
- metallic
- Transparency
- opaque
- Color
- gray
- Streak
- gray, black
- Cleavage
- indistinct
- Fracture
- uneven
About Sinnerite
Notable sources for sinnerite tend to be classic sulfide-rich deposits where copper and arsenic sulfide assemblages predominate. Collectors seek well-formed crystals or rich masses that reveal the mineral’s characteristic metallic luster and gray to black streak. The presence of copper sulfide associations can add contextual interest, while the mineral’s relatively robust Mohs hardness of 5 helps preserve sharp crystal faces in quality pieces. Overall, sinnerite appeals to collectors who appreciate sulfide-sulfosalt minerals with bold metallic appearance and a distinctive crystal habit.
