Bismutohauchecornite is a rare member of the hauchecornite group, typically occurring as small, metallic inclusions within other sulfide minerals. Collectors usually find it in hydrothermal vein deposits associated with nickel-cobalt-bismuth mineralization, often requiring microscopic examination for positive identification.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareHauchecornite Group family

Bismutohauchecornite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this bismutohauchecornite?

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 bismutohauchecornite with a known reference. Bismutohauchecornite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bismutohauchecornite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bismutohauchecornite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bismutohauchecornite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ni₉Bi₂S₈
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 7.3 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Pale Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find bismutohauchecornite

Classic worldwide localities

Gedrite mine, Norway
Salsigne mine, France
Cobalt, Ontario, Canada
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where bismutohauchecornite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bismutohauchecornite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silver-white, pale yellow.

Where is bismutohauchecornite found?+

Notable localities include Gedrite mine, Norway; Salsigne mine, France; Cobalt, Ontario, Canada; Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

How much is bismutohauchecornite 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 bismutohauchecornite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains bismuth, nickel, and sulfur; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust while preparing specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like bismutohauchecornite?+

Bismutohauchecornite is most often confused with Hauchecornite, Arsenohauchecornite, Tellurohauchecornite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bismutohauchecornite?+

Bismutohauchecornite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Gersdorffite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bismutohauchecornite form in?+

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

What is bismutohauchecornite used for?+

Bismutohauchecornite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find bismutohauchecornite on the map

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