Fülöppite is a rare sulfosalt mineral recognized for its distinctive metallic luster and often sharp, tabular crystal form. It is most frequently found in hydrothermal vein deposits, particularly famous in the epithermal mines of Romania. Collectors prize well-defined specimens from the Herja mine, which are typically associated with other lead-antimony sulfides.
Is this fülöppite?
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 fülöppite with a known reference. Fülöppite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fülöppite leaves a gray-black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fülöppite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, iron-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular to equant crystals, often striated.
Often confused with
Fülöppite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fülöppite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fülöppite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃Sb₈S₁₅
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 5.26 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray-black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Equant Crystals, Often Striated
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail depending on crystal quality
Where rockhounds find fülöppite
Classic worldwide localities
- Baia Sprie, Romania
- Herja mine, Romania
- Shimen, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where fülöppite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, stibnite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to equant crystals, often striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fülöppite?+
Where is fülöppite found?+
How much is fülöppite worth?+
Is fülöppite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like fülöppite?+
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Find fülöppite on the map
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