Bohdanowiczite is a rare silver bismuth selenide typically found as microscopic grains or massive aggregates in hydrothermal ore deposits. It is challenging to identify in the field due to its small size and close visual similarity to other metallic gray sulfides and selenides, often requiring professional analysis for confirmation.
Is this bohdanowiczite?
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 bohdanowiczite with a known reference. Bohdanowiczite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bohdanowiczite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bohdanowiczite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, grayish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, granular, or as microscopic inclusions in other minerals.
Often confused with
Bohdanowiczite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bohdanowiczite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bohdanowiczite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- AgBiSe₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 8.04 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or as Microscopic Inclusions in Other Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Vein Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find bohdanowiczite
Classic worldwide localities
- Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
- Tasna Mine, Bolivia
- Srednogorie, Bulgaria
- Guanajuato, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal vein deposits country — that is the host setting where bohdanowiczite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, clausthalite, berzelianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or as microscopic inclusions in other minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bohdanowiczite?+
Where is bohdanowiczite found?+
How much is bohdanowiczite worth?+
Is bohdanowiczite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like bohdanowiczite?+
What minerals are found with bohdanowiczite?+
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Find bohdanowiczite on the map
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