Deep red pyrargyrite occurs in a number of localities in well-formed but small crystals. However, facetable rough is rare and difficult to cut, which makes these gems prized collector’s items.
Pyrargyrite belongs to the proustite mineral group and forms a series with proustite as the antinomy (Sb) end member. Like proustite, pyrargyrite has been called “ruby silver,” because this silver ore can also show deep red ruby-like color. Most pyrargyrites are opaque with a metallic, dark gray color, but some can show translucency and red color when backlit. Pyrargyrites are seldom transparent, even more rarely than proustites.
With a hardness of only 2.5 and distinct cleavage, rare facetable pyrargyrites are difficult to cut. Furthermore, due to their silver content, these gems are photochromic. They can darken and lose translucency when exposed to light. Thus, they make less than ideal choices for jewelry stones.
Despite appearances, pyrargyrites and rubies have very different optical and physical properties. Gemologists can easily distinguish these distinct species. Note that some vendor descriptions of pyrargyrites may refer to ruby cores or zones, but these terms refer strictly to translucent areas of red color.
On the other hand, pyrargyrites and proustites have many identical or overlapping properties. However, pyrargyrites have a higher specific gravity (SG) and a purplish red streak. Proustites have a bright red streak. Note that streak testing is a destructive test, so don’t conduct it on a finished gem and use it only as a last resort for identification.
Cuprite is another rarely faceted gem with properties and colors similar to pyrargyrite. However, it has a higher SG, a brownish red streak, and, as an isometric gem, no birefringence. (Some cuprites may show birefringence anomalously).
Scientists have synthesized pyrargyrite crystals for a variety of projects, including optics research. However, there’s no known jewelry use for this lab-created material.
Enhancements
Silver cleaning solution may enhance red coloration.
Sources
Gemmy, transparent, and larger than typical pyrargyrite crystals from Colquechaca, Bolivia and Chañarcillo, Chile have provided a limited amount of cuttable rough.
In the the state of Saxony in Germany,Freiberg, the Harz Mountains, Schlema, and Schneeberg produce fine crystals.
Other notable sources of crystals include the following locations:
United States: California; Colorado; Idaho; Nevada.
Mexico: Durango; Guanajuato; Zacatecas.
Ontario, Canada; Czech Republic; Peru; South Africa; Guadalajara, Spain.
A mass of pyrargyrite with thousands of native silver “wires,” mined in Creede, Colorado during the 19th century. Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Heritage Auctions.
Stone Sizes
Faceters have cut pyrargyrites approaching 50 carats. However, gems of such size tend to be too dark to be really attractive.
Store any pyrargyrites away from light sources to prevent loss of color and translucency.
Any pyrargyrite jewelry would need protective settings and be best reserved for occasional evening wear. A copper coin is hard enough to scratch these gems, and household dust, a much more pervasive hazard, has significantly greater hardness than that.
Pyrargyrites contain antimony. Although the health hazards of exposure to this heavy metal may be attributable in part to its frequent association with arsenic and lead, faceters should still take precautions. They should wear protective masks and, ideally, use a glovebox to prevent inhaling or ingesting particles during cutting, polishing, and cleaning. However, wearing or handling finished pyrargyrites should pose no hazards.