Question

Formula for argentite, horn silver and pyrargyrite are respectively,
(A) $\text{A}{{\text{g}}_{2}}\text{S}$, $\text{AgCl}$ and $\text{AgSb}{{\text{S}}_{\text{3}}}$
(B) $\text{AgCl}$, $\text{AgSb}{{\text{S}}_{\text{3}}}$ and $\text{A}{{\text{g}}_{2}}\text{S}$
(C) $\text{AgSb}{{\text{S}}_{\text{3}}}$, $\text{A}{{\text{g}}_{2}}\text{S}$ and $\text{AgCl}$
(D) $\text{AgCl}$, $\text{A}{{\text{g}}_{2}}\text{S}$ and $\text{AgSb}{{\text{S}}_{\text{3}}}$

Answer 1

Hint: The above set of compounds are of the element silver. The difference between the three compounds is of the atoms present along with silver. Argentite is the common name for silver sulfide or argentum sulfide. Similarly, horn silver is a common name for silver chloride or argentum chloride.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Argentite, horn silver and pyrargyrite are important ores for the extraction of silver.
Argentite in mineralogy, is cubic silver sulphide. It exists as a stable compound at temperatures greater than 179$^{0}\text{C}$. However, upon cooling, argentite is converted or turns into its monoclinic form. This form is called acanthite. Argentite belongs to the group of galena.
The formula for argentite is $A{{g}_{s}}S$.
Horn silver or chlorargyrite is a mineral of silver chloride that is mainly polished by desert wind and dust. The appearance of the mineral is similar to that of a cow horn, hence the name "horn silver". Chlorargyrite crystallises in the isothermic-hexoctahedral crystal class. It is water insoluble in nature.
The formula for horn silver is $AgCl$.
Pyrargyrite is a sulfosalt mineral consisting of mainly silver sulfantimonite. It is known as dark red silver or ruby silver due to its appearance. It is an important source of silver metal. The ore is isomorphous or allied to the corresponding sulfarsenide known as prostitute. It is also called light red silver ore.
The formula for horn silver is $\text{AgSb}{{\text{S}}_{\text{3}}}$.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: The ore argentite has been rejected as a proper mineral by the International Mineralogical Association.