Benavidesite is a rare sulfosalt mineral found primarily in lead-zinc deposits. Collectors should look for its distinctive lead-gray, fibrous or needle-like crystal habits which closely resemble jamesonite.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareJamesonite Group family

Benavidesite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this benavidesite?

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 benavidesite with a known reference. Benavidesite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Benavidesite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Benavidesite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Jamesonite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Benavidesite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Benavidesite leaves black, Boulangerite leaves brownish-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Benavidesite leaves black, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside benavidesite

Minerals reported to co-occur with benavidesite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄(Sb,Fe)₆S₁₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular or Fibrous Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find benavidesite

Classic worldwide localities

San Genaro mine, Castrovirreyna, Peru

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify benavidesite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, black.

Where is benavidesite found?+

Notable localities include San Genaro mine, Castrovirreyna, Peru.

How much is benavidesite 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 benavidesite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like benavidesite?+

Benavidesite is most often confused with Jamesonite, Boulangerite, Stibnite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with benavidesite?+

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

What kind of rock does benavidesite form in?+

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

What is benavidesite used for?+

Benavidesite is used in collector.

Find benavidesite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.