Emplectite is a rare copper bismuth sulfide that typically occurs as slender, needle-like or bladed crystals. Collectors prize its distinct metallic luster and striated habits, often found within complex hydrothermal vein deposits alongside other bismuth-bearing minerals.
Is this emplectite?
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 emplectite with a known reference. Emplectite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Emplectite leaves a lead-gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Emplectite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, tin-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or striated prismatic crystals, often in radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Emplectite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Emplectite leaves lead-gray, Wittichenite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Tetrahedrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Emplectite leaves lead-gray, Tetrahedrite leaves black.
Often found alongside emplectite
Minerals reported to co-occur with emplectite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuBiS₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 6.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Lead-gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Striated Prismatic Crystals, Often in Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail to miniature
Where rockhounds find emplectite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bannockburn, Scotland
- Johanngeorgenstadt, Germany
- Oravita, Romania
- Mina Capillitas, Argentina
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where emplectite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuthinite, chalcopyrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or striated prismatic crystals, often in radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find emplectite on the map
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