Balićžunićite is a rare sulfosalt mineral primarily found in hydrothermal veins. It typically forms thin, metallic platy crystals that are highly characteristic of bismuth-tellurium-sulfur systems.
Is this balićžunićite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch balićžunićite with a known reference. Balićžunićite sits at Mohs 1.5-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Balićžunićite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Balićžunićite leaves white, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray; luster reads vitreous on Balićžunićite and metallic on Bismuthinite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Balićžunićite leaves white, Tetradymite leaves pale steel-gray; luster reads vitreous on Balićžunićite and metallic, splendent on fresh surfaces on Tetradymite.
Often found alongside balićžunićite
Minerals reported to co-occur with balićžunićite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi₂O(SO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 5.911 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A high-temperature (600 °C) sublimate at an active volcanic fumarole
Where rockhounds find balićžunićite
Classic worldwide localities
- La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A high-temperature (600 °C) sublimate at an active volcanic fumarole. If you start seeing anglesite, leguernite, lillianite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify balićžunićite?+
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Find balićžunićite on the map
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