Ángelaite is a rare copper-lead-bismuth sulfide mineral first identified in the silver-rich hydrothermal veins of the Jáchymov district. It typically occurs as small inclusions or grains within complex sulfide assemblages and is primarily of interest to advanced mineralogists and systematic collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarenull family

Ángelaite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this ángelaite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Aikinite

Mohs 2-2.5

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

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

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Often found alongside ángelaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄PbBiS₅
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.12 g/cm³
Colors: Black Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
Typical price: $100-500+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find ángelaite

Classic worldwide localities

Jáchymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where ángelaite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ángelaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, lead-gray.

Where is ángelaite found?+

Notable localities include Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

How much is ángelaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ángelaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and arsenic-associated elements; 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 ángelaite?+

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

What minerals are found with ángelaite?+

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

What kind of rock does ángelaite form in?+

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

What is ángelaite used for?+

Ángelaite is used in collector.

Find ángelaite on the map

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