Baumhauerite II is a rare sulfosalt mineral that is a structural polytype of the more common Baumhauerite. It is primarily found in the classic Lengenbach locality in Switzerland, occurring as small, lead-gray tabular crystals within dolomitic marble. Collectors value it for its complexity and rarity in the sulfosalt group.
Is this baumhauerite ii?
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 baumhauerite ii with a known reference. Baumhauerite II sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Baumhauerite II leaves a reddish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Baumhauerite II typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, iron-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, striated.
Often confused with
Baumhauerite II vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Baumhauerite II leaves reddish-brown, Baumhauerite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Baumhauerite II leaves reddish-brown, Sartorite leaves chocolate-brown.
Often found alongside baumhauerite ii
Minerals reported to co-occur with baumhauerite ii. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃As₂S₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 5.36 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Reddish-brown
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Striated
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Dolomite Marble
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find baumhauerite ii
Classic worldwide localities
- Lengenbach Quarry, Binntal, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in dolomite marble country, the host setting where baumhauerite ii typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find baumhauerite ii on the map
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