Definition

1. Noun:
   • A valuable silver ore: "argentite" is a mineral, the principal ore of silver, composed primarily of silver sulfide (Ag₂S). It is an important source for silver extraction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Miners discovered a rich vein of argentite in the mountain.
  • The chemical formula for argentite is Ag₂S.
  • Argentite is often found in association with other sulfide minerals.

Advanced Usage

• In mineralogy: The term is used specifically to describe the high-temperature, isometric (cubic) crystal form of silver sulfide. Upon cooling below 173°C, it inverts to a different, orthorhombic form called acanthite, though the name "argentite" is still commonly used in a general sense for the ore.

Variants and Related Words

• Acanthite (n): The low-temperature, stable polymorph of silver sulfide (Ag₂S). It is the form typically found at room temperature.
  • Under the microscope, the acanthite showed a distinct crystal structure.
• Silver sulfide (n): The chemical compound (Ag₂S) that constitutes both argentite and acanthite.
  • The tarnish on silver is often silver sulfide.

Synonyms

• Silver glance: An older, less common synonym for argentite.

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Ore (n): A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted.
  • The smelter processes tons of ore every day.
• Sulfide (n): A mineral compound characterized by the presence of sulfur.
  • Pyrite is a common iron sulfide mineral.

Noun

1. a valuable silver ore consisting of silver sulfide (Ag2S)