Galenobismutite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfide that typically forms as acicular or prismatic crystals in hydrothermal deposits. Collectors look for its metallic, lead-gray to tin-white luster, often found alongside other bismuth-bearing minerals in complex ore veins.
Is this galenobismutite?
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 galenobismutite with a known reference. Galenobismutite sits at Mohs 2.5-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead gray, gray, light gray, tin white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: columnar, massive, radial.
Often confused with
Galenobismutite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Galenobismutite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Galenobismutite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Galenobismutite leaves black, Aikinite leaves grayish black.
Often found alongside galenobismutite
Minerals reported to co-occur with galenobismutite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbBi₂S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3.5
- Density
- 7.04 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Columnar, massive, radial
- Cleavage
- Good on {110}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Of hydrothermal origin
Where rockhounds find galenobismutite
Classic worldwide localities
- Belzazzar mine, Quartzburg district, Boise Co., Idaho, USA
- Hatfield mine, Okanogan Co., and the Germania mine, Fruitland, Stevens Co., Washington, USA
- Ko mine, Nordmark, Värmland (type locality), Sweden
- Gladhammar and Falun, Kopparberg, Sweden
- Oberpinzgau, Salzburg, Austria
- Pechtelsgrön, Saxony, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Of hydrothermal origin. If you start seeing galena, bismuth, cosalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: columnar, massive, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify galenobismutite?+
Where is galenobismutite found?+
Is galenobismutite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like galenobismutite?+
What minerals are found with galenobismutite?+
What kind of rock does galenobismutite form in?+
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Find galenobismutite on the map
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