Demicheleite-(Br) is an extremely rare bismuth sulfobromide found primarily in volcanic fumaroles. It typically appears as distinct, bright orange-red tabular crystals often associated with volcanic sulfur deposits.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow-orange

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareDemicheleite Group family

Demicheleite-(Br)

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow-orange
Transparency: Transparent

Is this demicheleite-(br)?

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 demicheleite-(br) with a known reference. Demicheleite-(Br) sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Demicheleite-(Br) leaves a yellow-orange streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Demicheleite-(Br) typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, red-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Demicheleite-(Br) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Demicheleite-(Cl)

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Demicheleite-(Br) leaves yellow-orange, Demicheleite-(Cl) leaves pale yellow.

How to tell apart: Bismutite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Demicheleite-(Br) leaves yellow-orange, Bismutite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Demicheleite-(Br) and pearly on Bismutite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Demicheleite-(Br) leaves yellow-orange, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray; luster reads adamantine on Demicheleite-(Br) and metallic on Bismuthinite.

Compare →

Often found alongside demicheleite-(br)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BiSBr
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Red-orange
Streak: Yellow-orange
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $200-1000+ for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find demicheleite-(br)

Classic worldwide localities

La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where demicheleite-(br) typically forms. If you start seeing sulfur, realgar, bismuthinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify demicheleite-(br)?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow-orange. Common colors include orange, red-orange.

Where is demicheleite-(br) found?+

Notable localities include La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Italy.

How much is demicheleite-(br) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+ for micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is demicheleite-(br) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains bismuth, sulfur, and bromine. Handle with care, avoid inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like demicheleite-(br)?+

Demicheleite-(Br) is most often confused with Demicheleite-(Cl), Bismutite, Bismuthinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with demicheleite-(br)?+

Demicheleite-(Br) commonly co-occurs with Sulfur, Realgar, Bismuthinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does demicheleite-(br) form in?+

Demicheleite-(Br) typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is demicheleite-(br) used for?+

Demicheleite-(Br) is used in collector.

Find demicheleite-(br) on the map

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