Apuanite is a rare antimony-iron sulfide-oxide mineral discovered in the mining districts of the Apuan Alps. It is typically found as small, black, metallic tabular crystals occurring alongside other rare antimony species like versiliaite.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Apuanite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this apuanite?

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 apuanite with a known reference. Apuanite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Apuanite leaves black, Derbylite leaves brownish black; luster reads metallic on Apuanite and resinous to metallic on Derbylite.

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Often found alongside apuanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: FeFe₄Sb₄O₁₂S
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 5.33 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: Perfect on {110}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In an iron deposit in barite formed by low-grade metasomatic processes at the contact between phyllites and dolostones

Where rockhounds find apuanite

Classic worldwide localities

Buca della Vena mine, northeast of Stazzema, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In an iron deposit in barite formed by low-grade metasomatic processes at the contact between phyllites and dolostones. If you start seeing versiliaite, barite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify apuanite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is apuanite found?+

Notable localities include Buca della Vena mine, northeast of Stazzema, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy.

Is apuanite safe to handle?+

Apuanite contains antimony. Contains antimony, a toxic heavy metal. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust.

What rocks look like apuanite?+

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

What minerals are found with apuanite?+

Apuanite commonly co-occurs with Versiliaite, Barite, Magnetite, Hematite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does apuanite form in?+

Where it forms: In an iron deposit in barite formed by low-grade metasomatic processes at the contact between phyllites and dolostones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is apuanite used for?+

Apuanite is used in collector.

Find apuanite on the map

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