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, so Balićžunićite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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