Betekhtinite is a rare lead-copper sulfide mineral that typically forms as hair-like acicular crystals or fibrous masses within ore deposits. It is most frequently found in sulfide-rich hydrothermal systems and is highly prized by collectors for its metallic luster and distinctive needle-like habit.
Is this betekhtinite?
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 betekhtinite with a known reference. Betekhtinite 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. Betekhtinite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Betekhtinite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, lead-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular needles, fibrous, massive.
Often confused with
Betekhtinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Betekhtinite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Betekhtinite leaves black, Chalcocite leaves lead-gray to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Betekhtinite leaves black, Djurleite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside betekhtinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with betekhtinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂(Cu,Fe)₂₁S₁₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.8-6.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Needles, Fibrous, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Sedimentary Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find betekhtinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Ibex Mine, USA
- Mansfeld, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in sedimentary deposits country — that is the host setting where betekhtinite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcocite, bornite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular needles, fibrous, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find betekhtinite on the map
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