Eclarite is an extremely rare lead-copper-bismuth sulfosalt that typically occurs in lead-rich hydrothermal veins. It is most frequently found as small, lead-gray prismatic crystals within the famous dolomitic rocks of the Binnental region.
Is this eclarite?
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 eclarite with a known reference. Eclarite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eclarite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Eclarite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, iron-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, elongated grains.
Often confused with
Eclarite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Eclarite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Eclarite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Eclarite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Eclarite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Eclarite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs — Eclarite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside eclarite
Minerals reported to co-occur with eclarite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₉Cu₃Bi₁₂S₂₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, Elongated Grains
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Dolomite Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per small specimen
Where rockhounds find eclarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Binnental, Valais, Switzerland
- Gladhammar, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal dolomite veins country — that is the host setting where eclarite typically forms. If you start seeing dolomite, pyrite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, elongated grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify eclarite?+
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How much is eclarite worth?+
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What rocks look like eclarite?+
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Find eclarite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
