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.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Balićžunićite

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

No image

Is this balićžunićite?

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 balićžunićite with a known reference. Balićžunićite 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. Balićžunićite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Balićžunićite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Bismuthinite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Balićžunićite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Balićžunićite leaves black, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.

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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: Bi₈Te₃S₄
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find balićžunićite

Classic worldwide localities

Deep-pi mine, Dalnegorsk, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify balićžunićite?+

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

Where is balićžunićite found?+

Notable localities include Deep-pi mine, Dalnegorsk, Russia.

How much is balićžunićite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is balićžunićite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains bismuth and tellurium; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like balićžunićite?+

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

What minerals are found with balićžunićite?+

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

What kind of rock does balićžunićite form in?+

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

What is balićžunićite used for?+

Balićžunićite is used in collector.

Find balićžunićite on the map

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