Benleonardite is a rare silver sulfotelluride typically found as thin, dark blue-to-black coatings on other minerals in hydrothermal deposits. It is best identified through laboratory analysis of its metallic, opaque character and specific paragenesis in rare tellurium-rich ore bodies.

Hardness

1.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Benleonardite

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

Is this benleonardite?

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 benleonardite with a known reference. Benleonardite sits at Mohs 1.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Benleonardite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Benleonardite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark blue, black, blue-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Tetrahedrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-4 vs. 1.5).

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Often found alongside benleonardite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₈(Sb,As)Te₂S₃
Mohs hardness: 1.5
Density: 8.09 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Blue Black Blue-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Aggregates, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find benleonardite

Classic worldwide localities

Bambolla mine, Mexico
Moctezuma, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where benleonardite typically forms. If you start seeing bambollaite, diaoyudaoite, tellurium in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify benleonardite?+

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

Where is benleonardite found?+

Notable localities include Bambolla mine, Mexico; Moctezuma, Mexico.

How much is benleonardite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is benleonardite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver, antimony, and tellurium; handle with care, do not inhale dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like benleonardite?+

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

What minerals are found with benleonardite?+

Benleonardite commonly co-occurs with Bambollaite, Diaoyudaoite, Tellurium. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does benleonardite form in?+

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

What is benleonardite used for?+

Benleonardite is used in collector.

Find benleonardite on the map

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