Friedrichite is a rare lead-copper-bismuth sulfosalt that often occurs as elongated, hair-like acicular crystals or fine-grained masses. It is primarily found in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits associated with other bismuth minerals and sulfides.
Is this friedrichite?
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 friedrichite with a known reference. Friedrichite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Friedrichite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Friedrichite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, steel-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Friedrichite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Friedrichite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Friedrichite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Friedrichite leaves black, Emplectite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside friedrichite
Minerals reported to co-occur with friedrichite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₅Cu₅Bi₇S₁₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find friedrichite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wolfsberg, Germany
- Baita Bihorului, Romania
- Tasna, Bolivia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where friedrichite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, galena, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find friedrichite on the map
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