Aikinite is a distinctive lead-copper-bismuth sulfide that typically forms slender, acicular crystals or elongated prisms with characteristic longitudinal striations. It is highly sought after by collectors for its sharp crystal habits and is most famously associated with the gold mines of the Berezovskoe district in Russia.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Lead-gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineraluncommon

Aikinite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Lead-gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this aikinite?

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 aikinite with a known reference. Aikinite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aikinite leaves a lead-gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Aikinite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, blackish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, striated prisms, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Wittichenite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Aikinite leaves lead-gray, Wittichenite leaves black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Aikinite leaves lead-gray, Bournonite leaves steel-gray.

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Often found alongside aikinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCuBiS₃
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 6.7-6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Blackish
Streak: Lead-gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Striated Prisms, Massive
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Rare Metal Ore
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $20-200 thumbnail, $300+ larger cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find aikinite

Classic worldwide localities

Berezovskoe, Ural Mountains, Russia
Glendinning, Scotland
Binnental, Switzerland
Leadville, Colorado, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where aikinite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, pyrite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, striated prisms, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify aikinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is lead-gray. Common colors include lead-gray, blackish.

Where is aikinite found?+

Notable localities include Berezovskoe, Ural Mountains, Russia; Glendinning, Scotland; Binnental, Switzerland; Leadville, Colorado, USA.

How much is aikinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 thumbnail, $300+ larger cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is aikinite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and bismuth, which are heavy metals. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust from specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like aikinite?+

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

What minerals are found with aikinite?+

Aikinite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does aikinite form in?+

Aikinite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is aikinite used for?+

Aikinite is used in collector, rare metal ore.

Find aikinite on the map

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