Chlorargyrite is the mineral form of
silver chloride (AgCl). Chlorargyrite occurs as a secondary mineral phase in the
oxidation of silver mineral deposits. It crystallizes in the
isometric - hexoctahedral crystal class. Typically massive to columnar in occurrence it also has been found as colorless to variably yellow cubic crystals. The color changes to brown or purple on exposure to light. It is quite soft with a
Mohs hardness of 1 to 2 and dense with a
specific gravity of 5.55. It is also known as
cerargyrite and, when weathered by desert air, as
horn silver. Bromian chlorargyrite (or embolite) is also common. Chlorargyrite is water-insoluble.