Biehlite is an exceptionally rare antimony-molybdenum mineral typically found as delicate, acicular needle-like crystals in oxidized zones of ore deposits. It is primarily known for its association with specific historical mines in Tombstone, Arizona, and is highly sought after by advanced micromount collectors.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Biehlite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this biehlite?

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 biehlite with a known reference. Biehlite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Biehlite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Biehlite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Molybdomenite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Biehlite and pearly on Molybdomenite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Biehlite leaves white, Molybdite leaves yellow; luster reads adamantine on Biehlite and silky on Molybdite.

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Often found alongside biehlite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (SbO)₂(MoO₄)
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 5.73 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-silver Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 for small thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find biehlite

Classic worldwide localities

Grand Central mine, Tombstone, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-silver deposits country — that is the host setting where biehlite typically forms. If you start seeing molybdenite, quartz, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify biehlite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is biehlite found?+

Notable localities include Grand Central mine, Tombstone, Arizona, USA.

How much is biehlite worth?+

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

Is biehlite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like biehlite?+

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

What minerals are found with biehlite?+

Biehlite commonly co-occurs with Molybdenite, Quartz, Anglesite, Cerussite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does biehlite form in?+

Biehlite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal lead-silver deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is biehlite used for?+

Biehlite is used in collector.

Find biehlite on the map

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