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 — Baumhauerite II leaves reddish-brown, Baumhauerite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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