Emilite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfosalt mineral primarily found in hydrothermal vein deposits. It is typically recognized by its metallic tin-white appearance and is most often identified through geochemical analysis due to its visual similarity to other lead-bismuth sulfosalts.
Is this emilite?
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 emilite with a known reference. Emilite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: grayish black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tin white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, granular.
Often confused with
Emilite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Emilite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5-2.75); streak differs, so Emilite leaves grayish black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Emilite leaves grayish black, Cosalite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Emilite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Emilite leaves grayish black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside emilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with emilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₁₀.₇Pb₁₀.₇Bi₂₁.₃S₄₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 7.025 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Grayish black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, granular
- Cleavage
- Imperfect on {0kl}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In quartz veins cutting a metamorphosed scheelite deposit
Where rockhounds find emilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Felbertal deposit, 10 km south of Mittersill, Salzburg Province, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In quartz veins cutting a metamorphosed scheelite deposit. If you start seeing ag-bearing lillianite, makovickyite, pavonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify emilite?+
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Find emilite on the map
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