Britvinite is a rare lead-magnesium silicate mineral typically found as small, thin platy crystals in hydrothermal environments. It is primarily known from the Korchinskoye deposit in Russia, where it occurs alongside lead sulfides and carbonates.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Britvinite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this britvinite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Clinochlore

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Britvinite and pearly on Clinochlore.

Compare →

Often found alongside britvinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄Mg(Si₂O₇)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.1 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find britvinite

Classic worldwide localities

Korchinskoye Pb-Zn deposit, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where britvinite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify britvinite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is britvinite found?+

Notable localities include Korchinskoye Pb-Zn deposit, Russia.

How much is britvinite 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 britvinite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like britvinite?+

Britvinite is most often confused with Clinochlore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with britvinite?+

Britvinite commonly co-occurs with galena, cerussite, diopside, calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does britvinite form in?+

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

What is britvinite used for?+

Britvinite is used in collector.

Find britvinite on the map

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