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 — Boscardinite leaves black, Boulangerite leaves brownish-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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.