Enneasartorite is an extremely rare lead-arsenic sulfosalt primarily found in the famous Binn Valley deposits. It typically forms as delicate, metallic, striated prismatic crystals and is visually indistinguishable from its related sulfosalt group members without chemical analysis.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSartorite Group family

Enneasartorite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this enneasartorite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch enneasartorite with a known reference. Enneasartorite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Enneasartorite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Enneasartorite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: striated prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Enneasartorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Sartorite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Enneasartorite leaves black, Sartorite leaves chocolate-brown.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Enneasartorite leaves black, Dufrénoysite leaves reddish-brown.

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Often found alongside enneasartorite

Minerals reported to co-occur with enneasartorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₁₈As₂₆S₅₈
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 5.32 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Striated Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Dolomitic Marble
Typical price: $50-500+ depending on crystal quality and size

Where rockhounds find enneasartorite

Classic worldwide localities

Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in dolomitic marble country — that is the host setting where enneasartorite typically forms. If you start seeing sartorite, realgar, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a striated prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify enneasartorite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray.

Where is enneasartorite found?+

Notable localities include Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland.

How much is enneasartorite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500+ depending on crystal quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is enneasartorite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and lead; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like enneasartorite?+

Enneasartorite is most often confused with Sartorite, Liveingite, Dufrénoysite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with enneasartorite?+

Enneasartorite commonly co-occurs with Sartorite, Realgar, Pyrite, Galena, Binnite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does enneasartorite form in?+

Enneasartorite typically forms in dolomitic marble. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is enneasartorite used for?+

Enneasartorite is used in collector.

Find enneasartorite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.