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 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Galenobismutite leaves a grayish-black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Galenobismutite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, tin-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular, prismatic, or massive.
Often confused with
Galenobismutite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Galenobismutite leaves grayish-black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Galenobismutite leaves grayish-black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Galenobismutite leaves grayish-black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
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
- Density
- 7.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grayish-black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, Prismatic, Or Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find galenobismutite
Classic worldwide localities
- Falun, Sweden
- Gladhammar, Sweden
- Berezovsk, Russia
- Moctezuma, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where galenobismutite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular, prismatic, or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify galenobismutite?+
Where is galenobismutite found?+
How much is galenobismutite worth?+
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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