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 — Cannizzarite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cannizzarite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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