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, 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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