Fizélyite is a rare lead-silver sulfosalt typically found as thin, striated prismatic crystals or in massive form. It is most famous for its occurrence in the hydrothermal ore deposits of Romania, where it is often associated with other complex sulfide minerals.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePlagionite Group family

Fizélyite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this fizélyite?

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 fizélyite with a known reference. Fizélyite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fizélyite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fizélyite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, iron-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: striated prismatic crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Fizélyite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.

Often found alongside fizélyite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₅Ag₅Sb₁₁S₂₄
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 5.65 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Iron-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Striated Prismatic Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Good On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find fizélyite

Classic worldwide localities

Herja, Romania
Baia Mare, Romania
Broken Hill, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where fizélyite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a striated prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fizélyite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, iron-black.

Where is fizélyite found?+

Notable localities include Herja, Romania; Baia Mare, Romania; Broken Hill, Australia.

How much is fizélyite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is fizélyite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid dust inhalation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like fizélyite?+

Fizélyite is most often confused with Plagionite, Jamesonite, Semseyite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with fizélyite?+

Fizélyite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Siderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does fizélyite form in?+

Fizélyite typically forms in hydrothermal sulfide veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fizélyite used for?+

Fizélyite is used in collector.

Find fizélyite on the map

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