Paarite
Paarite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfosalt class, with the chemical formula Cu₁.₇Pb₁.₇Bi₆.₃S₁₂.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pmcn). It is a member of the Meneghinite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.3–3.6; specific gravity 6.948; Grayish black streak; Metallic luster.
IMA symbol Paa, IMA status: approved, named in 2001.
Found in quartz veins cutting a metamorphosed (upper greenschist to lower amphibolite facies) scheelite deposit.
It is found associated with Gladite-krupkaite, the gustavite-lillianite solid solution, pavonite, makovickyite, cosalite, cannizzarite, tetradymite, native Bi, chalcopyrite, pyrite.
The mineral was named to honor Werner Hermann Paar (b. 1942), Professor of Mineralogy, University of Salzburg, for his contributions to ore mineralogy.