Pyrargyrite, a sulfosalt mineral consisting of silver sulfantimonite, is an important source of silver. Also known as dark red silver ore, ruby blende, or ruby silver, it is closely allied to and isomorphous with proustite, the corresponding sulfarsenide. Pyrargyrite typically appears greyish-black with a metallic-adamantine luster; while large crystals are opaque, small ones and thin splinters exhibit a deep ruby-red colour by transmitted light. The name, derived from the Greek words "pyr" and "argyros" (meaning "fire-silver"), reflects its colour and silver content, a term coined by E. F. Glocker in 1831. The Keno Hill Silver District in Canada’s Yukon Territory is a large, high-grade silver property and, according to their website, has the potential to become the largest Canadian silver producer.
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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964 and the Mineralogical Society of America for over 30 years. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal by the Mineralogical Association of Canada.
Peter's dedication to systematic collecting, curating his collection, and maintaining an archive of detailed historical and scientific information has greatly benefited the mineral sciences community both in Canada and globally. All specimens from this collection come with the original P. Tarassoff collection label.
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