Emilite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfosalt mineral primarily found in hydrothermal vein deposits. It is typically recognized by its metallic dark grey 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 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Emilite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Emilite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark gray.
- 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: Streak differs — Emilite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Emilite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Emilite leaves 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
- Pb₉Bi₈S₂₁
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find emilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where emilite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find emilite on the map
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