Cannizzarite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfosalt typically found as thin, platy metallic crystals within volcanic fumarole deposits. It is best identified by its distinct lead-gray color and association with other rare sulfosalts in low-temperature volcanic environments.
Is this cannizzarite?
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 cannizzarite with a known reference. Cannizzarite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cannizzarite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cannizzarite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy or lamellar masses.
Often confused with
Cannizzarite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cannizzarite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cannizzarite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cannizzarite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.
Often found alongside cannizzarite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cannizzarite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₄₆Bi₅₄S₁₂₇
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 6.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy or Lamellar Masses
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarolic Deposits, Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on quality
Where rockhounds find cannizzarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy
- La Fossa crater, Vulcano
- Various hydrothermal base-metal veins
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarolic deposits, hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where cannizzarite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, sulfur in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or lamellar masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find cannizzarite on the map
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