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, so Betekhtinite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Betekhtinite leaves black, Chalcocite leaves lead-gray to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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