Boscardinite is a rare lead-antimony sulfosalt mineral primarily identified from the Apuan Alps of Italy. It typically occurs as small, black metallic tabular crystals often found associated with other lead-bearing sulfides in metamorphic hydrothermal environments.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfosalt family

Boscardinite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this boscardinite?

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 boscardinite with a known reference. Boscardinite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Boscardinite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Boscardinite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Boulangerite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Boscardinite leaves black, Boulangerite leaves brownish-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Boscardinite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.

Often found alongside boscardinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄(Fe,Mn,Mg)Sb₄S₁₂
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find boscardinite

Classic worldwide localities

Apuan Alps, Italy

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify boscardinite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark gray.

Where is boscardinite found?+

Notable localities include Apuan Alps, Italy.

How much is boscardinite 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 boscardinite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like boscardinite?+

Boscardinite is most often confused with Boulangerite, Jamesonite, Plagionite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with boscardinite?+

Boscardinite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Siderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does boscardinite form in?+

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

What is boscardinite used for?+

Boscardinite is used in collector.

Find boscardinite on the map

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