Dekatriasartorite is a very rare sulfosalt mineral found almost exclusively in the famous Lengenbach Quarry in Switzerland. It occurs as small, lead-gray, striated prismatic crystals and is prized by advanced collectors for its complex crystal structure and rarity within the sartorite homologous series.
Is this dekatriasartorite?
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 dekatriasartorite with a known reference. Dekatriasartorite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dekatriasartorite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dekatriasartorite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, striated crystals.
Often confused with
Dekatriasartorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside dekatriasartorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with dekatriasartorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₁₃As₁₆S₄₀
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 5.45 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, Striated Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Dolomitic Marble
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find dekatriasartorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in dolomitic marble country — that is the host setting where dekatriasartorite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, realgar, orpiment in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, striated crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify dekatriasartorite?+
Where is dekatriasartorite found?+
How much is dekatriasartorite worth?+
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What rocks look like dekatriasartorite?+
What minerals are found with dekatriasartorite?+
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Find dekatriasartorite on the map
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