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.
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 — that is 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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