Abramovite is a rare indium-lead sulfosalt discovered in the fumaroles of the Kudryavy volcano. It typically occurs as minute, gray metallic grains or platy crystals and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfide/Sulfosalt family

Abramovite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this abramovite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch abramovite with a known reference. Abramovite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Abramovite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Abramovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, tin-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy aggregates, microscopic grains.

Often confused with

Abramovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Abramovite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

Often found alongside abramovite

Minerals reported to co-occur with abramovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂SnIn₂S₇
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 7.52 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Tin-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Aggregates, Microscopic Grains
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $200-1000+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find abramovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kudryavy volcano, Iturup Island, Kuril Islands, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where abramovite typically forms. If you start seeing greenockite, wurtzite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy aggregates, microscopic grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify abramovite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, tin-white.

Where is abramovite found?+

Notable localities include Kudryavy volcano, Iturup Island, Kuril Islands, Russia.

How much is abramovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is abramovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and indium, handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest or inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like abramovite?+

Abramovite is most often confused with Galena, Franckeite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with abramovite?+

Abramovite commonly co-occurs with Greenockite, Wurtzite, Galena, In-bearing sulfides. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does abramovite form in?+

Abramovite typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is abramovite used for?+

Abramovite is used in collector.

Find abramovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.