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 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: lead gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tin white, white gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular, aggregates, fan shaped.
Often confused with
Eclarite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Eclarite leaves lead gray, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Eclarite leaves lead gray, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Eclarite leaves lead gray, Aikinite leaves grayish black.
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
- (Cu,Fe)Pb₉Bi₁₂S₂₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 6.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- Tin whiteWhite gray
- Streak
- Lead gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, aggregates, fan shaped
- Cleavage
- Good on {010}; poor on {0kl}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In gold-bearing sulfide ores of copper located in quartz veins cutting amphibolite facies metamorphosed mafic rocks (Bärenbad, Austria)
Where rockhounds find eclarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Gordon Camp and the Abril mine, Middle Pass district, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA
- Bärenbad, west of Hollersbachtal, Salzburg, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In gold-bearing sulfide ores of copper located in quartz veins cutting amphibolite facies metamorphosed mafic rocks (Bärenbad, Austria). If you start seeing pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, aggregates, fan shaped. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify eclarite?+
Where is eclarite found?+
Is eclarite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like eclarite?+
What minerals are found with eclarite?+
What kind of rock does eclarite form in?+
What is eclarite used for?+
Find eclarite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
